Vaishno Devi Temple is located at Katra on the Trikuta Mountains in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Vaishno Devi. Recognized as one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, this temple has immense significance where Goddess Durga is worshiped as Vaishno Devi. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India attracting millions of devotees every year. Especially, during festivals like Navratri, the number of devotees in the temple increases to one crore. Famous for its spiritual importance and a tourist destination, Vaishno Devi Temple also has the distinction of being one of the richest temples in India. If you are wondering how to reach Vaishno Devi, the temple can be easily reached by various means of transportation. Plan your pilgrimage with Vaishno Devi Tour Packages for a seamless and enriching experience.
The nearest airport to Katra is Jammu Airport, officially known as Jammu Civil Enclave, located 50 km away. Jammu is well connected to major airports in India including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Convenient cab and taxi services are easily available to reach the airport.
The nearest railway station to the temple is Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station in Katra. Over the years, Katra has established good connectivity with major cities across the country, with regular train services. Tourists can find excellent accommodation facilities near the station. It is from here that the real movement towards Mata Bhawan begins. Pilgrims can either trek the 13-kilometer route or opt for helicopter services that operate helicopters from Katra to Sanjichhat.
Suggest To Read: Vaishno Devi Temple Timings, Aarti & Rituals
Regular bus services from all major North Indian cities are available to Jammu and Katra, as NH 1A passes through Jammu towards Srinagar. If traveling by road, whether through public or private transport, you can take a bypass from Kunjwani, about 10 km from Jammu, and head straight towards Katra (the base camp for the Vaishno Devi trek). Various standard and deluxe buses of state road transport corporations and private operators connect Jammu with important North Indian cities and towns.
The trek route up to Vaishno Devi is a well-maintained paved route with mild climb. On the way, pilgrims enjoy mesmerizing views of nature. The duration of the journey depends on individual speed, crowd density and weather conditions. Along the route, various colorful shops offer religious souvenirs and spiritual music. Ardhkuwari serves as the midpoint. Before Adhkuwari lies Indraprastha, where the path splits into two routes:
Old route: Passing through Adhkuwari, it reaches Bhairav Ghati and descends to the holy building.
New route: The new route is 5.5 km shorter than the old route and only electric rickshaws are allowed on this route.
At a short distance from Ardhkuwari is Sanjhi Chhat Plateau, a resting place from where the holy temple is situated at a distance of two and a half km.
| Cities | Distance (Km) |
| Delhi to Katra | 640 km |
| Mumbai to Katra | 2027 km |
| Srinagar to Katra | 221 km |
| Leh to Katra | 643 km |
| Kanpur to Katra | 1138 km |
| Bangalore to Katra | 2834 km |
| Gujarat to Katra | 1523 km |
| Punjab to Katra | 302 km |
The best time to visit Vaishno Devi is during May and June. Although the days are quite hot, the temperature cools down in the evening, providing a pleasant experience for the pilgrims. Due to low temperatures at higher altitudes, it is advisable to wear light woolen clothes. This season is especially ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds.
Niharika Yatri Niwas: Run by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Niharika Yatri Niwas is a well-known accommodation option near the temple. It offers comfortable rooms and dormitories at affordable prices. The facility ensures essential amenities like clean bedding, hot water, and 24-hour front desk service. Additionally, for those seeking convenient accommodation options, there are several hotels in Katra, allowing devotees to easily reach the temple and participate in religious rituals.
Hotel Shree Palace: Located near the entrance of Vaishno Devi Temple, Hotel Shri Palace offers a comfortable stay for pilgrims. The hotel offers well-furnished rooms with modern amenities such as private bathrooms, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The in-house restaurant serves delicious vegetarian food catering to the dietary preferences of the devotees. The hotel’s convenient location provides easy access to the temple and other nearby attractions.
White Hotel: Located in Katra, a short distance from Vaishno Devi Temple, The White Hotel is a great accommodation option. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms with contemporary furnishings and modern amenities.
Hotel Bali Resorts: Located in the heart of Katra, Hotel Bali Resorts offers a blend of comfort and affordability. The hotel has well-furnished rooms with essential amenities like air conditioning, television and room service.
