Shri Vaishnodevi Katra 2

It was raining incessantly with heavy winds, when we came out of the station. There is long foot over bridge connecting station to the auto stand. Umbrellas we carried were useless in this wind. we observed many tourists wearing a thin plastic raincoat. It was made from plastic material generally used in plastic bags we get in the vegetable market. At the other end of bridge we found a boy selling these raincoats. We bought two for Rs. 30/- only. Our look in raincoat was funny, but good for a photo memory, hence we captured it. It did save us from rain to an extent. I felt this windy, rainy morning was very pleasant. It may be more psychological than real.

Many rickshaw and car drivers rushed towards us when we came out. As it happens outside all railway and bus stations in India, they were dismayed to know we looking for a short journey. They went away, so did most of the tourist who came out of the station. Few cabs and autos were still there. Now these drivers walked towards us. They were agents of various hotels. We were also in search of a room for next 4-5 hours to take rest and get ready. A young man in his late twenties walked towards us. He was short, slim with fair complexion and was looking very confident . He gave his card to us. His name was Chandan Sharma.My trained eyes with long touring experience found him reliable. We negotiated with him a hotel room for 5 hours and a drop to hotel and from there to helipad for Rs 400/-. 

He took us through small by-lane to a small hotel. The name of this hotel was Hotel Amrit Palace. Many such small hotels calling them palace I have stayed in other parts of India also. This hotel cannot be found on Google even today. There we were given a room on the ground floor. It wasn't a great hotel but room was clean to our satisfaction. First we ordered tea. I wanted sugar less tea. Shortly room boy brought two cups of hot tea. I took first sip and just threw it out. It was first time I sipped a tea with milk having salt. I have indulged in salty tea earlier called as "Kahawa", but is without milk. Then i asked him to get me tea to my order. We had tea and biscuits. We freshened up,changed for journey for Vaishnodevi. We came out in the lounge and opened a dialogue with boys manning reception counter. We were told in last 2 days there was no helicopter sortie due to inclement weather. But as per rules it was must for us to report at helipad to cancel our tickets.

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