Vaishno Devi Tour

One of the most sacred pilgrimage centres in India, Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vaishno. An estimated 8 million pilgrims visit the temple every year making it the second most visited religious place in India, after Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Devotees climb an altitude of 5300 feet to reach this divine destination which is believed to be blessed with the powers of almighty. The temple, which is visited by over 8 million yatris every year, is maintained by the Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.

There are no statues or idols inside the Cave. The main deity is found in the form of natural Pindies (stone structure), representing Goddess Saraswathi, Kali and Lakshmi. These three structures symbolize the creative, preservative and destructive characters of the Mother.

Since the Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft, the yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 13 km from the base camp at Katra. The long trek to reach the temple is absolutely scenic, which makes the travelers forget all their tiredness. It is at the culmination of the trek that the yatris get the Darshan of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctrum Sanctorum-the Holy Cave. It takes almost 6 to 9 hours to reach the main temple, which looks like a shining star from distance. The experience of reaching this holy place and entering into the blessed cave is unearthly.

According to popular beliefs, the Goddesses herself come to the holy cave during the evening aarti, to bless her devotees. Situated on the foothills of tirukuta mountain range, the holy temple exudes serenity and spirituality in the air.

Best time to visit
The climate of Vaishno Devi remains enchanting all year long and it is visited by almost every newlywed seeking the blessings of god before starting a new phase of their life.

How to Reach Vaishno Devi
By Air: Located at a distance of 50 kilometres, the Jammu airport is closest to Katra.
By Rail: Udhampur railway station is the closest railway station from Katra.
By Road: Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation buses also run to and from Jammu to Katra at regular intervals.