Religious tourism: AC bus service from Chamunda Devi to Vrindavan launched

In a move set to enhance religious tourism and strengthen inter-state connectivity, the Himachal Path Parivahan Nigam has launched a new air-conditioned bus service from the sacred Chamunda Devi Temple in Kangra district to the revered Vrindavan Dham in Uttar Pradesh.

The ceremonial flag-off took place on Wednesday evening, led by RS Bali, Vice Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Ajay Verma, Vice Chairman of Himachal Path Parivahan Nigam, was also present to mark the occasion.

Bali emphasised the state government’s commitment to developing Kangra as the “tourism capital” of Himachal Pradesh. He announced that the head office of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Corporation will soon be shifted to Dharamsala, a move aimed at decentralizing tourism operations and boosting local pilgrimage circuits.

“This bus service has been a long-standing demand of the people of Kangra. Not only will it ease travel for thousands of Himachali devotees heading to Vrindavan, but it will also encourage pilgrims from across India to explore the spiritual heritage of Kangra,” Bali stated.

The route, weaving through holy sites like Baglamukhi and Jwalaji, and passing through Dehra, Chandigarh, and Delhi, offers a comfortable spiritual journey. The bus departs daily from Chamunda Devi at 3.20 pm, reaching Vrindavan at 8.45 am the next day. The return journey begins at 4 pm from Vrindavan, arriving in Chamunda Devi by 9.50 am.

An online booking facility is available through the HRTC portal, making the service accessible to a wide audience. Bali also joined the passengers on the maiden journey until Kangra, personally greeting them and wishing them a safe and blessed trip.