Religion

IRCTC Unveils Affordable Vaishno Devi Tour Package Starting at ₹6,990

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched an economical 3-night, 4-day pilgrimage package for Mata Vaishno Devi devotees, offering travel, hotel stay, meals, and local transfers starting at just ₹6,990 per person (triple occupancy). Aimed at making the yatra hassle-free for first-time and budget-conscious travelers, the package covers travel from New Delhi to Jammu via Rajdhani Express, accommodation in premium hotels such as Taj Vivanta or similar and guided transfers up to Baan Ganga for the temple trek. Pricing varies across 3AC and 2AC classes, with single, double, triple and child tariff options.

Upon reaching Jammu early in the morning, pilgrims are taken to Katra via shared cabs, with a stop at Saraswati Dham to obtain yatra slips. Guests then check into pre-booked hotels and proceed for breakfast. After resting, IRCTC facilitates transfers to the starting point of the Mata Vaishno Devi trek, allowing devotees to complete their visit at their own pace before returning to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. The package is operational from Sunday to Thursday and includes all meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—making it a convenient option for families and small groups.

To book the package, travelers can visit the IRCTC Tourist Facilitation Center at New Delhi Railway Station (Platform 16) or contact the numbers provided by IRCTC in their official communication. The corporation has also issued basic guidelines for pilgrims, advising them to follow hygiene practices, wear masks in case of cough or cold, be mindful of behavior and dress and adhere to instructions from tour managers. IRCTC emphasizes group coordination and safety as key aspects of the journey.