New Delhi: Vaishno Devi Temple, situated in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the well-known Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Located at a height of 5,200 feet, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. It attracts many devotees every year. Pilgrims often start their trek from the base camp of Katra and cover a distance of approximately 13 kilometres through scenic and challenging terrains. One can either go on foot, on horseback, or by a battery-operated vehicle.
A visit to Vaishno Devi Temple is not only a spiritual pilgrimage but also a test of physical endurance, that offers pilgrims a deep sense of peace, devotion, and divine blessings. While planning a trip to Mata Vaishno Devi, it is very essential to have a thorough knowledge of the weather, the best time to visit, the best route and other essential things. Read on below to learn more about how to reach, the best time, ticket booking tips, etc.
About Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
According to legend, Vaishno Devi was a young and virtuous woman who meditated in the mountains to escape the distractions of Lord Vishnu and other gods. She eventually, merged with the deity in a divine form, which led to the establishment of her shrine at the sacred location. The cave temple is considered to be the house of the divine presence of Goddess Vaishno Devi. These formations represent the Goddess in her three forms, i.e., Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati.
Katra to Vaishno Devi distance and travel options
The distance from Katra to Vaishno Devi Temple is around 13 kilometres and can be covered by various means of transport. Katra is located at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains and is the base camp for devotees from where the journey to reach the temple begins,
Here are some of the common travel options by which you can reach the temple:
On Foot: Many devotees walk on foot to reach the temple. The trek takes about 5-7 hours depending on the speed. The route is well-maintained and also offers many resting points along the way.
Horseback: For elderly people and those who are unable to walk the entire path, horseback riding is a favoured choice. The horses are available at the base camp to hire and along the route to the temple. The journey on horseback takes around 4-6 hours to reach the temple.
Helicopter: This is a new addition to the travel option to the temple. For a faster and more convenient option, helicopter services are available from Katra to Sanjichhat, which is about 2.5 kilometres from the temple. From Sanjichhat, devotees have to walk to the shrine.
Battery-Operated Vehicles: Battery-used vehicles are also a convenient option for elderly or differently-abled devotees. These vehicles are eco-friendly and provide a comfortable ride. However, passengers still need to walk in the remaining last stretch to reach the temple.
Vaishno Devi weather and best time to visit
Vaishno Devi experiences many changing weather conditions throughout the year. Here is the best time to plan your trip to the holy pilgrimage:
Weather:
Summer (April to June): The weather during the summer season is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. It is a favoured time by the devotees, as the days are warm but not too hot and nights are cool, which offers a refreshing atmosphere.
Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season witnesses heavy rainfall to the place. Landslides are very common during this period. Due to these situations, the monsoon season is generally not advised for a trip to Mata Vaishno Devi.
Winter (October to March): The winter season in Vaishno Devi is cold, with temperatures going below freezing sometimes. Snowfall is very common, especially during December and January. While the temple is open throughout the year, the harsh weather can make the trip challenging. A careful trip should be planned at this time.
Best Time to Visit:
March to June: This is the best time to visit Vaishno Devi. The weather is calm, and the picturesque beauty of the surrounding mountains adds to the travelling experience. This time is ideal for those looking for a relaxed and comfortable journey.
September to November: Another favourable time to visit Vaishno Debi is from September to November. The weather is pleasing, and the region receives minor rainfall, which makes it a safe and pleasant time for the pilgrimage.
Ropeway at Vaishno Devi
The Ropeway at Vaishno Devi is a convenient mode of transportation to reach Bhawan (the temple complex) from Sanjichhat. It is about 2.5 kilometres away from the shrine. The ropeway is an alternative to the trek, particularly for elderly people, differently abled, or anyone looking for a faster and more comfortable way to reach the temple.
