Day 01 - Delhi - Jammu - Katra
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Jammu or by Toyota
Qualis. Arrive Jammu at 12.40 Hrs. Transfer to hotel. Day at leisure till
evening. In the evening, transfer to Katra by surface. Reach Katra and trek
to Vaishno Devi Temple (Holy Cave, 15 Kms/06 Hours). (darshans depends on
the number of people present, may be it can take one full day) After
darshans, free time at the Holy Shrine and visit other temples and then trek
back to Katra. Reach Katra and leave back for Jammu by surface.
Hotel: Hari Niwas Palace or Similar (Meals – Breakfast)
Jammu: King Jambulochan founded the city of Jammu which he called
'Jammu Nagri' and transfered his capital to the new city from the Bahu fort.
Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu & Kashmir state is perched like a
guard. It also has great importance as a communication center, being the
railhead for the entire Jammu & Kashmir and the starting point for
visiting the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi at Katra. There are several temples
in this charming city, but none as beautiful as the Raghunath temple in the
heart of the city.
Day 02 - Jammu or Katra
Visit to Vaisno Devi Shrine.
Vaishno Devi Temple: Faith has moved mountains. From a cave shrine
tucked away deep in the Trikuta Mountains of Kashmir to a bustling religuous
centre, the call of Mata Vaishno Devi has drawn and converted many a
non-believer. Those who come as tourists leave as staunch followers singing
her praises. This is the ultimate refuge of the helpless. The one place that
answers your prayers. Where all dilemmas are resolved.
The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is nestled in a beautiful recess of
the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas. It is located
61 km north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the
state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the cave there are images of three deities
viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.
The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult
during the winters when the route is often blocked by snow-fall.
The Yatra Route: The Yatra (pilgrimage) begins at Katra and pilgrims
have to cover 15 km of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer
away from Katra, is Banganga, place where Mata quenched her thirst and at 06
km further down, is the holy cave at Adhkawari.
The entire 15 km route is quite wide and tiled. Besides, the whole path is
lit up every night by powerful sodium vapour lamps. The whole route is swept
and cleaned from time to time throughout the day.
Day 03 - Jammu - Dharamshala Via Pathankot
After breakfast, leave for Dhramshala by surface. Reach Dharamshala and
transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel: Surya Resorts or Similar (Meals – Breakfast)
Day 04 - Dharamshala
After breakfast, visit Chamunda Devi Temple, Kangra Art Museum and
monastery. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel: Surya Resorts or Similar (Meals – Breakfast)
Chamunda Devi Temple: It is an enchanting spot with glorious views
of the mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forests. 15-km from
Dharamshala a tiny village of Dadh on Palampur road is the famous temple
dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi. On reaching the temple a glorious view
of Dhaula Dhar on three sides and 'Baner Khud' flowing alongside the temple.
The temple has artistic carvings on its lintel, pillars and the ceiling.
Day 05 - Dharamshala - Paragpur
After late breakfast, day free till noon. Afternoon, leave for Paragpur by
surface. Reach Paragpur and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel: The Judge's Court (Meals – Breakfast)
Day
06 - Paragpur - Jwalamukhi - Chintpurni - Paragpur
After breakfast, leave for Jwalamukhi and visit Jwalamukhi Temple and
Chintpurni Temple. In the evening, return back to Paragpur. Transfer to
hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel: The Judge's Court (Meals – Breakfast)
Pragpur: The little village of Pragpur in Kangra's sylvan tracts,
has an endearing beauty. Narrow cobbled lanes flow past old houses, and
flowering Bougainvillaea drape their colours over pipul and banyan trees.
And to the north, the snow clad Dhauladhar ranges frame this picture of
pastoral beauty.
Jwalamukhi Temple: (The Flaming Goddess) recognized as one of the 51
Shaktipeeths of India, Jwalamukhi's Devi Temple, tended by the followers of
Goraknath, is set against a cliff. The picturesque temple, built against a
wooded spur, in the Indo-Sikh style, has a dome that was gilded by Mughal
Emperor Akbar. An eternally burning flame that issues from a hollow rock in
the sanctum is considered the manifestation of the goddess Devi.
Chintpurni Temple: A winding road goes up to the temple dedicated to
'Bhagwati Chinmastika' or Goddess 'Chintpurni' who grants all wishes.
Day 07 - Paragpur - Naina Devi Temple - Nalagarh
After breakfast, leave for Nalagarh en route visiting Naina Devi Temple.
Reach Nalagarh and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel: Nalagarh Fort (Meals – Breakfast)
Naina Devi Temple: It is one of the 51 'Shakti Pithas'.
Day 08 - Nalagarh - Chandigarh (Visit Mansa Devi
Temple)
After breakfast, leave for Chandigarh by surface. Reach Chandigarh and
transfer to hotel. Visit Mansa Devi Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel: Mountview or
Similar (Meals – Breakfast)
City Information: Charles Edouard Le Corbusier's Chandigarh is a
captivating destination without many historic monuments. Though the city of
Chandigarh is dotted with several beautiful and well-maintained gardens.
Among the many gardens at Chandigarh the Rose Garden and the Rock Garden
should not be missed. The other must visit at Chandigarh is the Capitol
Complex. For recreation you may stroll or boat at the Sukhna Lake. You may
even visit the old temple dedicated to the Goddess Chandi. The city of
Chandigarh derives its name from Her.
Mansa Devi Temple: A typical example of North Indian architecture
Mansa Devi Temple, lying in Bilaspur village, about three kilometers east of
Mani Majra in Chandigarh, has two temples dedicated to the goddess. It is
believed that the older temple was built by the ruler of Mani Majra.
Day 09 - Chandigarh - Delhi.
After breakfast, visit Rock Garden & Rose Garden. Afternoon, leave for
Delhi by surface. Reach Delhi and transfer to IGI Airport and tour
terminates.
Deccan Aviation, a private charter service company, will operate a
helicopter service to ferry pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi in Jammu.
The service comes as a relief to the old and the infirm who wish to have a
darshan of the deity at the temple. Two helicopters will undertake 15 trips
each day between Katra and Shanjhi Chat, about two km from the shrine where
the helipad is located.
From
primarily a cultural tourist destination for several decades, India
has emerged as one of the most sought-after adventure destinations
for discerning international travelers. Perhaps no other single
country in the world offers the variety of adventure opportunities
as India does.
