Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Famous for its population of Bengal tigers that are often spotted during the day, Ranthambore is a top destination for wildlife photographers and nature lovers. The park's landscape is a unique blend of forest, rocky terrain, and lakes, all dominated
by the historic Ranthambore Fort. Besides tigers, you can spot leopards, sloth bears, and marsh crocodiles. The Delhi-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express provides excellent connectivity. Alight at Sawai Madhopur Junction, which is the dedicated railway station for the park. From the station, the main safari gates are just a 10-12 km drive away, taking roughly 20 to 30 minutes by a readily available taxi or auto-rickshaw.
The Ranthambore Checklist
Vande Bharat Route: Delhi Cantt - Ajmer Vande Bharat Express.
Nearest Station: Sawai Madhopur Junction (SWM).
Onward Journey: A 20-30 minute taxi ride to the park entrance.
Key Wildlife: Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer, Crocodiles.
Best Time to Visit: October to June. Tiger sightings are particularly good from April to June when animals gather near water bodies.
Pro Tip: Safari bookings must be made online, well in advance, especially for weekend trips. The park is divided into several zones, so research which ones offer the best sighting probabilities during your travel dates.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
As India's oldest national park, established in 1936, Jim Corbett holds a special place in the country's conservation history. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, it boasts a diverse landscape of sal forests, grasslands, and a riverine ecosystem fed by the Ramganga River. It is home to a healthy population of tigers, Asiatic elephants, and the elusive gharial. Reaching this iconic park has become easier with the Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express. While the train goes to Dehradun, a convenient midway stop is Haridwar. From Haridwar, the main gateway town of Ramnagar is a scenic 2 to 3-hour drive. Alternatively, you can travel to Dehradun and then take a 4-5 hour road trip to the park.
The Jim Corbett Checklist
Vande Bharat Route: New Delhi - Dehradun Vande Bharat Express.
Nearest Station: Haridwar (HW) or Dehradun (DDN).
Onward Journey: From Haridwar, it's a 2-3 hour drive to Ramnagar. From Dehradun, it's about 4-5 hours.
Key Wildlife: Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Gharial, Spotted Deer, over 600 bird species.
Best Time to Visit: November to June. The weather is most pleasant from November to February, but summer offers great animal sightings.
Pro Tip: Jim Corbett has multiple entry gates and zones. The Dhikala zone is legendary but requires an overnight stay inside the park, which must be booked months ahead. For day safaris, Bijrani and Jhirna are excellent choices.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is the global stronghold of the one-horned rhinoceros. Its vast expanses of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical forests are also home to elephants, wild water buffalo, and a significant tiger population. The Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express connects the region, making Guwahati the primary railhead. From Guwahati, the main entrance to Kaziranga at Kohora is approximately a 4-5 hour drive. The journey itself is a beautiful introduction to the landscapes of Assam, passing through small towns and lush greenery.
The Kaziranga Checklist
Vande Bharat Route: Guwahati - New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express.
Nearest Station: Guwahati (GHY).
Onward Journey: A 4-5 hour taxi ride of about 215 km to the Kohora entry gate.
Key Wildlife: One-Horned Rhinoceros, Wild Water Buffalo, Asiatic Elephant, Tiger, Swamp Deer.
Best Time to Visit: November to April, as the park remains closed during the monsoon season.
Pro Tip: To make the most of your trip, book both jeep and elephant safaris. The early morning elephant safari offers a unique perspective for viewing rhinos up close in the grasslands.
