Planning
a pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi from New Delhi becomes easier with the Indian
Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Mata Vaishnodevi tour package.
The 3-night, 4-day pilgrimage package combines train travel, hotel
accommodation, meals and local transportation, allowing devotees to undertake
the journey without having to arrange every part of the trip separately.
The
package covers New Delhi, Jammu and Katra and includes travel by
Rajdhani Express in 3AC and 2AC classes. Along with the pilgrimage to Mata
Vaishno Devi, the itinerary also includes visits to important temples in Jammu,
including Kand Kandoli Temple and Raghunathji Temple.
The
tour operates from Sunday to Thursday and is designed as a short
pilgrimage option for devotees travelling from Delhi.
IRCTC
Mata Vaishno Devi Package – At a Glance
The
IRCTC Mata Vaishnodevi package covers the complete journey from New Delhi to
Jammu and Katra and back to New Delhi. Train tickets, accommodation, meals and
local transfers are included as part of the package.
The
journey begins from New Delhi Railway Station with an overnight Rajdhani
Express journey to Jammu. From Jammu, passengers are transferred to Katra by an
air-conditioned vehicle. After completing Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan, devotees
return to Katra and later travel back to Jammu for the return train to Delhi.
The
package also provides an opportunity to visit some of Jammu's prominent temples
before boarding the return train.
How
Much Does the IRCTC Mata Vaishno Devi Package Cost?
The
cost of the package depends on the train class and hotel room occupancy
selected by the traveller.
For
3AC, the package costs Rs 6,990 per person for triple occupancy.
The fare is Rs 8,100 per person for double occupancy, while travellers
opting for single occupancy have to pay Rs 10,770 per person.
For
those choosing 2AC, the package costs Rs 8,220 per person for triple
occupancy, Rs 9,330 per person for double occupancy and Rs 11,995
per person for single occupancy.
The
package also has separate fares for children between 5 and 11 years of age.
In 3AC, the fare is Rs 6,320 with a bed and Rs 5,255 without a bed.
In 2AC, the corresponding fares are Rs 7,550 with a bed and Rs 6,485
without a bed.
IRCTC
Mata Vaishno Devi Package Price
| Category | 3AC | 2AC |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Occupancy | Rs 6,990 | Rs 8,220 |
| Double Occupancy | Rs 8,100 | Rs 9,330 |
| Single Occupancy | Rs 10,770 | Rs 11,995 |
| Child 5–11 years with bed | Rs 6,320 | Rs 7,550 |
| Child 5–11 years without bed | Rs 5,255 | Rs 6,485 |
Package
fares are subject to change. Travellers should check the latest fare and
availability with IRCTC before making a booking.
IRCTC
Mata Vaishno Devi Package Itinerary
Day
1: New Delhi to Jammu
The
IRCTC pilgrimage journey begins at New Delhi Railway Station. Travellers
will board Train No. 12425 Rajdhani Express at around 8:40 pm.
Passengers
can travel in either 3AC or 2AC, depending on the package selected. The
overnight train journey provides a convenient way to travel towards Jammu while
saving the need for a separate night's hotel accommodation.
The
first night of the tour will be spent onboard the train as the Rajdhani Express
travels towards Jammu.
Day
2: Jammu to Katra and Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan
The
Rajdhani Express is scheduled to reach Jammu Railway Station at around 5:00
am.
After
arriving in Jammu, travellers will be transferred to Katra in an
air-conditioned vehicle on a sharing basis. The vehicle arrangement may depend
on the size of the tour group.
During
the journey towards Katra, the group will halt at Saraswati Dham to
collect the Yatra Parchi required for the pilgrimage.
After
reaching Katra, travellers will check into the hotel. Breakfast will be
provided before the group proceeds towards Banganga, the starting point
for the trek to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
From
Banganga, devotees can begin their pilgrimage towards the holy shrine of Mata
Vaishno Devi. The trek involves considerable walking, so pilgrims should
plan their journey according to their physical comfort and available time.
After
completing the darshan, devotees will return to the hotel in Katra in the
evening. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided at the hotel.
Day
3: Katra to Jammu and Temple Sightseeing
The
third day begins with breakfast at the hotel. Travellers will have some free
time in Katra before checking out of the hotel at around 12 noon.
After
lunch, the group will depart for Jammu Railway Station at around 2:00 pm
by air-conditioned vehicle.
The
return journey also includes sightseeing at two important temples in Jammu.
Travellers will visit Kand Kandoli Temple and Raghunathji Temple,
providing an opportunity to offer prayers and explore some of the religious
heritage of Jammu.
After
completing the sightseeing, travellers will proceed to Jammu Railway Station
and are expected to reach the station by around 6:30 pm.
The
return journey will be by Jammu Rajdhani Express, Train No. 12426, which
is scheduled to depart from Jammu at around 9:25 pm.
The
third night will be spent onboard the train while travelling back towards New
Delhi.
Day
4: Arrival in New Delhi
The
pilgrimage tour concludes on the fourth day with the arrival of the Rajdhani
Express at New Delhi Railway Station at around 5:55 am.
Travellers
can then continue their onward journey after completing the short pilgrimage to
Mata Vaishno Devi.
What
Makes This IRCTC Package Convenient?
One
of the main advantages of this IRCTC package is that several important travel
arrangements are brought together under a single tour plan. Instead of
separately booking train tickets, hotel accommodation and local transportation,
pilgrims can opt for the organised package.
The
itinerary also combines the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage with Jammu temple
sightseeing, making it suitable for devotees who want to cover more than
just the shrine during their short trip.
The
overnight Rajdhani Express journey makes the package particularly convenient
for travellers from Delhi, as the tour can be completed in four days without
requiring a longer stay.
Important
Things to Know Before Travelling
Devotees
planning to book the IRCTC Mata Vaishno Devi package should check the latest
package details before making their reservation, as fares, train timings,
hotel arrangements and itinerary details may be subject to change.
The
Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage involves a significant amount of walking from
Banganga towards the shrine. Pilgrims should therefore carry comfortable
footwear and plan the trek according to their age and fitness level.
It
is also advisable to carry essential medicines, identification documents,
suitable clothing and other personal requirements for the journey. Since the
package operates according to a fixed itinerary, travellers should follow the
reporting and transfer timings provided by IRCTC.
Conclusion
The
IRCTC Mata Vaishno Devi 3 Nights/4 Days package from New Delhi offers a
convenient way for devotees to undertake the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi
while also visiting important temples in Jammu.
With
Rajdhani Express travel, hotel accommodation, meals and local transfers
included, the package reduces the need for pilgrims to make separate
arrangements for different parts of the journey. The package starts at Rs
6,990 per person for triple occupancy in 3AC, while 2AC options are also
available at higher fares.
For
devotees looking for a short and organised pilgrimage from Delhi to Katra, this
IRCTC package can be a convenient option, subject to the latest availability,
fare and tour schedule.