Dreaming of spotting a tiger without the hassle of planning every leg of your trip? IRCTC’s new Vandarshan packages combine train travel, hotel stays and wildlife safaris, with five itineraries to choose from starting November 19. For wildlife enthusiasts in Mumbai, the next forest adventure could be easier to plan. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), in partnership with the Maharashtra Forest Department, has introduced five wildlife tour packages under its Vandarshan initiative, bringing train journeys and jungle safaris together in one organised holiday.
Launching on November 19, the packages are designed for travellers who want to explore Maharashtra’s forests without having to coordinate train tickets, accommodation, local transport and safari arrangements separately. Each itinerary spans five days and four nights, making it an option for wildlife lovers looking for a short getaway into the wilderness. Whether the dream is to spot a tiger in its natural habitat, photograph birds and other wildlife, or simply spend time surrounded by forests, Vandarshan offers several destinations to consider.
Which Wildlife Destinations Can You Explore With IRCTC Vandarshan Packages? The five itineraries combine popular wildlife destinations across Maharashtra and the Vidarbha region, allowing travellers to choose a trip based on the forests and sanctuaries they want to visit. Travellers can opt for a tour covering Tadoba and Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, or combine Tadoba with Navegaon-Nagzira. Another option pairs Tadoba with Tipeshwar, while a fourth itinerary covers Tadoba and Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. Those looking to explore the Pench landscape can choose the fifth package, which combines Pench with Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. With different combinations available, the packages offer travellers a choice of wildlife experiences without requiring them to arrange separate journeys between destinations. Safari sightings, however, cannot be guaranteed and will depend on wildlife movement and the conditions during each visit.
Mumbai To The Forests By Train – How Vandarshan Works: The Vandarshan packages will use the Vidarbha Express for the rail journeys. Train number 12105 will depart from Mumbai every Thursday, while train number 12106 will leave Gondia every Sunday for the return journey. The boarding and return stations will vary according to the package selected, so travellers will need to check the specific itinerary before booking. The five-day, four-night schedule brings together rail travel, hotel accommodation, local transport and safari arrangements, making it easier to manage the trip as a single holiday. For families, first-time wildlife tourists and photographers carrying equipment, having the main travel arrangements organised in advance could make the experience more convenient than planning each part independently.
What Is Included In The IRCTC Vandarshan Packages? The packages include confirmed train tickets, hotel stays, local transportation, wildlife safari arrangements and safari permits. This brings several important parts of a forest holiday under one booking, although travellers should check the detailed itinerary for the specific inclusions and arrangements applicable to their chosen tour.
IRCTC has kept the number of seats limited. Each itinerary has six berths in AC 3-tier (3AC) and six berths in AC 2-tier (2AC) coaches for each departure. The limited allocation means travellers interested in a particular destination combination should plan ahead rather than leave bookings until the last minute. An IRCTC official said the initiative aims to bring rail travel and wildlife tourism together in a single package. The official also advised travellers to plan early, noting that safaris are governed by Forest Department rules and that advance confirmation is important, particularly during peak holiday periods.
Why Wildlife Lovers May Want To Plan Early? Organising a wildlife holiday often involves more than booking a train and a hotel. Travellers must also coordinate transfers, identify safari options and secure permits, which can be particularly challenging during busy holiday periods. Vandarshan aims to simplify those arrangements by combining the major components of the trip. The packages could appeal to wildlife photographers hoping to capture animals in their natural surroundings, families seeking an outdoor break, and travellers who want to explore forests without handling every logistical detail themselves.
The key is to select the destination combination carefully and review the relevant boarding points, return stations and itinerary before confirming a booking. Since safari access is subject to Forest Department rules and availability, early planning will be important for those hoping to make the most of their forest getaway. With five itineraries covering Tadoba, Bor, Navegaon-Nagzira, Tipeshwar, Umred-Karhandla and Pench, IRCTC’s Vandarshan initiative offers Mumbai travellers a new way to bring a wildlife adventure within reach – with the journey, stay and safari arrangements planned together.
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