A New Circuit for Wildlife Tourism
The rapid expansion of the Vande Bharat network is a game-changer for domestic tourism. What once required a flight or a long, tiring road trip can now often be accomplished with a comfortable, high-speed train journey followed by a short road connection.
This has brought several premier national parks within easy reach for weekend getaways or longer holidays. These trains connect major cities to nearby railway stations, from where taxis and buses can take you to the park entrances. This blend of modern rail and last-mile road travel makes planning a wildlife trip more accessible than ever.
For Tiger Spotting: Ranthambore National Park
Home to the majestic Bengal tiger, Ranthambore is one of India's most famous wildlife destinations. The park’s landscape, dotted with ancient forts and lakes, makes for a unique safari experience. The most convenient way to reach it by rail is via the Vande Bharat Express that stops at Sawai Madhopur Junction (SWM). This station is located just 10-12 kilometres from the main safari gates. The final leg of the journey takes only about 20-30 minutes by taxi, which are readily available at the station. The best time for tiger sightings is from October to June.
For Asiatic Lions: Gir National Park
Gir in Gujarat is globally renowned as the only natural habitat for the endangered Asiatic lion. The park also provides shelter to leopards, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds. The Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express has significantly improved access to this unique ecosystem. After getting down at Veraval station, the main entrance to the park at Sasan Gir is a manageable 45-kilometre road trip away. For the best chance of spotting lions, plan your visit between December and March.
For One-Horned Rhinos: Kaziranga National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Assam's Kaziranga National Park is celebrated for its successful conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros. It also hosts significant populations of elephants, tigers, and wild water buffalo. The Vande Bharat service to Guwahati makes this northeastern gem more accessible. Upon arrival in Guwahati, Kaziranga is approximately a four to five-hour drive by road. With the recent launch of a Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Guwahati and Kolkata, even longer journeys have become more comfortable. The park is best visited between November and April before it closes for the monsoon.
For Southern Splendour: Bandipur National Park
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur in Karnataka is a premier destination in South India for spotting tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 200 species of birds. Travellers can take a Vande Bharat Express to Mysuru, which is the nearest major railhead. From Mysuru, the park is about 80 kilometres away, a scenic road journey that takes approximately two hours. The ideal time to explore Bandipur's rich biodiversity is from October through May.
Your Practical Planning Guide
While Vande Bharat trains offer speed and comfort, a successful wildlife trip requires careful planning. Always book your train tickets well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons and long weekends. More importantly, safari permits for most national parks need to be booked online, often months ahead, as they sell out quickly. Accommodation near the parks also gets filled up, so secure your stay after booking your safaris. For last-mile travel from the railway station to your hotel or the park gate, it's wise to pre-book a taxi through your hotel or a reliable local operator to ensure a smooth transfer upon arrival.
