Plan in Place

We sat for planning our trip to Vaishnodevi. Looked at the possible dates, when both of us can take leave. It was important that days we select, are non-tourist season days with less rush. Days, just before beginning of secondary school examinations are the best days. These days fall in the 2nd and 3rd week of March.  This season also is very good to travel as season is not harsh, During this time, winter is getting over and summer is yet to set in Indian sub-continent. We also worked out tentative schedule. it was decided to first visit Vaishnodevi and then go to another holy, pious city, Amritsar. Even during lean season Saturdays and Sundays are best to be avoided for Vaishnodevi shrine visit. Almost all Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year attract lot of pilgrims and tourists. Finally we arrived at a suitable date. Sunday 15th March 2017 was the date we set sail. Itinerary was 16th we reach Vaishnodevi, 17th Jammu city, 18th and 19th Amritsar, back home by 21st for a Sunday rest, before back to work. To ensure a smooth travel it was need to book Air, Railway and Chopper tickets. Even get all stay arrangements done.

On the paper the entire plan was ready. 19th morning we decided to complete all the bookings. First went to https://www.irctc.co.in and booked the return journey from Amritsar. I usually ensure a return journey ticket before other bookings. We booked by Golden Temple express in the two tier air conditioned compartment which leaves Amritsar in the late evening by 9.00 pm. It was luck as only 3 berths were available when we booked. Taking some rest while travelling, was one idea of taking a 34 hours long train journey. We were having two options in mind while travelling to Vaishnodevi. First was to take a flight to Jammu and then hire a cab for Katra. Other was to take a flight to Delhi and travel by newly started Ma Shakti express from Delhi to Katra. This train leaves Delhi by 5.30 pm for 11 hours journey to Katra. We thought of spending some good moments in Delhi before boarding. Hence did a booking on this air conditioned train. 

Now it was turn of Mumbai to Delhi travel. We decided take a morning flight and found a pocket friendly fare on Indigo Airlines 9.30 am flight. One major journey ticket was yet to be booked. While shuffling between various websites dedicated for travel found a lowest price for stay at Amritsar on Cleartrip. We booked Hotel City Park which is at stone's throw from Jalianwalah Baug. A tourist place must when in Amritsar.  It witnessed one of the most important events in India's freedom struggle. This hotel is in the midst of various markets in Amritsar and very close to Shri Harmadir Sahib i.e. Golden Temple. We also found a good bargain on Travelyari for our Jammu to Amritsar travel. We booked a 5.45 am 2X2 luxury bus of Jamuna Travel. The scheduled arrival at Amritsar was 11.00 am well before our check in at noon in the hotel. Wow we finished first part of preparation. All this happened with such a ease, it reminded us a saying "CHALO BULAWA AYA HAI, MATA NE BULAYA HAI". Means one can visit the deities' shrine only when she has called you. 

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