India’s wildlife tourism is set to become easier to plan with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) introducing five organised wildlife tour packages under its Vandarshan initiative. Developed in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, the packages combine train tickets, accommodation, local transport and wildlife safari arrangements into a single travel experience.
Scheduled to begin on November 19, 2026, the four-night, five-day tours will connect travellers from Mumbai with several wildlife reserves and sanctuaries across Maharashtra. Confirmed rail tickets and safari permits are among the key features designed to simplify travel planning for wildlife enthusiasts.
What Is IRCTC’s Vandarshan Initiative?
Vandarshan, promoted under the theme Explore Nature, Discover Wildlife, is designed to make wildlife tourism more accessible through organised rail-based itineraries.
Instead of arranging train reservations, accommodation, ground transportation and safari permits separately, travellers can book a package that brings these components together.
The initiative is being introduced by IRCTC’s West Zone in partnership with the Maharashtra Forest Department. It is aimed at nature lovers, families, wildlife photographers and travellers interested in exploring India’s forest landscapes.
The tours are scheduled to begin on November 19, 2026, with limited availability for each departure.
Five Wildlife Tour Packages to Choose From
The Vandarshan programme offers five itineraries covering combinations of tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Each package provides a different route for travellers interested in exploring the region’s biodiversity.
1. Tadoba and Bor
Explore the forests of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve alongside Bor Tiger Reserve, offering a combination of wildlife habitats and safari experiences in Maharashtra.
2. Tadoba and Navegaon-Nagzira
This itinerary combines Tadoba’s wildlife landscapes with the forests and natural surroundings of Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve.
3. Pench and Umred-Paoni-Karhandla
Discover the forests of Pench alongside Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary on a tour designed for travellers interested in diverse wildlife habitats.
4. Tadoba and Umred-Paoni-Karhandla
Combine a visit to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve with a safari experience at Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. Tadoba and Tipeshwar
Explore two wildlife destinations in one itinerary, combining Tadoba’s forest ecosystem with Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra.
What Is Included in the Vandarshan Packages?
The packages are structured to reduce the logistical challenges of planning a wildlife holiday independently.
Key inclusions are expected to cover:
- Train tickets: Rail travel on the designated route.
- Accommodation: Hotel stays during the tour.
- Local transportation: Transfers required for the selected itinerary.
- Safari arrangements: Wildlife safari permits included in the package.
- Organised itinerary: A planned four-night, five-day travel experience.
Safari participation remains subject to the applicable forest department rules and operating conditions. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and travellers should review the detailed itinerary and inclusions before booking.
Train Routes, Departure Dates and Travel Duration
The Vandarshan tours will use the Vidarbha Express for rail travel between Mumbai and the Vidarbha region.
- Outbound train: Vidarbha Express, train number 12105, departing Mumbai on Thursdays.
- Return train: Vidarbha Express, train number 12106, departing Gondia on Sundays.
- Tour duration: Four nights and five days.
- First scheduled departure: November 19, 2026.
Boarding and return stations vary according to the selected package. Travellers should check their chosen itinerary carefully before confirming reservations.
Limited Seats Available in AC Coaches
The initial allocation is limited, with six berths in AC three-tier and six berths in AC two-tier accommodation for each departure.
This restricted availability makes advance planning important for travellers interested in the first departures, particularly during the winter holiday season.
The official IRCTC Tourism listing for the Tadoba and Bor package shows a starting price of ₹29,500. Prices may differ across itineraries, travel categories and booking conditions, so travellers should confirm the current package cost before making payment.
How to Book an IRCTC Vandarshan Wildlife Tour
Travellers can explore the available itineraries and booking conditions through the IRCTC Tourism website.
Before making a reservation, it is advisable to:
- Select the preferred wildlife tour package.
- Review the departure date, boarding station and return journey.
- Check the package price, accommodation category and inclusions.
- Confirm the safari arrangements and applicable terms.
- Complete the booking through the designated IRCTC Tourism channel.
Availability is limited, and travellers should rely on the booking details displayed for their chosen departure.
What Vandarshan Means for Wildlife Tourism in India
The launch of Vandarshan reflects a growing interest in organised nature-based travel and wildlife experiences. By combining rail transport with accommodation and safari arrangements, IRCTC aims to make forest destinations easier to access without requiring travellers to coordinate every element independently.
The initiative could also support tourism across Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, where tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries attract nature enthusiasts and photographers.
For travellers, the biggest advantage is convenience: a structured itinerary brings essential travel arrangements together while offering opportunities to experience India’s wildlife landscapes.
Final Thoughts
IRCTC’s Vandarshan initiative introduces five organised wildlife tour packages combining train travel, accommodation, local transport and safari permits. With departures scheduled from November 19, 2026, the programme offers travellers a new way to explore destinations such as Tadoba, Pench, Bor and Navegaon-Nagzira.
For wildlife enthusiasts planning a winter getaway, these rail-based packages provide an alternative to arranging transport, stays and safari reservations separately. Checking the final itinerary, package price and availability in advance will be essential for a smooth trip.
