Customer Story : Delhi To Katra On Budget
- Trip Today India
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 14
For many Indians, a trip to Vaishno Devi is more than just a journey — it's a calling. But for Rishabh Verma, a college student from Delhi, the spiritual spark came with a constraint: a tight budget of just ₹3,000.
With a little help from Trip Today India, smart planning, and some desi jugaad — he made it happen.
Meet Rishabh – The Seeker on a Budget
“I wanted to go to Vaishno Devi with my friends during semester break, but we were all broke college kids. Everyone said it wasn’t possible under ₹5,000, but I took it as a challenge.”
Rishabh used the Trip Today India Budget Planner Tool, selected “Spiritual Trip,” set the budget to ₹3,000, and the results surprised him.
Day 1 – Delhi to Jammu (Train): ₹365
Rishabh booked a second-class sleeper train via IRCTC from Delhi to Jammu Tawi.
Total cost: ₹365
Travel time: ~11 hours overnight
“Trip Today India suggested this train and even gave me alerts on seat availability. We got confirmed tickets and reached fresh in the morning.”
Day 2 – Jammu to Katra: ₹100
From Jammu station, he took a government-run bus to Katra.
Cost: ₹100
Duration: 2.5 hours
Views: Priceless Himalayan glimpses
Stay in Katra: ₹400
Instead of a hotel, Rishabh found a clean dharamshala near the base point, suggested by Trip Today India's verified stays.
Cost per person (shared room): ₹400
Bonus: Free blanket and locker service
“No frills, but clean and safe. Perfect for young travelers.”
The Trek to Vaishno Devi Shrine
Start: Evening
Duration: 5–6 hours (each way)
Cost: ₹0 (walking instead of pony/helicopter)
Prasad: ₹20 for basic thali
Bhawan cloakroom: Free
“We skipped ponies and walked under the stars. It felt divine. Energy came from the chants around us.”
Food & Water: ₹250 (Total for Trip)
Rishabh and his group mostly ate from community langars, small dhabas, and railway canteens.
Refilled water at public stations and avoided packaged junk.
“We stayed hydrated and healthy with simple, local food.”
Return Journey: Katra to Delhi – ₹365
He booked the Shri Shakti Express from Katra to Delhi (sleeper class again).
Arrival: Next morning, safely home.
Total Trip Cost Breakdown:
Expense | Amount |
Delhi to Jammu (Train) | ₹365 |
Jammu to Katra (Bus) | ₹100 |
Stay at Dharamshala | ₹400 |
Trek & Bhawan Services | ₹20 |
Food (All Days) | ₹250 |
Katra to Delhi (Train) | ₹365 |
Total Spent | ₹1,500 ✅ |
“Even after snacks and emergency items, I was still under ₹2,000. It was unbelievable.”
How Trip Today India Helped
✅ Budget Planner Tool
✅ Verified low-cost stays & transport
✅ Cab & train timing alerts
✅ Local hacks like dharamshala list, free langars, and trek preparation
✅ Safe solo-travel tips for youth
Rishabh’s Final Words
“Trip Today India made this dream possible. We came back with memories, faith, and pride — not debt. Now I plan every trip with them.”
Plan Your Own Trip from Delhi to Katra
Whether you're spiritual, adventurous, or budget-conscious, Trip Today India helps you experience India — your way.
Start now. Plan your journey with:
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| Youth Specials