Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Famous for its population of Bengal tigers, Ranthambore is a top destination for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts. The park's landscape, dotted with ancient ruins and the formidable Ranthambore Fort, provides a stunning backdrop for safaris. Besides
tigers, you can spot leopards, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. The most convenient way to reach this iconic park is by train. Several Vande Bharat routes from Delhi stop at Sawai Madhopur Junction, which is located just 10-12 kilometres from the park's main entrance. From the station, a 20 to 30-minute taxi or auto-rickshaw ride will get you to your resort and the safari gates.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
As India's oldest national park, established in 1936, Jim Corbett is a haven for biodiversity. It's home to Bengal tigers, large elephant herds, gharials in the Ramganga river, and over 600 species of birds. While there isn't a direct Vande Bharat stop at the park's doorstep, the Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express makes the journey significantly easier. Travellers can disembark at Dehradun and undertake a scenic four to five-hour road trip to the park. Alternatively, one can take a connecting train from major hubs to Ramnagar, the nearest railway station to Corbett, which is just 12 km from the park.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is globally renowned for hosting the world's largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros. This vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense forests is also home to tigers, elephants, and wild water buffalo. The New Jalpaiguri-Guwahati Vande Bharat Express brings you to the gateway of the Northeast. After arriving at Guwahati station, Kaziranga is approximately a four to five-hour drive away, a journey that takes you through the lush landscapes of Assam. The park is typically open from November to April.
Gir National Park, Gujarat
For a truly unique wildlife experience, Gir National Park is the only place in the world to see the majestic Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. The dry deciduous forests of the park also shelter leopards, marsh crocodiles, and a rich diversity of birdlife. The Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express has made reaching Gir significantly more convenient. Alight at Veraval station, from where the main safari gate at Sasan Gir is only about 45 kilometres by road. A short taxi ride will have you ready for a lion safari in no time.
Tadoba and Pench, Maharashtra
Nagpur serves as a crucial hub for wildlife lovers looking to explore the tiger-rich reserves of Central India. The Vande Bharat Express network connects Nagpur with several major cities, making it an accessible starting point. From Nagpur, both Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench National Park are within a few hours' drive. Tadoba, known for its high tiger density, is about a 3-hour drive (around 144 km). Pench National Park, which straddles the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is approximately a 2-hour drive from Nagpur (about 90 km). This Vande Bharat connection allows travellers to potentially visit two premier tiger habitats in a single trip.
Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Bandipur is one of South India's most significant wildlife sanctuaries. It's celebrated for its healthy populations of Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gaurs, and over 200 bird species. The Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express makes this southern gem highly accessible. Once you arrive at Mysuru station, the park is a scenic 80-kilometre drive away, which takes roughly two hours by road. The best time to visit and witness the lush greenery and active wildlife is between October and May.
