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Vaishno Devi is recognized as one of the holiest pilgrimages, and the famed Trikuta Mountains cave abodes the Mata Vaishno Devi temple. It is one of India’s oldest holy sanctuaries, and devotees from all over the world visit to seek blessings.
The goddess appears in three forms here: Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. Mata Rani, Trikuta, and Vaishnavi are some of the names she has been given. The 13-kilometer hike to the temple offers breathtaking views along the way. If you are considering a Vaishno Devi trip with your family, here is a guide that will tell you everything you need to know before heading to this sacred site.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Options
Every year, around 1 crore worshippers of Mata Vaishno Devi visit Vaishno Devi and aim to hike 12 kilometers to seek Mata Rani’s blessings. Let’s have a look at some of the options for getting from Katra to Ardhkuwari and then from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan on your Vaishno Devi family tour.
- Trekking
Vaishno Devi’s vacation with family should be well planned, especially if you choose hiking as your form of transportation from Katra to Bhawan, which is almost 13 kilometers away. There are two routes from Katra to Ardhkuwari, each with a different distance, and there are two routes from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan. The Bhairavnath shrine is a few kilometers up the road from the Vaishno Devi temple; you can either trek there or take one of the many ponies and talkies available on the journey.
- Helicopter Tour
A helicopter trip would add a spark of joy and excitement to the overall experience for all the kids, adults, and the old. The helicopter ride must be reserved at least two months in advance by the tourists. The helicopter journey takes about 8 minutes and may accommodate 5 to 6 guests. The Katra helipad is located on the Udhampur road, about 2 kilometers from the Katra bus station.
It takes nearly half an hour to reach Vaishno Devi Bhawan from Sanjhichhat. You can use horses, porters, or palkis services if you prefer, or you can walk to the shrine. A one-way helicopter journey from Katra to Sanjhichhat will cost roughly Rs. 1800 for a single passenger, and Rs. 3600 per person for both sides.
- Palanquins and Ponies
Some devotees may find it difficult to travel for 12 to 13 kilometers at a time to visit Vaishno Devi Bhawan, hence many pilgrims opt to use other services such as ponies and palanquins. The municipal committee oversees all pony, porter, and palanquin services for the benefit of travelers. Also, when organizing your Vaishno Devi journey from Delhi, make sure you have thoroughly researched all of your possibilities.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Temples to Visit
- Temple of Mata Vaishno Devi
Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is devoted to Vaishno Devi and is regarded as one of the most important temples and sacred locations among Hindus. The temple is regarded as one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Durga, also known as Vaishno Devi.
- Adh Kumari Temple
Adh Kuwari is regarded as a midway point to the main Bhawan of Vaishno Devi, which is 6 kilometers away. Adh Kuwari, which means “eternal virgin,” is regarded as one of the most important temples on the road to the holy cave.
- Temple of Bhairon Nath
Bhairon Nath Temple is devoted to Baba Bhairavnath and is located just 2 kilometers from Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Bhairav is said to have been killed by the Vaishno Devi goddess when he was going to assault her, and she then took on the shape of Kali and beheaded him. He confessed to his misdeeds, and the goddess forgave him, stating that a visit to Vaishno Devi would be incomplete unless he sought the blessings of Bhairon Nath.
- Charan Paduka
Charan Paduka is located at an elevation of 3380 feet and is around 1.5 kilometers from Banganga. Charan Paduka is a holy location imprinted on a rock slab where the impressions of the Goddess’s devout feet are believed to be. Visitors pay their respects to the Mata’s footsteps, which are carved on a rock slab, before continuing on with the yatra.
How to Get to Vaishno Devi
Vaishnodevi and her family can travel by car, train, or plane. The nearest terminal is the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway station, which is located 20 kilometers from the holy sanctuary of Vaishno Devi temple. Buses to Katra run frequently from Jammu Tawi, Amritsar, New Delhi, and other important Indian towns.
One can alternatively travel to Katra, which is around 50 km from Jammu and serves as the yatra’s base camp. Jammu is well connected by flight from all major cities; another option is to use the train. There are numerous daily and weekly trains that run from major towns to Jammu, and a few have been extended to Katra. You may simply arrange a Vaishno Devi trip from Mumbai, given the connectivity and possibilities.
When is the best time to visit Vaishno Devi Yatra?
Vaishno Devi is crowded all year, although it is most popular with tourists from March to July when the weather is beautiful and comfortable for worshippers. The maximum temperature is 31 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is 17 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for darshan. As a result, many visitors prefer to schedule their Vaishno Devi journey with their families during these months.
It frequently rains between August and September, and the weather can be a little intense, yet many devotees like to travel during this season. Winter months are November to February, and many travelers avoid traveling during these months since weather conditions are harsh and trekking becomes tough.
3 Best Places to Stay in Katra
When travelers are considering a trip to Vaishno Devi, they will only come across a property in Katra. You can, however, organize your stay in Katra. The hotels listed below are in Katra and are well-known for their first-rate amenities and comfortable accommodations. Let’s have a look at our chosen choice of hotels in Katra for those visiting Vaishno Devi with their families.
- Rama Trident Hotel
The refreshing hotel has modern construction and is within 14 14-minute’ walk from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra train station. You might choose to enjoy nearby activities such as visiting Baba Dhansar Temple, which is only 24 minutes away. You can take a leisurely stroll around the Shalimar Garden, which is only 8 minutes away from the hotel. Guest favorites include cooperative personnel, big rooms, tasty meals, and a convenient location.
- The AMR Hotel
The hotel is close to a retail center and is close to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi train station, which is about a 4-minute walk from the resort. The AMR hotel provides a secure and sanitary environment for its guests. The rooms are divided into several categories, including Superior, Deluxe, and Deluxe Family.
- Hari Resort Hotel
Hotel Hari Resort provides a variety of services such as free WiFi, full-service laundry, and air-conditioned rooms. The hotel is well-known for its ability to organize special occasion preparations. The resort offers a variety of room types, including double deluxe AC, double deluxe without AC, and super deluxe rooms. With its near proximity to main places, including a stay in this property in your Katra trip itinerary with the family is a fantastic choice.