Hotel Asia Vaishno Devi: Hotel Asia Vaishno Devi is a popular choice for pilgrims seeking a comfortable stay. The hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, satellite TV and en-suite bathrooms.
There is a difference between a visit to Vaishno Devi temple and any other journey because it is a complete pilgrimage. It is imperative to be aware of the rules and regulations especially when embarking on this spiritual journey. For Vaishno Devi travel tips, visit www.maavaishnodevi.org website. Here are some dos and don’ts for this trip:-
Do’s:
Don’t:
Planning: Vaishno Devi is a popular pilgrimage site, so it is essential to plan your visit. Book your accommodation, arrange transportation and obtain necessary permits or passes well in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Pack wisely: As you embark on a spiritual journey to Vaishno Devi, pack light but don’t forget the essentials. Comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes (especially during the colder months), a sturdy backpack and a small first aid kit are some of the things you should consider bringing along.
Stay hydrated: The journey to Vaishno Devi can be physically demanding, so it is important to stay hydrated throughout your journey. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at various water points along the route. It is also advisable to carry some energy snacks with you to maintain your energy levels.
Respect the environment: Vaishno Devi is nestled in the lap of nature and it is important to take care of the environment during your visit. Dispose of garbage responsibly, avoid using single-use plastics and follow designated routes to reduce your impact on the surrounding environment.
Take guidance: If you are unfamiliar with the route or need assistance during your pilgrimage, do not hesitate to seek guidance from local authorities or fellow pilgrims. They can provide valuable advice, help you navigate your way and ensure you have a safe and enriching experience.
Frequently Asked Questions to Reach Vaishno Devi:
Q.1 Which is the nearest airport to Vaishno Devi?
Ans. The nearest airport to Vaishno Devi is Jammu Airport, which is well connected to major cities of India. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-paid taxi to reach the base camp of Katra, the starting point of the Vaishno Devi journey.
Q.2 How can I reach Vaishno Devi by train?
Ans. The nearest railway station to Vaishno Devi is Jammu Tawi Railway Station. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Katra, the base camp of the Vaishno Devi trek. Many trains from different parts of India connect to Jammu Tawi railway station.
Q.3 Is there any helicopter service to Vaishno Devi?
Ans. Yes, helicopter service is available for pilgrims who want to reach Vaishno Devi quickly and comfortably. Helicopter service runs from Katra to Sanjichhat, which is close to the building. However, it is advisable to book helicopter tickets in advance due to high demand.
Q.4 Can I hire a taxi from Jammu to Vaishno Devi?
Ans. Yes, you can hire a taxi from Jammu to Vaishno Devi. Various taxi services and private operators provide transportation services from Jammu to Katra. It is recommended to book a taxi from authorized operators and confirm the rates before starting your journey.
Q.5 How long is the journey to Vaishno Devi?
Ans. The journey to Vaishno Devi covers a distance of approximately 13.5 kilometers from Katra to Bhawan. The duration of the trek varies depending on your fitness level and pace. On average, it takes around 4-6 hours to climb from Katra to Bhawan.
Conclusion
The journey to Vaishno Devi is not just physical; This is the journey of the soul. As you cross various paths and move towards the divine, each mode of transport becomes a symbolic expression of devotion, determination and dedication. Whether you want to walk the sacred path, embrace the grandeur of a palanquin, gallop with the ponies, or fly through the sky in a helicopter, a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi promises an experience that is beyond the ordinary. Consider exploring Kashmir tour packages that can complement your spiritual journey, providing an opportunity to discover the breathtaking beauty of the region. Let this guide serve as your compass and lead you to the spiritual realm of Vaishno Devi, where blessings and solace await those who embark on this transformative journey.
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Vaishno Devi Temple is situated on the beautiful Trikuta Mountain in Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of approximately 5,300 feet (1,615 m) above sea level. This is one of the most special pilgrimage places in India. People from all over the world come to seek blessings and divine knowledge from Maa Vaishno Devi and embrace spirituality. Although the temple is open throughout the year, t...
Vaishno Devi is one of the most sacred places for Hindu devotees in North India. Located in Katra on the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, India, this temple is located 13.5 kilometers away from Katra. Various transport options are available for pilgrims, inc...