About Vaishno Devi
- Opening Hours: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Prime Day & Hours: Tuesday and Saturday; Early Morning or Late Evening
- Suggested Duration: 1-2 days
- Tickets: Online and Offline
- Nearest Railway Station: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, 18 kms away
- Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (IXJ), 65 kms away
- Nearest Bus Stop: Katra Bus Stand 17 kms away
Vaishno Devi is a famous temple located in the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, India, dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, a form of Goddess Durga. Many people include a visit to this temple in their Kashmir Tour Packages to seek the goddess's blessings for peace, prosperity, and good fortune. The temple is at a height of more than 5,000 feet, and pilgrims usually walk around 12 kilometres from the base camp in Katra to reach it. Visitors can also use ponies, palanquins, or helicopters to reach the temple.
The temple features a natural cave where the goddess is believed to reside in the form of three sacred rocks. Vaishno Devi is an important spiritual destination, attracting millions of visitors every year who come to pray and experience the divine atmosphere.
Vaishno Devi Highlights
• Offer prayers and seek blessings at Vaishno Devi, an ancient shrine, believed to be over a million years old.
• Enjoy a scenic trek through the breathtaking Himalayan hills, taking in the surrounding natural landscapes.
• Experience the vibrant 'Bhandara' at Vaishno Devi, where pilgrims share food, celebrate, and bond in spiritual unity.
• Visit the Ardh Kuwari Cave, where once Vaishno Devi hid to escape from Bhairo Nath.
• Pay your respects at the Bhairon Temple to conclude your journey at Vaishno Devi.
How To Reach Vaishno Devi
By Air:
- Helicopter: Helicopter services are available from Katra to Sanjichhat, which is about 3-4 km from the shrine. It generally takes around 10-12 minutes to reach, after which, you can walk the remaining distance to the temple.
Other Modes:
- By Ponies and Palanquins: For those who don't wish to walk the entire distance, ponies and palanquins are available from Katra. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach Vaishno Devi via a pony or palanquin ride.
- By Foot: Pilgrims can trek a 12 km uphill path from Katra to the temple, and reach in roughly 4-6 hours.
Best Time To Visit Vaishno Devi
Peak Season (April to June)
- Weather Insights: Lush green mountains, blooming flowers, and comfortable weather.
- Things to do: Lively atmosphere, scenic views, and festive energy.
Shoulder Season (September to November)
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and occasional rainfall.
- Things to do: Quieter exploration, peaceful pilgrimage experience.
Waning Season (December to February)
- Weather Insights: Cold temperatures, occasional snowfall.
- Things to do: Snow-covered landscapes, breathtaking views, and quieter ambience.
Vaishno Devi Other Essential Information
Why Visit Vaishno Devi?
- More than 8 million pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi every year, making it one of India's most visited places.
- Pilgrims never directly get to see Vaishno Devi; they can witness her through the Pindis.
- The goddess defeated the demon Bhairon Nath, whose shrine is located nearby, and is also a popular pilgrimage spot.
- A new seven-kilometre route, Tarakote Marg, offers a step-free, gentle path for pilgrims.
- The Marg also features amenities like food joints, washrooms, and water coolers at regular intervals.
Know Before You Visit Vaishno Devi:
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes as you'll need to walk long distances and trek uphill to reach the shrine.
- Ensure you carry water and energy-boosting snacks to stay hydrated, as the trek to Vaishno Devi can be exhausting.
- Adhere to all safety protocols and instructions, especially during the trek, to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience.
- Keep your personal belongings close to avoid loss or theft, while on the trek or at crowded spots.
- If you’re unfamiliar with the trek, consider hiring a guide or asking locals for directions to ensure you stay on the right path.
Offer Prayers at the Holy Shrine
Visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine is a spiritual journey for peace and blessings. Listed among the top places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir, the shrine is over a million years old and is visited by over 94 Lakh people annually. Pilgrims believe that seeking the goddess's blessings brings prosperity, happiness, and fulfilment of wishes.
Walk Along the Aastha Path Trek
The Aastha Path is a scenic and peaceful trekking route leading to the Vaishno Devi shrine. The path offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan hills, dense forests, and scenic landscapes.
Attend the Bhandara Feast
A unique tradition at Vaishno Devi is the 'Bhandara', a community feast where pilgrims come together to share food. This event fosters a sense of unity and devotion among visitors from different parts of the world.
Visit the Ardh Kuwari Cave
Ardh Kuwari is an important stop for pilgrims en route to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Visiting the cave is considered one of the top things to do in Jammu, as it is believed that Goddess Vaishno Devi hid here to escape from Bhairon Nath.
Offer Prayers at Bhairon Temple
The Bhairon Temple, located near the Vaishno Devi shrine, is dedicated to Bhairon Nath, who is believed to have been granted liberation by Goddess Vaishno Devi. After visiting the main shrine, many pilgrims visit this temple to complete their spiritual journey and seek blessings.
Tourism Board Alliances
Vaishno Devi FAQs
In which city is Vaishno Devi?
The Vaishno Devi shrine is situated in the Trikuta hills, 13 km from the base camp in Katra, a well-known town in the Reasi district. It is located approximately 63 km from Jammu city and is a popular tourist site in Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the right time to visit Vaishno Devi?
April to June is one of the best times to visit Vaishno Devi. Many travellers book their Kashmir family tour packages at this time, to experience an ideal balance of good weather and the lively ambience.
Is it difficult to go to Vaishno Devi?
No, it’s not difficult to go to Vaishno Devi, even though it's located at a height of over 5,000 feet. Travellers can visit the holy shrine in several ways including trekking, ponies or palanquin rides, and helicopters.
Can we stay overnight at Vaishno Devi Temple?
Yes, you can choose to stay overnight at Vaishno Devi Temple by booking a hotel, guesthouse or dormitory. It’s recommended that you book your stay well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles during the trip. You can also choose to book Thrillophilia’s Kashmir itinerary for 5 days, and customize it to include a trip to Vaishno Devi.
Is mobile allowed in Vaishno Devi Temple?
No, electronic devices like mobile phones are not allowed inside the Vaishno Devi Temple. However, you can choose to keep your devices at cloakrooms available at Katra or the main Bhawan complex.
.jpg?w=1280&dpr=1){kind=tracking}
