IRCTC wildlife tours from Mumbai to tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra and adjoining areas will begin on November 19, 2026, with five organised itineraries combining train travel, accommodation, local transport and safari arrangements.
The packages have been launched by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’s West Zone in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department under the name “VANDARSHAN – Explore Nature. Discover Wildlife!”. The initiative is intended to simplify access to forest destinations by bringing rail travel and planned safari experiences into a single package.
The five itineraries cover Tadoba with Bor Tiger Reserve, Tadoba with Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Pench with Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, Tadoba with Umred Paoni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tadoba with Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Each package is designed as a four-night, five-day tour. According to the details released by IRCTC, the arrangements include train travel, accommodation, local transportation and wildlife safari bookings, with confirmed train tickets and safari permits included according to the terms of the selected package.
The tours will use the Vidarbha Express for the onward and return journeys. Train No. 12105 will depart from Mumbai every Thursday, while Train No. 12106 will depart from Gondia every Sunday. Boarding and return stations will vary depending on the itinerary selected by travellers.
IRCTC said the packages are aimed at wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers, families and visitors seeking organised trips to forest and wildlife destinations. The service also brings together the tourism corporation’s travel and hospitality arrangements with the Maharashtra Forest Department’s role in managing forests and conservation areas.
The package structure addresses several logistical requirements involved in planning a wildlife trip from Mumbai, including long-distance rail travel, transfers to forest destinations, accommodation and access to safari permits. However, availability will remain subject to the terms of each package, including the allocation of train berths and safari permits.
Each departure will have a limited allocation of six berths in air-conditioned three-tier accommodation and six berths in air-conditioned two-tier accommodation, according to IRCTC. The limited allocation means travellers will need to check availability for their preferred itinerary before booking.
The launch expands IRCTC West Zone’s tourism offerings beyond conventional rail travel by linking Mumbai with wildlife destinations in Vidarbha and other parts of the region. It also gives travellers a packaged route to reserves and sanctuaries where transport, accommodation and safari access often need to be arranged separately.
Travellers can view package details and make bookings through the official IRCTC Tourism website. IRCTC has also provided 8287931886 for package-related enquiries and counter bookings. The first departures under the VANDARSHAN programme are scheduled for November 19, 2026.