While the ropeway service is available throughout the year, it is most popular during the summer months when the weather is warm. During winters, when the heavy snowfall makes the trek slippery and dangerous, the ropeway is a safer and more convenient option.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter services and booking tips
Vaishno Devi Helicopter services offer a quick and convenient way for pilgrims to reach Sanjichhat, which is located about 2.5 kilometres from the Vaishno Devi Temple. Here are some of the service features and booking tips that you need to keep in mind while option for it:
Starting point: The helicopter services start from Katra (the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage), and fly directly to Sanjichhat, a point located at a height of around 6,200 feet.
Duration: The helicopter ride takes around 8 to 10 minutes for a one-way trip, which makes it an easy way to cover the distance. It is suitable for quicker ride options.
Frequency: Helicopter services run in the morning and evening. The frequency of the flight increases during the peak seasons, such as the summer and festival times.
Capacity: Each helicopter accommodates around 6 to 8 passengers depending upon the size of the aircraft.
Ticket price: The fare for a one-way helicopter ride from Katra to Sanjichhat ranges between INR 1,000 to INR 2,000 per passenger, depending on the season and the service provider.
Booking tips for Vaishno Devi Helicopter services:
Booking: Helicopter tickets are in high demand, especially during peak seasons, so it is advisable to book them in advance. The tickets can be booked online through the official Vaishno Devi Shrine Board website or the service providers.
Booking process: To book the tickets online, visit the official website of Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or the designated helicopter service provider’s site. Make sure that you have all the necessary details required, such as photo identification and travel dates, while making the booking.
Timing: Plan the helicopter ride ahead of time, as the services are only available during specific hours of the day. The service is not functional during adverse weather conditions, like fog, heavy rain, or strong winds.
Weather considerations: Helicopter services are dependent on the weather. In case of poor weather, flights can be delayed or maybe cancelled. It is important to check the weather prediction and confirm the flight status before the date of your travel.
Vaishno Devi train and transport options
Travelling to Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir can be made more convenient by using a variety of transport options, such as trains, buses, and other private vehicles. Listed below are some of the different modes of transport by which you can reach the shrine:
1. Train:
The nearest railway station to Vaishno Devi is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is situated approximately 50 kilometres from Katra which is the base camp for the pilgrimage. After reaching Jammu, devotees can continue their journey to Katra by road.
Apart from this, some special trains run directly from major cities such as Delhi to Katra Railway Station, which is closer to the base of the Vaishno Devi trek.
2. Road transport
There are many road transport travel options available, such as buses, taxis, etc.
Jammu to Katra buses: Many government and private buses run daily between Jammu and Katra. These buses are a convenient and affordable option.
Direct buses to Katra from major cities: Many direct buses from cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar to Katra are also available.
Private taxis
Taxis and private vehicles are easily available from Jammu and other nearby places. The journey from Jammu to Katra by taxi takes around 1.5 hours.
Shrine Board guidelines for pilgrims
While travelling to Mata Vaishno Devi, the devotees have to follow some of the guidelines listed by the Shrine board:
Before proceeding for the trek, get a Yatra slip from the Yatra Registration Counter. No one is allowed to proceed beyond the Banganga check post without obtaining the Yatra slip.
In case you wish to get the facility of rented accommodation at Katra, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat or Bhawan, get the room reservation done beforehand from the Enquiry and Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex (near the Bus Stand) Katra.
Make sure to confirm the rates of the Porters, Ponies and Palanquins before hiring them. Make sure that they carry a valid registration card.
Keep a note of their numbers before trusting them with your valuables.
Video cameras and other electronic equipment are not allowed on the track.
Travel light and leave all unwanted clothes and luggage at Katra itself.
Food, drink and blankets are available at many shelters along the way. There is no need to carry these items along.
While on the Track
Uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage and dress decently. Avoid vulgar language or offensive talk or gestures.
Do not treat it as a picnic or a vacation outing.
Respect the sentiments of co-pilgrims.
Cooperate with the security agencies for thorough security checks.
Avoid resting near landslide-prone areas.
