Vaishno Devi, one of the most pious and revered Hindu shrines, invites millions of footfalls every year, not only from one religion but from across the globe. Dedicated to Goddess Vaishnavi, who was herself a form of mighty Goddess Durga, this place mesmerizes the pilgrims to no end with round the year ever changing spectacular vistas to offer with an obvious spiritual trance floating in air. However, following are few points you need to keep in mind while planning a Vaishno Devi itinerary.
Best Season to Visit?
Autumn. The trifling winter along with a warm tingling feeling is a great time to visit but the shrine is visited all through the year, though the path becomes somewhat difficult during the winter due to snow fall.
How to Reach:
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Air Way: Jammu Air-port is nearest. Routine flights from New Delhi to Srinagar, also some of these flights (IA) go via Chandigarh & Amritsar on few days of the week.
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By Rail: Daily trains from New Delhi to Jammu/Udhampur. Besides, it is also connected with the other major cities of the country, Udhampur to Katra is around 70km, and many taxi, private buses can ferry you to Katra from Jammu or Udhampur railway stations.
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By Road Daily Volvo Bus service at short intervals from New Delhi to Jammu starting from the state bus terminal housing a large number of Inter State bus services . You can also book ticket from Delhi to Katra sitting at home and if you are living in NCR area nearby Delhi like Noida,Gurgaon etc,you canhire car which can take you to the nearby railway station. From Jammu to Katra-48 km of distance is covered up by bus and taxi services.
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Trekking: The final part of journey, the trek of 14 km starts from Katra that leads you to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Those who cannot easily walk can hire a pony or dandi i.e. Palanquin. Pithus can also be hired for carrying the children & luggage on shoulders. It is desirable to take the services of only the registered service providers and keep their service token with you for the period they are engaged to avoid any kind of slip-up.
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Where to stay:
At Jammu; In the main Katra Market, Yatri Niwas Dharamshala is managed by the shrine Board and value of the room ranges from 60/- for dormitory and up to 1000/- for an AC room. Also, there are various other private hotels charging anywhere from Rs. 300/- to 3000/- per day. At Katra; The Yatri Niwas rest houses maintained by Jammu & Kashmir Tourism department which also manages few other hotels.
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YATRA The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km on foot to reach the Darbar/Shrine. A slip is issues to each pilgrim, from the Yatra Registration counter at the Tourism Reception Centre, just when you start the Yatra. Without an authentic slip, you won’t be allowed to cross Banganga check post. The slip is free but required to commence the Yatra.
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One km upward from Katra, Banganga is a place where Mata satiated her thirst. Six km more into the trek, you will find Adhkawari, the holy cave where Mata was in a period of meditation meditated for nine months.
Accommodation is available at Sanjhi Chat, which is also a helicopter base. You can take rest here or can carry onwards, since throughout the way, there are multiple number of food options available.
On reaching the Bhawan, show your Yatra slip at the Registration Office and a Batch No. would be provided on the slip. This number determines your place in the queue for the holy Darshan.