Vaishno Devi! The very name evokes a sense of spiritual yearning and a desire for a transformative journey. Nestled in the serene Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir, the holy cave enshrining Mata Vaishno Devi is one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites.
This blog serves as your one-stop guide for planning a smooth and enriching Vaishno Devi Yatra, especially if you're contemplating the trek with children.
Nestled amidst the Trikuta Mountains in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, lies the revered Vaishno Devi Temple. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Durga, this temple holds immense significance for devotees. It's counted among the 108 Shakti Peethas, sacred sites associated with the goddess.
Millions flock to the Vaishno Devi Temple each year, making it one of India's most visited pilgrimage centres. The enthusiasm peaks during festivals like Navaratri, when visitor numbers can soar to a staggering ten million. The temple's wealth is a testament to the devotion it inspires. According to authors Michael Barnett and Janice Gross Stein, the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine rakes in an annual income of around $16 million, primarily from offerings made by devotees.
The sanctity of the temple transcends social boundaries. Hindus of all walks of life revere this holy site, and even prominent saints like Swami Vivekananda have paid their respects here.
The trek route to the Vaishno Devi yatra for all ages is a 13-kilometer uphill journey from Katra, nestled in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains. While it's a challenging climb, it's well-maintained and suitable for people of most fitness levels, with plenty of rest stops and facilities along the way.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU START VAISHNO DEVI YATRA
The walk up to the Vaishno Devi Temple is on a well-maintained path that's mostly easy on your legs. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a whole day depending on the weather, how crowded it is, and how fast you walk. Along the way, you'll find shops selling things to remember your trip and religious music to keep you company. There are also some beautiful views to enjoy!
If you're feeling energetic, you can take the stairs instead. They're a shorter route but much steeper, so be prepared for a bit of a workout! Here are some of the important stops you'll pass: Banganga, Adhkuwari (the halfway point!), and Sanji Chhat (a resting spot with a great view). From Sanji Chhat, it's a gentle 2.5 km walk to the temple itself.
The charges for the Helicopter Service from Katra to Sanjhi Chhat are approximately Rs 2100 per person. Therefore, the return trip would cost around Rs 4200 per person. However, the next day trip will cost you a bit extra.
Alternatively, you can also opt for the paid battery car service offered by the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine board. This service is available from Adhkumari (6.5km from the base point). You can book the tickets for battery car service online through the official website of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, or you can also book the tickets offline from the counters available on the way to Adhkumari.
The charges of the battery car service at Vaishno Mata Mandir are:
Adhkumari to Bhawan: Rs 400 per person.
Bhawan to Adhkumari: Rs 350 per person.
Regardless of your preference of trek, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online at least 2 months prior to your visit. Keep a regular check at the website.
For more information, login to the official website of the Vaishno Mata mandir shrine board, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Don't worry if the journey to Vaishno Devi temple seems a bit too much! If you're short on time or can't make the climb, there are other ways to reach the temple. You can catch a helicopter ride from Katra to Sanji Chhat - they take off regularly. From there, it's just a relaxed 2.5 km walk to the shrine. You can book these helicopter rides online on the official website of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. And if you'd like a little help with the climb, there are always ponies and palanquins available for hire. They can take the weight off your shoulders (literally!) so you can comfortably complete your journey. |
There's also a cleaner, quieter path that splits off from the main one before Adhkuwari. This one doesn't allow ponies, so keep that in mind.
Finally, you'll reach the holy cave itself! Be prepared to wait a bit during busy times, especially during festivals. Here's where your registration slip comes in handy - you'll need it to enter the inner sanctum.
Inside Bhawan, instead of statues or pictures, you'll find three natural rock formations called "pindies" inside the cave. These formations are covered in water! Thankfully, a marble platform has been built to make it easier to access.
Outside the main temple complex, called the Bhawan, has everything you might need after your journey. There's free and paid accommodation, yummy vegetarian food, a medical centre in case you need it, and even shops selling blankets, religious offerings, and souvenirs to remember your visit.
