16/02/2018
Dear Friends,
Jai Mata Di Group just completed it's 2018-Maa Vaishnodevi Tour with 16 members.
Started the Tour on 9thfeb from Borivali Station at 0830 by Swaraj Express.
Surprisingly the old Train coach is replaced now & a Rajdhani like coach is being introduced, which is little bit advanced.
Journey almost 34 hours was pleasant as usual, even 3 new members also enjoyed.
After reaching Katra Hotel, the same "Hotel Tridev". Almost our second Home Now. Stay was as usual Homely.
Choppers, our trick seems to be working. Reach early Morning at Helipad & you get an early start & faster movement.
Darshan at Maa Vaishnodevi Temple was satisfying as there wasn't any rush though the Holy Cave was closed. Readers please take note the Holy cave now remains shut on Sunday's.
Came back to Hotel at around 1300 hours.
Now it was time to start the second phase of the trip.
Left for Patnitop at around 1500 hours by Tempo Traveller hired from a local vendor Avtar Singh. Nice person We met him last year when he took us to Shimla - Manali Trip. This time unfortunately he could not come due to other commitments but the person replacing him Raju was equally competent. Anybody going to J&K can contact Mr. Avtar Singh for Transport arrangements, such a honest man with his words & behaviour.
Reached Patnitop at around 1800 hours.
Hotel Forest View is one of the best hotels we have stayed so far.
Most important thing at such hill stations is to get good hotel with Room heaters available. This hotel is equipped with central heating system.
The party was already started in the bus itself as soon as we reached udhampur continued and shifted to party hall at forest view. Such a nice seating arrangement & Sumptuous veg & Non-veg food. Singing & dancing made it more joyful. We finished at around 11.00. Going back to room we realised the weather is changing, but it was usual as per the weather report.
As the night darkened the weather started taking the charge & by the time the sun could approach the snowfall covered the earth like a carpet.
It was an amazing, breathtaking, adventurous, unforgettable, unique, mesmerising, a life time remembrance which words are not enough to describe.
The snowfall, which is a rare in our country that also live, from start to never ending, the highest ever in 10 years as informed by some locals.
When we thought it was enough now, it was too late. Snow covered around 1ft. of the land area & it was alarming as we had to leave the place as soon as possible if we wanted to catch train tomorrow. or stuck in the hotel till the snow is cleared fromm the roads.
The efforts made to clear the road & pass by the slippery roads full of snow was a adventure again with temperature just below Zero at -3 degree. Not words but photo will describe it better.
Finally reached Jammu, hotel kings for a night stay & a final party.
Left from Jammu next day 13th, by same train to reach Home on 14th Feb, the Valentine's Day.
End of the unforgetable Journey at Borivali Station at 1730 hours on 14feb2018.
Thanks friends for your support & looking forward to explore more such destinations in future.
Your experience & review is important, Please share it with photos for years to recall.
Thanks
Jai Mata Di
