जय माँ वैष्णो देवी
Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, is well-connected by road with various cities and towns in India. Here's how you can reach Katra by bus from different locations:
- From Jammu: Jammu, the nearest major city to Katra, has regular bus services to Katra. The distance between Jammu and Katra is approximately 42 kilometers, and the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by bus. The Jammu bus stand is around 1 km away from Jammu Railway Station. There is also a bus stand at Railway Station, from where buses ply to Katra mainly. For private buses, the minimum bus ticket price from Jammu to Katra is ₹200, and the maximum is ₹3,500, depending on the bus type and timings. The fastest bus on the route is SPEED BUS.
Jammu Kashmir Road Transport Corporation also ply buses on daily basis starting early in the morning by 3 am. The minimum fare of JKSRTC buses is ₹160 per person. - From Delhi: There are several private and state-run buses that operate between Delhi and Katra. The distance between Delhi and Katra is around 650 kilometers, and the journey usually takes 12 to 14 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
The bus fare from Delhi to Katra can vary depending on factors such as the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, AC, sleeper, etc.), the operator, and the time of booking. Generally, the fare ranges from approximately ₹600 to ₹2000 or more per person for a one-way journey.
Here are some approximate fare ranges for different types of buses:- Ordinary/Non-AC buses: ₹600 - ₹1000 per person
- Semi-sleeper/AC buses: ₹800 - ₹1500 per person
- Sleeper/AC sleeper buses: ₹1000 - ₹2000 or more per person
Buses start mainly at night from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. Few of the best private operator are IntrCity SmartBus, Laxmi holidays, RS Yadav Smart Bus and SPEED Bus. - From Chandigarh: Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, is connected to Katra by road. There are buses operated by both private operators and state transport corporations that ply between Chandigarh and Katra. The distance is approximately 320 kilometers, and the journey takes around 8 to 10 hours.
- HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation): HRTC operates regular bus services from Chandigarh to Katra. These buses are comfortable and provide an affordable option for travelers.
- Punjab Roadways: Punjab Roadways also operates buses from Chandigarh to Katra. These buses are well-maintained and offer a convenient travel option.
- Private Operators: Several private bus operators run deluxe and luxury bus services from Chandigarh to Katra. Some popular private operators include IntrCity SmartBus, Laxmi holidays and Moonlight Travels.
- Volvo and AC Sleeper Buses: For travelers seeking more comfort and luxury, there are Volvo and AC sleeper buses available on this route. These buses offer amenities such as reclining seats, air conditioning, and entertainment systems.
- From Amritsar: Amritsar, a major city in Punjab, also has bus services to Katra. The distance between Amritsar and Katra is around 260 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 6 to 8 hours by bus.
- From other cities in North India: Many other cities in North India, such as Pathankot, Ludhiana, and Ambala, have bus services to Katra. These buses are operated by various private and state-owned bus operators.
It's advisable to check the bus schedule and book tickets in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons, as Katra attracts a large number of devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi Shrine. Additionally, consider the travel time, comfort, and safety factors when choosing a bus service for your journey to Katra.
The primary players in booking the buses online are MakeMyTrip and RedBus.