Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Famous for its significant Bengal tiger population and the historic Ranthambore Fort, this park offers some of the best tiger sighting opportunities in India. The semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains connect major cities to Sawai Madhopur Junction, the nearest
railway station. From Delhi, the journey is significantly faster, making a weekend trip to spot tigers, leopards, and sloth bears more feasible than ever. The park's main gates are a short 20-30 minute drive from Sawai Madhopur station, with taxis readily available. Besides the fauna, the park's landscape, dotted with ancient ruins and lakes, provides a unique safari backdrop. The best time for a visit is between October and June, with tiger sightings being particularly common from April to June.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
As India's oldest national park, Jim Corbett is a haven for wildlife, including Bengal tigers, elephants, and over 600 species of birds. While the park doesn't have a direct Vande Bharat stop, the Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express makes accessing this Himalayan foothill sanctuary much easier. Passengers can travel to Dehradun and then undertake a scenic four-to-five-hour road journey to the park. Another option is to combine the Vande Bharat trip with a connecting train to Ramnagar, which is the closest railhead to Corbett, located just 12 km away. The period from November to June is ideal for visiting, offering pleasant weather for exploring its diverse landscapes.
Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bandipur is one of South India’s premier wildlife destinations. It's home to a rich biodiversity that includes Asian elephants, tigers, gaurs, and leopards. The Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express provides swift access. Travellers can alight at Mysuru and cover the remaining 80 kilometres to Bandipur by road in about two hours. This comfortable train journey replaces a much longer road trip, allowing more time to enjoy the park's lush forests and guided jeep safaris. The ideal window to visit is from October to May, when the weather is favourable for wildlife spotting.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Often called 'The Jewel of Vidarbha', Tadoba is renowned for its high density of tigers, offering incredible sighting opportunities. The reserve is also home to leopards, sloth bears, and wild dogs. The most convenient way to reach Tadoba using the Vande Bharat network is by taking a train to Nagpur, which is well-connected to major cities. From Nagpur, the reserve is approximately a 140 km or a 3-4 hour drive away. Alternatively, the nearest major railway station is Chandrapur, about 45 km from the park, which is also connected to cities served by the Vande Bharat network. Taxis and local buses are available for the final leg of the journey. The peak season for a visit is from November to June.
Gir National Park, Gujarat
For a truly unique wildlife experience, Gir National Park is the only place in the world to see Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. The park also shelters leopards, marsh crocodiles, and a wide array of bird species. The Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express has made reaching this sanctuary incredibly convenient. After arriving at Veraval, the main safari gate at Sasan Gir is only a 45 km road journey away. This direct rail link streamlines travel, cutting down on time and complexity. The best time to plan a safari and witness the success of India's lion conservation efforts is from December to March.
