Machel Mata
This Goddess Durga shrine popularly known as Machel Mata is laocated in the village Machel, Kishtwar District of Jammu region in India. It may be noted that Goddess Durga is also known by the name Kaali or Chandi.
Thousands of people visit the shrine every year mainly from Jammu region.The pilgrimage happens in the month of August only every year. The shrine was visited in 1981 by Thakur Kulveer Singh of Bhaderwah, Jammu region. From 1987 onwards, Thakur Kulveer SIngh started 'Chhadi Yatra'that happens every year and thousnads of people visit the shrine every year during 'Chhadi Yatra'. There are lot of supernatural happennings that the pilgrims experience and report.
To reach the shrine, lot of travel agents arrange buses from Jammu, Udhampur, Ramnagar, Bhaderwah. One can also hire a cab as well. It takes approximately 10 hours by road from Jammu to Gulabgarh. The Gulabgarh is the base camp. From Gulabgarh, the foot journey starts, that is 32 km. Usually people take 2 days to reach the shrine by foot. On the way there are many villages, where one can stay in the night.but the chaddi takes three daye to reach machel. Many people organizes roadside 'langers' (free food points) on the way to the Gulabgarh. Government of Jammu & Kashmir also arranges basic amenities for the pilgrims.
Other mean of reaching the shrine is by helicopter from Jammu and Gulabgarh. The helipad is only 100 mtr from the shrine. But if someone goes by helipcopter, he will be missing many scenic beauties of the nature.