Vaishno Devi: To facilitate the pilgrims desiring special darshan in a short time, the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is set to start helicopter services directly from Jammu to Bhawan cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi in Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district from June 18.
According to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB), the move comes as part of its continued endeavours to streamline the pilgrimage and provide better facilities to the devotees coming to pay their obeisance at the cave shrine from across the globe.
What services will be given in package?
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SMVDB Anshul Garg, said, "To provide better facilities, the Board has taken a decision to start helicopter services directly from Jammu to Bhawan from June 18."
Garg said that the package will include various allied facilities for devotees, such as battery car service, priority darshan, prasad, and ropeway services. "All those facilities are being offered as a package. People can book and avail facilities of chopper service through our website," he added.
Shrine Board to introduce two types of packages
The Shrine Board will introduce two types of packages: 'Same Day Return' (SDR) for Rs 35,000 and 'Next Day Return' (NDR) for Rs 50,000 per person.
Sharing the details, officials said that the SDR package includes battery car service to Bhawan upon reaching Panchhi Helipad, a special darshan slip, 'prasad', a priority ticket for the cable car to Bhairon Temple, battery car service back to Panchhi Helipad, and a helicopter ride to Jammu Airport.
For the NDR package, officials added that it includes rooms at Bhawan and 'Atka Aarti' along with all the facilities provided in the SDR package.
Notably, the helicopter service at present is available only between Katra and Sanjichhat, with a one-way fare of Rs 2100 per person.
Here's how to book helicopter service
- Visit the official website of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board: https://online.maavaishnodevi.org/
- Proceed with registration or login if you have an existing account
- Go to the Travel menu and select Helicopter
- Fill in passenger details and select your desired date, route and package
- Follow the payment instructions
- You will receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket.
(With agencies input)
