Located in the beautiful hill range of Trikuta in Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi Temple is a legendary shrine place in India. The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered sites of worship and is visited by millions of people every year for prayers and solace. This guide will help you plan a complete guide to visit Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and help in searching for the best stay option.
The town nearest to the shrine of Vaishno Devi is Katra and is about 42 kilometres from Jammu.
By Air: Jammu Airport, which is about 50 km away from Katra, has operational flights from most of the Indian cities.
By Train: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station has direct links with other cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh.
By Road: Local transport, including regular and deluxe buses and taxis, is readily available to carry visitors from Jammu to Katra, the base point of pilgrimage.
The trek from Katra to the shrine of Vaishno Devi is usually about 13 kilometres.
Traditional Trek: The shrines can be reached on foot through a well-maintained path, including refreshment shops and rest stops along the way.
Pony and Palanquin Rides: For those who cannot walk the distance, horses and palanquins are available for hire.
Helicopter Services: Helicopter rides are an option, offering breathtaking views and reducing travel time to a mere 8 minutes. Permission might only be granted in advance flight booking by clients.
The temple is open round the clock, enabling devotees to have darshan at any time.
It is compulsory that each devotee has one Yatra Registration Slip, which can be collected at the Katra Yatra Counter or online.
The darshan typically involves visiting the cave where the goddess's manifestations, in the form of pindis, are worshipped.
The best time to travel to Vaishno Devi is from March to October, although it is advised to avoid travelling during the winter season. Moreover, most pilgrims choose to visit during Navratri, when the temple looks at its best, brimming with festivities.
Loose/comfortable clothing and best walking shoes
Light woollens (light woollens are preferred more or less for the year because the temperature decreases with the rise in altitude).
Identity card or any other photo ID proof along with the Yatra Registration Slip
Enhance your spiritual journey by visiting these attractions:
Bhairon Temple: It’s situated 2 km upwards from Vaishno Devi Shrine and forms part of the pilgrimage tour.
Ardh Kuwari Cave: It’s a sacre site where goddess Vaishno Devi used to meditate.
Shiv Khori: A 200-meter-long cave dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated about 70 km from Katra.
To get the best accommodation near Vaishno Devi, one should opt for Amritara Maa Katra. Well-situated, this comfortable and quiet facility provides comforts along with modern amenities, large rooms, and a friendly atmosphere that are suitable for pilgrims.
Plan your journey to Vaishno Devi for a spiritually uplifting and serene experience. Let Amritara Maa Katra enhance your stay with unmatched comfort and care.