Refrain from smoking, chewing tobacco and betel leaves, spitting, spreading litter, playing cards etc.
Consumption of liquor, intoxicants and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited.
Avoid carrying too much cash, jewellery and other valuables.
Don’t trust strangers with your belongings. Deposit all extra baggage in the cloakrooms.
Don’t encourage begging. It is strictly prohibited.
Obtain cash receipts for any cash paid at the Shrine Board outlets.
Avoid using routes that are closed for repairs. This can be dangerous.
Yatries with high blood pressure or heart or asthmatic problems need to have a clearance from their doctors before beginning the journey.
Yatries with any kind of medical problems are strongly advised not to use the stairs.
Sticking posters, writing on the walls, mutilating or damaging the property is a legal offence punishable with both fine and imprisonment.
Video film shooting is prohibited en route. Please leave your video cameras at Katra.
At Bhawan & for Darshans
On arrival at Bhawan, obtain the group number at the Yatra slip check post to get into the queue for Darshans.
Proceed for Darshans only when the Group number is announced and avoid crowding for Darshans at Gate No.1. Abide by the procedure and wait for the turn of Darshans.
Don’t use soaps, shampoos, oils etc. at the bathing Ghats.
Freshen up and wear clean clothes before proceeding to the Darshans.
Nothing except cash and selected offerings are allowed inside the Holy Cave. All other belongings need to be deposited in the free cloakrooms.
While inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, focus on the Holy Pindies of the Divine Mother.
Chanting of slogans of praises inside the cave is not allowed as it disturbs the other pilgrims.
Don’t offer any cash or jewellery in front of the Holy Pindies.
Deposit the donations in the donation boxes kept at various locations.
Please do not offer any tip or Dakshina or any other gratification to any employee or person.
FAQs: Vaishno Devi Trip Essentials
1. How do I reach Katra?
Katra is situated at a distance of 50 km from Jammu, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is connected to all other places by road, rail and air. Jammu is connected by air with Delhi and Srinagar.
2. What should I do before proceeding with the Yatra from Katra?
Before proceeding to Bhawan for Darshans make sure of the following:-
Get a yatra Parchi (slip) from the Yatra registration Counter at the general Bus stand Katra. The Yatra Slip is free of cost and can be received between 6A. M. to 10 p.m.
Video Cameras are not allowed on the track.
Get your room booked for Bhawan / Sanji Chhat / Adhkwari from Enquiry and Reservation Shakti Bhawan, Niharika and collect the papers to be shown at the location for which the room is booked.
Avoid carrying too much jewellery or cash with you.
How and where can I hire ponies and Palkies?
To hire registered Ponies, Pithoos, or Palkies, a traveller is required to contact the contractor’s offices located at Bhawan, Adhkwari, or Katra. The rates for these services are approved by the government. For convenience, these rates can be verified on the signboards placed by the Board at prominent locations along the route.
Before engaging a Pony, Palkie, or Pithoo, the devotee needs to note down the registration number of the person providing the service. If any issues arise with the contractor’s office, the field offices of the Shrine Board at the aforementioned locations can also be contacted for assistance.
I have an aged relative. Will it be convenient to bring him for Darshans? What assistance is available?
It is convenient for devotees of all age groups to come for Darshan. Adequate facilities such as catering, porters, accommodation etc. are available at Katra, Bhawan and on the route.
What are the essential things I need to carry before starting for pilgrimage?
Make sure to carry the following things with you:
The Yatra slip
Video Shooting is not allowed.
The room reservation papers if any.
The one or two spare garments as per season/weather.
A torch and an umbrella.
Canvas shoes if you are to go on foot
These tips and travelling guides will make sure that your trip to Vaishno Devi is comfortable, safe, and full of spirituality.
Explore Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, one of India’s most revered pilgrim destinations. Learn about the weather, best travel routes, helicopter services, and must-know tips for a comfortable journey. Travel Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
