Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Famous for its majestic Bengal tigers and the ancient Ranthambore Fort that looms over the landscape, this park offers a unique blend of history and wildlife. Thanks to the Vande Bharat Express, reaching this iconic destination is incredibly straightforward.
The train has a scheduled stop at Sawai Madhopur Junction, which is located just 10-12 kilometres from the park's main entrance. From the station, a short 30-minute taxi ride will have you ready for your safari. Besides tigers, you can spot leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles. Best time to visit: October to June is ideal, with the period from April to June offering the best chances for tiger sightings.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
As India’s oldest national park, Jim Corbett is a legendary destination for wildlife lovers. Home to a thriving population of tigers, elephants, and over 600 species of birds, it’s a haven of biodiversity. The Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express significantly cuts down travel time. Alight at Dehradun or Haridwar and from there, a four to five-hour road trip through scenic landscapes will bring you to Ramnagar, the gateway to Corbett. This journey combines the comfort of a high-speed train with the adventure of a classic road trip into the wild. Best time to visit: The park is open from November to June, offering different experiences with each season.
Gir National Park, Gujarat
For a truly unique wildlife experience, head to Gir, the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion in the world. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their home is an unforgettable experience. The park also shelters leopards, crocodiles, and striped hyenas. The Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express makes accessing this remote sanctuary much easier. The nearest major station is Veraval, from which the main entrance at Sasan Gir is a convenient 45-kilometre drive away. Taxis and local buses are readily available for the final leg of your journey. Best time to visit: The cooler and drier months from December to March are perfect for lion safaris.
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Often called 'The Jewel of Vidarbha', Tadoba is one of Maharashtra's premier tiger reserves, gaining a reputation for frequent and high-quality tiger sightings. You can also spot leopards, sloth bears, and the elusive wild dog (dhole). To get here, take a Vande Bharat Express to Nagpur, a major city well-connected to the rest of India. From Nagpur, the reserve is approximately a three-hour drive (about 150 km). Many resorts in the area can arrange for a pickup from the station, making your transition from city to jungle seamless. Best time to visit: The winter and summer months (October to June) are best, as animals are more likely to be seen near water sources.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is globally celebrated for its successful conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros. The park's vast grasslands are also home to elephants, wild water buffalo, and a significant tiger population. The New Jalpaiguri-Guwahati Vande Bharat Express provides excellent connectivity to the region. Once you arrive at Guwahati, Kaziranga is a scenic four to five-hour drive away. This route allows you to soak in the stunning landscapes of Assam before you even enter the park, making the journey itself part of the adventure. Best time to visit: November to April is the best period to explore the park, as the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are plentiful.
