Katra , Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi is the most visited holy destinations of India. Every year many pilgrims from across the country and abroad come and visit this destination.

Located in the town Katra, this destination is majorly famous for the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple located in the caves at the hills called ‘Trikuta Hills’, part of lower Himalayas. Pilgrims and tourists have to trek up the mountains, although now helicopter, carts, horse services are available for those who do not want to trek the hills. Till a few years ago, tourists would walk the entire path which was about 61 kms (from the Jammu airport) and today also some prefer walking down the entire route. Being the second most visited pilgrimage destination, VAISHNO Devi is well connected with other states and is equipped structurally to maintain tourists’ comfort.

Given the high altitude, Vaishno Devi mostly has a cold weather around the year; however, summers are still better with temperature from 50 to 400 Celsius in contrast to temperature in winters from 00 to -240 Celsius. It is advised that visit to Vaishno Devi should be planned in the season of summer with no rainfall thereby ensuring a safer trip.

How to reach

By Air: Nearest Airport, Jammu, 50 kilometers away.
By Rail: Katra Railway station is now operational and other Nearest Railheads Udhampur, 25 kilometers away and Jammu Tawi is 50 Kms away.
By Road: Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation buses operate to and from Jammu to Katra at regular intervals.

Best Time to Visit

Though the most favourable time to visit this shrine is from March to October, devotees visit all throughout the year. Many devotees prefer visiting in Navratras, but as per the legend, only those persons whom the Mata invites, can complete the pilgrimage.

Vaishno Devi Shrine is open throughout the year but during vacations from May to July, festival period of Chaitra and Sharad-Ashwin (autumn) Navratras and New Year vacations have maximum rush. The waiting time extends up to 20 hours and it is better to avoid this period.

Not many prefer visiting the shrine in monsoons & winters and this period is considered good for planning a pilgrimage. Nature is at its scenic best with lush green environs, waterfalls loaded with tons of water and fresh climes