Pilgrims to Maa Vaishno Devi and adventure lovers in general, have a reason to rejoice. Apart from seeking blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi, tourists will now be able to enjoy paragliding in Vaishno Devi. In a bid to promote adventure tourism, paragliding has been introduced in the village of Maukhri, which lies about 7km from Katra on Reasi Marg, in close proximity to Trikuta Hills. The goal of the tourist department is to persuade tourists to spend a few days in Katra, after seeking blessings at the holy shrine.
Encouraging tourism is the main goal, says tourism department
According to the tourism department, it is a well known fact that every year, crores of devotees visit Maa Vaishno Devi to seek blessings. The goal therefore, is to encourage adventure tourism in this religious tourist destination. By doing so, they hope to persuade tourists to stay back for a few days after they have taken the darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi. Paragliding is expected to play a big role in that. The assistant director of tourism department- Ambika Wali, said that tourists can enjoy paragliding from February in the coming year.
Tourism in Vaishno Devi will receive an impetus with the introduction of paragliding in the village of Maukhri, which lies about 7km from Katra. Tourists visiting Vaishno Devi will get an opportunity to enjoy paragliding, thereby combining spirituality with adventure during their trip.
Tourists can enjoy paragliding in Vaishno Devi from February
Tourists to Vaishno Devo can enjoy paragliding from February 2020. After seeking blessings at the shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi, tourists can head towards the village of Maukhri, located about 7km from Katra on Reasi Marg, in close proximity to Trikuta Hills.
Paragliding team from Himachal take test flight
A paragliding team from Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh toured the village to assess the possibilities and scope for paragliding. The Bor Billing Association Team, which consisted of 6 members, was led by paragliding specialists Rupesh Menson and Jyoti Thakur. The test was successful and they were satisfied with the results. If everything goes according to plan, tourists visiting Vaishno Devi will be able to enjoy paragliding from February itself.
100 tourists can enjoy paragliding in 1 day
Devotees to Maa Vaishno Devi can now embark on a paragliding adventure in Jammu, in the village of Maukhri. For the moment, single paragliding has been introduced. A paragliding specialist will accompany a tourist, while the age limit for enjoying this adventure activity in Vaishno Devi is 18 years.
The paragliding adventure will begin in the village of Maukhri and come to an end in the village of Seri. The jump will consist of 600 feet, so it promises to be an extremely thrilling ride. For the benefit and convenience of tourists, the tourist department will also provide services like an adventure hut, cafeteria and food point. Besides this, every other kind of service will be provided to paragliding enthusiasts. The roads leading to these villages will be significantly improved and maintained in excellent condition.
Efforts made to encourage and make paragliding popular
Apart from the village of Maukhri, where paragliding has been started, the village of Agar Jito, located about 2km from it, is being sought to be encouraged as an adventure center by the tourist department. The possibilities for starting this adventure sport is also being assessed in the villages of Penthal and Jhajjar Nala region. Paraglider and parajumper Colonial (retired) Pankaj Oberoi toured the village of Penthal and Jhajjar Nala. Apart from Katra, the tourist department is also looking for possibilities to encourage tourism in the nearby areas. Plans are underway to develop, Katra, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jammu for its spirituality, into an adventure center.
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