Gateway to Ranthambore's Tigers
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is legendary for its tiger sightings amid ancient ruins. Reaching this iconic park has become significantly easier. While several premium trains service the route, the Vande Bharat network adds another layer of convenience.
A key development is the Vande Bharat service connecting Agra, a major tourist hub, with Sawai Madhopur, the railway station for Ranthambore. This train reduces travel time and creates a seamless tourist circuit. The Sawai Madhopur station is located just 10-12 kilometres from the park's main entrance, a short 20-30 minute taxi ride away. This makes a weekend trip from cities like Agra or a combined Golden Triangle and wildlife tour more practical than ever.
The Asiatic Lions of Gir, Gujarat
Gir National Park stands as the sole natural habitat for the majestic Asiatic lion. Thanks to the Vande Bharat Express, accessing this unique sanctuary in Gujarat is now remarkably straightforward. Travellers can board the Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express, which connects the region to major hubs. The key is to deboard at Veraval station. From Veraval, the main safari gate at Sasan Gir is a mere 45 kilometres by road, a journey that can be easily completed with locally available taxis. This direct and speedy rail link has significantly cut down the complexity of planning a trip to see one of India's most celebrated conservation success stories.
Accessing Jim Corbett National Park
As India's oldest national park, Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand is a haven for tigers, elephants, and over 600 species of birds. While the park's primary railway station is Ramnagar, the Vande Bharat network offers a high-speed alternative to a nearby hub. Travellers from Delhi can take the Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express and alight at Haridwar. From Haridwar, Jim Corbett is approximately a four to five-hour drive away. This route allows you to combine a visit to the spiritual city of Haridwar with a thrilling wildlife adventure. For a more direct rail journey, passengers can also take the Vande Bharat to a major junction like Moradabad and then catch a connecting train to Ramnagar.
Bandipur via Karnataka's Cultural Hub
In the south, Bandipur National Park is a critical part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and a prime destination for spotting tigers, elephants, and leopards. The Chennai–Mysuru Vande Bharat Express has made this park highly accessible. Wildlife lovers can travel in comfort to Mysuru, a city rich in its own cultural heritage. From Mysuru, Bandipur National Park is about 80 kilometres away, a pleasant two-hour drive through the scenic Karnataka countryside. This connectivity allows for a diverse itinerary, blending the royal history of Mysuru with the wild allure of Bandipur.
Kaziranga's Rhinos in Assam
Home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching this gem of the Northeast has been simplified by new rail links. The nearest major railway station with broad connectivity is Guwahati. The Vande Bharat network now services this region, connecting Guwahati to other key locations. From Guwahati, Kaziranga's main tourist hub of Kohora is about a four to five-hour drive. This journey by road on NH27 is scenic, passing through the lush landscapes of Assam and making the entire trip part of the experience.
