Spoilt for choice with Vaishno Devi Hotels

Ensconced within the Trikuta Mountains near Jammu, the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi is very famous with not only pilgrims but also tourists. The Vaishno Devi Temple is about 13km from the small metropolis of Katra and one could effortlessly get there via helicopter, by hiking, on horseback or with the aid of palki or human palanquin.

Due to the great numbers of pilgrims and tourist frequenting this holy shrine there are a range of Vaishno Devi hotels to choose from. These hotels provide a haven for travellers ensuring that they have a pleasant, comfortable and relaxing stay.

Highlights of the choices available

One could categorise the options or choices available for hotels in Vaishno Devi into three classes, the high-end hotels, mid-range hotels and the budget hotels. This classification could be done based on the room tariff or charges that one would need to pay for a stay. Facilities and amenities offered in the hotels could also vary depending on which category they fall into.

All hotels would offer clean and comfortable rooms with linens and towels that would be changed daily or when required by the guest.High-end and mid-range hotels might provide guests with complimentary toiletries which could include soaps, shampoos and lotions. A guest checking in or booking a room in a Vaishno Devi hotel would be offered a choice of either single, double or twin bedded rooms. Families travelling with small children could request for additional cots or beds at an additional charge. Some budget hotels might offer a large room with more than two beds for people travelling in groups. Room charges could also depend upon whether the guest opts to stay in an AC or non-AC room. Rooms in all the hotels would come with televisions offering the most popular cable television channels for guests to enjoy.

In addition to being professional the staff at all hotels would be helpful and courteous making sure that every guest has a comfortable and pleasant stay. The concierge or reception desk might be able to help with arranging sight-seeing excursions or even with booking onward or return journeys as required. Some high-end and mid-range hotels might provide transfers to and from helipads or railway stations.

In addition to room service being offered in all Vaishno Devi hotels, some high-end and mid-range hotels might also have restaurants or coffee shops on the premises. These restaurants could be specialty restaurants and would serve a range of tasty fare. The Vaishno Devi hotels might offer overnight guests complimentary buffet breakfast.

Budget hotels might have fewer amenities to offer when compared to high-end and mid-range hotels but they are perfect for people travelling in groups or for a short stay.

Points to remember

Please confirm what amenities and facilities can be used by the guest as part of the room charges being paid. For example are there any additional charges for transfers to and from railway stations or helipads.

If you have any special requirements regarding the room please make them known at the time of confirming your booking. For example if you are unable to climb stairs please confirm if there is a lift or if a room on the ground floor could be made available.

Please confirm if there are any special prices or discounts that you could avail of if you are travelling in a group.

It might be beneficial to plan your budget so you know what type of hotel you would be able to book and the facilities or amenities that can be availed of within that planned budget.

Jyoti is affiliated with White Hotels and writes on topics related to hotel in Katra.