- IRCTC launches Vandarshan wildlife safari packages from Mumbai.
- Five distinct itineraries cover Maharashtra's top tiger reserves.
- Packages include train, accommodation, transport, and safari permits.
Wildlife enthusiasts planning a forest getaway this winter will soon have five organised tour options from the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Launched in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, the Vandarshan initiative combines train journeys, hotel accommodation, local transport and wildlife safari arrangements in a single holiday package.
The regular group tours will kick off on November 19, 2026, and each itinerary will be for four nights and five days. The tour packages starting from Mumbai will take the guests to four different wildlife locations such as Tadoba-Andhari, Bor, Navegaon-Nagzira, Pench, Umred-Paoni-Karhandla and Tipeshwar.
The project hopes to make travelling in the wild easier by combining key transport and safari arrangements, enabling visitors to visit multiple forest destinations without the need to plan each aspect of their trip independently.
What Is IRCTC Vandarshan?
Vandarshan, which was launched with the tagline Explore Nature, Discover Wildlife, is an IRCTC West Zone project created in collaboration with the Forest Department of the state of Maharashtra. It conducts guided tours to certain tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra and the vicinity.
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The packages combine rail travel with accommodation, transfers and safari arrangements. Confirmed train tickets and safari permits are included as specified in the respective itineraries.
When Will The IRCTC Wildlife Tours Begin?
The first scheduled departures under the Vandarshan initiative will begin on November 19, 2026. Each package follows a five-day, four-night itinerary.
The tours will use the Vidarbha Express for onward and return rail journeys. Train number 12105 will depart from Mumbai every Thursday, while train number 12106 will operate the return journey from Gondia every Sunday.
Which Five Wildlife Safari Packages Are Available?
IRCTC has introduced five itineraries covering different combinations of tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Travellers can select a route based on the destinations they wish to explore.
1. Tadoba-Andhari And Bor Tiger Reserves
This itinerary combines visits to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district and Bor Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. It is designed for travellers who want to explore two wildlife destinations during one organised trip.
IRCTC lists the Tadoba and Bor package under code WMR193, with prices starting at Rs 29,500. The listed itinerary includes rail travel, hotel accommodation, local transport and shared safari arrangements.
2. Tadoba-Andhari And Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserves
The second option combines Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve with Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve in eastern Maharashtra.
3. Pench And Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
This package covers Pench Tiger Reserve and Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary.
It offers an alternative to itineraries centred on Tadoba, bringing together two wildlife destinations in the wider Vidarbha region.
4. Tadoba-Andhari And Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
The fourth itinerary combines Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve with Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. Tadoba-Andhari And Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
The fifth option pairs Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve with Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal district.
What Is Included In The Wildlife Tour Packages?
- Confirmed train tickets for the onward and return journeys
- Hotel accommodation
- Local transportation between railway stations, hotels and wildlife destinations
- Wildlife safari arrangements and permits, as specified in the package
- Meals listed in the individual itinerary
- Travel insurance and other services where specified
How To Book IRCTC Vandarshan Wildlife Tour Packages?
Travellers can check the available itineraries, package prices and booking conditions through the official IRCTC Tourism website.
Booking website: www.irctctourism.com
For package-related enquiries and counter bookings, travellers can also contact IRCTC at 8287931886, as reported in the launch coverage.