Indian Railways offers affordable Vaishnodevi pilgrimage tour; just log on to irctctourism.com

Indians are fond of going on pilgrimages. And certain places have become must-visit areas on the to-do list of travellers. Among them is paying a visit tio Vaidhnodevi shrine. Well, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has worked out a plan to get the travellers there without any hassles through a 3 nights/4 days package tour. All the potential traveller has to do is log onto the official websites irctctourism.com or irctc.co.in and check out what it really entails. There is no need even to try and fit yourself into the train schedule as a train departs daily!

Indian Railways Vaishnodevi pilgrimage tour package is priced at a starting Rs 5,995. IRCTC Tourism website has tagged this package as, what else, 'Mata Vaishnodevi'. Getting there is not easy as the shrine is located at quite a height - all of 5200 feet in altitude. The website carries this statement, "One of the holiest Hindu temples, the shrine of Vaishnodevi is dedicated to the Goddess Shakti. Affectionately also called as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, the temple is the manifestation of the Mother Goddess. The temple is situated at a distance of approx. 12 kms from Katra."

While there are other Vaishnodevi temple packages available, they are costly. This one however, is priced at just Rs 1907*! But there is an asterisk at the end of that rate and as an explanation, Railways has put in this statement: "*However, in case of increase in input costs such as railway fare or any other expenses beyond the control of IRCTC, the guests are liable to pay the additional amount before commencement of journey." So check out the fine print before forking out your money.

Also, control your expectations and keep an eye out these things too that IRCTC has sought to underline: "IRCTC does not provide any facility of VIP/Priority Entry/Darshan at any monuments/shrines/places of interest mentioned in the itinerary. IRCTC shall not be responsible for any loss of sight-seeing/Darshan, nor shall be liable for any refunds in case the Darshan/Sight-seeing/Visit cannot be completed owing to reasons such as delay in train arrivals, transport breakdown, heavy rush, closure by govt. agencies etc."

Vaishnodevi pilgrimage tour package details:

 1. Package Name  Mata Vaishnodevi
 2. Destination Covered  Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine
 3. Travelling Mode  Train
 4. Station/Departure Time  NDLS/ 20:50 HRS
 5. Class  SL
 6. Frequency  Daily
 7. Meal Plan  Two breakfast
 8. Hotel Name  IRCTC Guest House or Similar