Vaishno Devi Trip : How to book rooms in main bhawan complex

Jai Mata Di.

We are planning to visit Vaishno Devi in 1st week of Nov.
1) Will it be crowded at that time?
2) Since my parents and children will accompany, I would like to make all arrangements in advance.
3) How to I book rooms in the main complex at Bhawan. I suppose at Kalika bhawan. The online booking does not have the option. Also I called the enquiry and reservation center but they refused to take booking offline (via demand draft)

Can anyone help with the queries.

Have you read http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu...amped-t162551/?

Yes Aarosh. I have been through that thread. I am aware of the website and have booked dormitory beds at multiple occasions. However this time, we plan to book rooms at main bhawan complex.

Booking of those is not possible through website. On top of that I did not get any favorable response upon calling Niharika bhawan.

I would like to know if anyone has booked room in Kalika Bhawan recently and can share the procedure.

There is a tougher route! You should send a bank draft of the prescribed amount to the Shrine Board Reservation Office accompanied with a request letter. If it is not a festive occasion, there are chances of getting rooms.

You should write to "THE Dy. Manager (Enquiry & Reservation), Shakti Bhawan, Niharika Complex (Near Bus Stand), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, KATRA, J&K Pin Code - 182301 Tel: 01991-232125 (EPABX), 234053".

Also, please keep alternative arrangement in hand!

Thanks for the information Prakaant.

So that means, the Shrine board themselves have not laid down a clear process on booking. I wonder why?

I called the above mentioned number and the gentlemen on the other side mentioned clearly that there is no process for draft.

Do you suggest that I send the draft without confirmation?

Just to update. I called Niharika Complex at 01991 - 234053. The gentleman on the phone disconnected my phone twice. He kept on saying that all booking is done through online.

When I mentioned that he was my only source of information and that there is no option of booking at Kalika Bhawan. He said, Kalika Bhawan has 20 rooms and is only for those who book 16000 Aarti.

Way to commercialize a religious place.

Really disappointed by the fact that if someone traveling with elderly and children wishes to make arrangements, there is no way out.

Gradually they are discontinuing the facility of booking Main Bhawan Complex for general public, as the rush is getting increased day by day.

I do take chance by sending draft. They allot a room in Main Bhawan, if all rooms are not occupied by the other dignitaries. Hence I had requested you to keep alternative arrangement in hand.

BTW, other facilities are also okay. Only difference is: you require to walk around half kilometer extra!

If you spend Rs 16000, you would look forward to have better facilities! There is space crunch up there!!

That is a valid reason, but at least it should be made public.

Thanks. Will try that. Can you share some more information. In whose name the draft should be made. What information should I mention in the request letter.

Had I been alone, would not have been issue. But with elderly and kids in the group, its better to be near.

Sorry. But I do not agree with that. If money matters. the shrine board should increase rent for accommodation at main complex. They can double or triple the amount. At least everyone will be aware. They should not advertise that those rooms are available for general public and then not give it to them.

We visit Vaishno Devi at least once a year or two. I have seen times when there was no money required for Aarti. It was first come first serve basis. There were lots of shops too above Manokamna Bhawan. Those were good times.

Although I agree that rush is increasing day by day. However that doesn't mean that one cannot have arrangements if they try even 3 months in advance. In other words, nothing for general public irrespective of when they plan.

The draft could be made in favor of "Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board" payable at Katra/Jammu.

Seems like I am not the only one facing issues -
http://www.grahakseva.com/complaints...ne-board-katra

Send me your email ID MK76 I will send you the details on how to book a room at Bhawan. I recently booked one for me for September.

Both of you can't tread your e-mail ID as none of you has got the right of PMing at present (it requires you to cross 10 posts& 10-Days barrier ).

@ tarun1arora, You may post the process of booking here in open forum also (if you find it appropriate)!

Hi Prakaant,

Thanks for the info that we can not share our email address yet .

Ofcourse there is no problem in sharing the process. Its always better to share in public as many users will benefit from it

The process is not difficult it just needs the correct timing. You need to book the room 30 days in advance and in the night exact at 00:00 hours. If you are able to login exact 30 days before the booking date and at 00:00 hours you will be able to book a room. You can try this at 00:00 hrs today and you will be able to book a room for 30th September 2012.

I booked a room yesterday for my trip in September end.

Thanks,
Tarun

Hi mk76,
We have booked room many times online. Thing is that they open booking 30 days before your travel you need to keep update youself that when to book room. For example if you want to book room for 1st nov than you need to book your room on 1st of oct at 12 Oclock.

You are correct, Tarun! But here the discussion pertains to Main Bhawan complex. The rooms of Main Bhawan complex could not be booked online. Those rooms are reserved most probably for pujaris, special visitors, VIPs, etc.

Earlier these rooms could be booked by sending DDs, but the Shrine Board has stopped booking these rooms.