IRCTC launches package tour for Vaishno Devi

New Delhi, Jan 27: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corp launched its weekend package for people wanting to visit the popular pilgrim destination of Vaishno Devi shrine from the national capital.

Corporation General Manager P K Goel said the tour comprises three night-two day all-inclusive package for just Rs 3,950. The package was launched last night.

The deal entails AC three-tier train travel, transit, food, hotel stay and 'darshan' on a priority basis.

The trip would start on Friday evenings from New Delhi Railway Station and end early on Monday mornings at the same place.

The journey from Delhi to Jammu is undertaken by Jammu Rajdhani, from where passengers would be taken to Katra by a luxury bus and put up in a hotel. There is free 'pick-up and drop' facility from the hotel to Banganga, where the ascent to the hilltop cave shrine actually begins .

Passengers are provided priority 'darshan' slips so that they can give serpentine queues at the temple door a miss.

The return journey would be in Uttar Sampark Kranti.

Children up to 12 years of age are charged half the amount.

Meanwhile, in a month or two Uttar Sampark Kranti, which currently goes up to Udhampur, would run up till Katra, making the journey to Vaishno Devi simpler, comfortable and scenic.

UNI