Question 1

How do i reach Katra ?

Accepted Answer

Katra is located at a distance of 50 Kms from Jammu, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu is connected with the rest of the country by road, rail and air. Jammu is connected by air with Delhi and Srinagar.Jammu is also connected by rail to all the major cities of the country. Indian Railways operates large number of trains with air-conditioned and ordinary coaches to and from Jammu every day. From Jammu to Katra the distance is 50 Kms. Taxis are available at Jammu air port and Jammu railway station for carrying the pilgrims to Katra. The Jammu and Kashmir State Roadways Transport Corporation operates a large number of buses at regular intervals from Jammu Railway Station to Katra. Private Deluxe buses also operate between Jammu Railway Station and Katra. Besides these, there is also a regular bus service between Jammu and Katra from the General Bus Stand at Jammu. Buses leave for Katra after every fifteen minutes from the General Bus Stand. The bus service commences at 5.30 AM and concludes at 8.30 PM everyday.

Question 2

What should i do before proceeding towards the yatra ?

Accepted Answer

Before proceeding to Bhawan for Darshans please ensure the following: -Obtain a yatra Parchi (slip) from the Yatra registration Counter at the general Bus stand Katra. The Yatra Slip is free of cost and can be obtained between 6AM. to 10 p.m.Video Camera not allowed on the track.Get your room booked for Bhawan / Sanji Chhat / Adhkwari from Enquiry and Reservation Shakti Bhawan, Niharika and collect your papers to be shown at the location for which the room is booked.Don't carry too much jewelry or cash with you.

Question 3

How and where can i hire ponies and palkies ?

Accepted Answer

For hiring the registered Ponies, Pithoos or Palkies a yatri is required to contact the contractors offices at Bhawan / Adhkwari / Katra. The rates for these Palkies / Pithoos / Ponies are approved by the Govt. and for convenience the same can be cross checked from the Signboards installed by the Board along the track at prominent locations. Before engaging these Ponies, Palkies or Pithoos a devotee is required to note down the registration no. of the person(s) so engaged for reference in case of need. In case of any problem with the Contractors Office, the field offices of the Shrine Board can also be contacted at the above locations.

Question 4

Is it convenient for an aged person to come for the darshan ?

Accepted Answer

It is absolutely convenient for the devotees of all age groups right from small children to elderly people as adequate facilities like catering, porters, accommodation etc. are available at Katra, Bhawan and enroute. For the infirm people the Palkies can be engaged.

Question 5

Which is the best time of the year to travel to Kashmir?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Kashmir is in the summer season, between the months of April and June.

Question 6

Is it safe to travel to Kashmir?

Accepted Answer

Yes, travelling to Kashmir is absolutely safe. However, don’t be shocked by the abundance of military checkpoints, tanks on the side of the road, military trucks and heavy armed soldiers roaming down the streets.