The Vande Bharat Advantage for Tourists
The Vande Bharat Express, India's semi-high-speed train, has significantly cut down travel time between major cities. For wildlife enthusiasts, this means less time in transit and more time exploring the wilderness. These fully air-conditioned trains
offer a comfortable journey with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information, and ergonomic seating. The speed and efficiency allow for convenient weekend trips to national parks that once required more extensive planning. By connecting to railway stations near key wildlife reserves, these trains serve as a launchpad for adventure, eliminating the need for flights and long, tiring road journeys for many travellers.
Gateway to Ranthambore, Rajasthan
Ranthambore National Park, famous for its significant tiger population and the historic Ranthambore Fort, is now easier to reach. The nearest major railway station is Sawai Madhopur Junction, which is a stop for Vande Bharat services. This station is located just 10 to 14 kilometres from the park's main entrance, a short 20- to 30-minute taxi or cab ride away. Previously, reaching Ranthambore from cities like Delhi involved an overnight journey or a long drive. Now, tourists can enjoy a quick, comfortable train ride, arriving fresh and ready for a safari.
Connecting to Corbett, Uttarakhand
Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park, is a haven for Bengal tigers, elephants, and over 600 species of birds. While Ramnagar is the closest railhead at 12 km from the park, Vande Bharat offers a high-speed option to nearby major stations. Travellers can take the Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express and then cover the remaining distance to Corbett by road, which takes around four to five hours. This combination of fast rail and road travel provides a practical alternative to driving the entire distance from Delhi, making the journey to the Himalayan foothills smoother.
Accessing the Wilds of Gujarat and Karnataka
The Vande Bharat network extends its reach to other premier wildlife destinations as well. For those hoping to see the majestic Asiatic lions, the Sabarmati–Veraval Vande Bharat Express offers convenient access to Gir National Park in Gujarat. The Veraval station is only 45 km from Sasan Gir, the park's main safari gate. In South India, wildlife lovers can take a Vande Bharat Express to Mysuru to visit Bandipur National Park. As part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur is about 80 km from Mysuru, a scenic two-hour drive that brings you to a sanctuary for tigers, elephants, and leopards.
Central India's Tiger Heartland
Nagpur, known as the 'Tiger Capital of India,' serves as a crucial hub for accessing several prominent tiger reserves in Central India, including Pench and Tadoba-Andhari. The Vande Bharat Express service connecting major cities like Secunderabad and Bilaspur to Nagpur makes it a strategic entry point for wildlife tourism. Upon arriving at Nagpur, visitors can easily hire private cabs or use other local transport options to reach the gates of these national parks, which are typically a two to three-hour drive away. This connectivity simplifies travel logistics, allowing tourists to efficiently plan safaris across multiple reserves.
