Tirunelveli Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express (PT) runs with an LHB Rake and has a total of 20 coaches. It has 4 second seating unreserved coaches, 2 second ac coaches, 3 third ac coaches, 6 sleeper coaches and 1 pantry car coach. The engine of the train reverses at Erode Jn station. The full coach composition is:
Engine--SLR--GS--GS--A1--A2--B1--B2--B3--M1--M2--S1--PC--S2--S3--S4--S5--S6--GS--GS--EOG
Vaishno Devi is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu region). Vaishno Devi temple is one of the most popular religious spot in India. More than 10 million pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi every year. The temple is located on a 2800 ft high Trikuta Mountain. To go to Vaishno Devi, you first go to Jammu (a major railway head in North India). From Jammu, travel by road to Katra - 50 km. Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. At Katra, one has to register for the Yatra. Around Katra, there are many caves where Devis (Goddesses) and Devatas (Gods) of Hindu mythology prefer to stay. Also one can visit Shiv Khori Gufa - some 4 hours drive on dusty and rough road. The cave is more than 150 mts long and there is a Svayambhu Lingum, which constantly baths in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling. The route from Jammu to Shiv Khori is full of beautiful and picturesque mountains, waterfalls and lakes. Nearest airport from Vaishno Devi is in Jammu, just 34 km away.
