The starting: Katra Experience
We reached Jammu Tawi station at the right time, i.e., 11 am approx., on 26 July 2025. It was a humid and hot day. Earlier I contacted PRof. Anil Gupta at the University of Jammu, and he told me that he would try to meet us in the station.
We waited for Prof. Anil Gupta. As we couldn’t see him, we moved to the waiting room. I wondered how poorly equipped Jammu station in comparison with other railway stations in India. This station is very important for India in many terms. Millions of pilgrims arrive and depart from this station every month.
In the mean time, I had to get a new SIM card as prepaid mobile numbers from other states do not work in Jammu & Kashmir.
I got a new SIM card and contacted Anil, sir. He was already there in the station searching for me. He came to the waiting room. He also brought food and some sweets and Namkeen for us.
After briefing him about our plan, we waited for the train which leaves at 2.30 from Jammu to Katra.
When we looked at the status at 2 pm, it was found that the train was delayed by 4 hours. We immediately moved to the bus station in front of Jammu station.
Found one AC bus leaving to Katra. We got two seats and moved in quickly. The effect of Ac was not found due to excess heat. The driver didn't pay attention to the requests of passengers to starts the bus as he wanted all the seats to be filled up.
I wondered how the arrogant behaviour of the driver was tolerated by a middle aged man from Jharkhand who was with four other family members. The driver was highly irritated and asked him to vacate his seat to some other passengers who came late. The man decently changed his seat and last he sat in cabin of the driver.
The bus started around 3 pm or so. We could see IIM Jammu and IIT campus after a few km from Jammu City.
En route we could see the construction of new bridges connecting the Katra highway. The height of the bridges are very high. Once the work is complete, it will be much easier to reach Katra.
It rained heavily en route, and at one point in time, we had to wait so that the bus could slowly climb up through the narrow road, as some portion of the road was washed out due to heavy rain.
Around 4.00 the bus stopped at some Dhaba. I never tasted such a bad tea from any hotel/Dhaba or restaurant in India. The tea stall owner prepared the tea in the morning, and he just adds water and some tea powder time and again. There was no sign of milk in the milk tea. The tea served in a paper glass cost me Rs 20. I wondered about how people can cheat so openly for business. Passengers arriving on the bus are the victims of Dhaba owners. The quality of food served are pretty bad in many such dhabas int he highways.
Later, I found that this is the popular spot for drivers, as they get complimentary items from the Dhaba owner.
Around 5.45 or so we reached Katra station. People were there everywhere. All are yatris. They all come from different places in India. Its Maa Vaishno Devi called us here. Many completed the pilgrimage while many are in waiting. We can easily make it from the body gestures of the devotees who completed the pilgrimage. The stick and slow movements due to the walk of approx. 30 km distance.
The hotel sent their pickup car, and we reached the hotel in 7 to 10 mns. The hotel room was very comfortable.
Trikuta Mountain appeared divine and mighty in the backdrop of the setting sun. I felt like the mountain was calling me. In the evening I had a walk up to a point where I could see some shops and eateries are available.
With lights on the route, the sky and hill complemented by the silence of the night filled me with spiritual energy and strength to proceed for the ensuing holy trip.
We took rest and were mentally preparing for the next day.
