Pilgrims' rush up by 30 pc at Shiv Khori

Jammu, May 17: Over 1.53 lakh pilgrims have visited Shiv Khori upto May this year as against 1.18 lakh pilgrims during the corresponding period last year, registering an increase of 30 per cent, an official statement said today.

Besides Shiv Khori, other places in the circuit such as Sirah waterfalls and Baba Dhansar are also witnessing heavy tourist rush due to the promotional packages being provided by the State Tourism Department.

The tourism department is making concerted efforts to develop the Shiv Khori tourist circuit emanating from Katra and touching places like Agar Jitto, Nau Pindias, Baba Dhansar, Dera Baba Banda, Reasi, Siarh water falls, Thanpal which are situated enroute Katra to Ransoo, the base camp of Shiv Khori.

Massive infrastructure development programme are underway by the department to develop the area, besides promoting the circuit through publishing of new tourist literature to generate awareness among the pilgrims.

The department is working in close coordination with tour operators both from within and outside the state to create package for Vaishno Devi yatra, which include visits to Shiv Khori Shrine thereby also extending their stay in the state.

UNI