If you're interested in visiting Vaishno Mata Mandir these winters, check out the "how to reach Vaishno Devi, Jammu" section below.
HOW TO REACH VAISHNO MATA MANDIR AT JAMMU?
Your pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi begins in the charming town of Katra, which serves as the base camp for the trek and offers a variety of accommodations and facilities for pilgrims.
Air: The nearest airport is Jammu Airport (also known as Satwari Airport), located about 50 kilometers from Katra. From the airport, you can easily hail a taxi or opt for a prepaid taxi service to reach Katra in around 1-1.5 hours.
Train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the closest major train station. From here, taxis and buses are readily available to take you to Katra, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours.
Road: Katra is well-connected by road to major cities in North India. If you're traveling by bus, you can find regular services operating from Jammu and other nearby towns. The journey by bus is budget-friendly and takes around 2-3 hours. Taxis are also a comfortable option, although slightly more expensive.
Insider Tip: If you're travelling on a tight budget, government-run buses are departing from Jammu to Katra at very affordable rates.
BEST TIME TO VISIT VAISHNO DEVI MANDIR, JAMMU
The Vaishno Devi temple is accessible year-round, but the weather plays a significant role in your experience. Here's a breakdown of the seasons:
Peak Season (May-June, New Year, Navratri): Expect pleasant weather with larger crowds. Be prepared for longer waiting times at the shrine. (March-April & September-October)
Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): These months offer a good balance between favorable weather and moderate crowds.
Monsoon (Late July-Early September): The trek gets slippery due to rain, so it's best to avoid this period if possible.
Winter (November -January): The route gets very cold. If you choose to go during this time, start your trek early at dawn.
Vaishno Devi Yatra RFID Registration:
Mandatory RFID registration is required for all visitors at the Yatra Registration Centres in Katra/ Jammu Airport before commencing the trek. Carry your registration RFID card throughout the journey.
For added convenience, register online on the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's official website. This allows you to check waiting slip status during peak season to avoid long queues.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Trek:
The trek begins at the Banganga check post, located at the foothills.
Important Note: Video cameras and other electronic equipment are not allowed beyond this point. Leave them securely stored in Katra.
Pack light! Food, water, and blankets are readily available along the way.
Additional Tips:
The maximum number of pilgrims allowed per day is 30,000-35,000. During peak seasons, waiting slips might be issued for crowd control.
To avoid inconvenience, register online and check waiting list status beforehand.
WHAT TO PACK FOR VAISHNO DEVI YATRA FOR ALL AGES?
The call of Mata Vaishno Devi resonates with devotees and travellers alike. Here's a handy checklist to ensure you're packed and prepared for your pilgrimage:
Clothing:
Comfortable Shoes: This is essential! Opt for sturdy shoes with a good grip for the trek.
Breathable Clothing: Pack layers depending on the season. During summer, light cotton clothes are ideal. Winters require thermals, woollen sweaters, and a windbreaker. Consider a scarf or shawl for year-round versatility.
Modest Attire: As a place of worship, dress modestly. Opt for full-length pants or skirts and tops that cover your shoulders.
Weather Gear:
Monsoon (July-September): Pack a raincoat and a sturdy umbrella for potential downpours.
Winter (December-January): Pack warm clothes - heavy woollens, a windcheater, cap, and gloves. While blankets are available during the climb, having your own for extra comfort is a good idea.
Essentials:
Registration RFID card: Don't forget this mandatory document! You can register online beforehand for convenience.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the trek. Opt for a reusable bottle to minimize plastic waste.
Snacks: Pack light, energy-boosting snacks like granola bars or dry fruits to keep you going.
Cash & ID: Carry enough cash for any purchases along the way. Government ID proof is a good idea.
Small Backpack: A comfortable backpack is ideal for carrying your essentials during the trek.
Optional but Helpful:
Walking Stick: Provides additional support, especially for seniors or those who might find the climb challenging.
Headlamp/Torch: Useful if you plan to start the trek early or for navigating in low-light conditions.
Pain Relief Medication: Pack basic medication like pain relievers or bandaids in case of minor discomfort.
Wet Wipes/ Hand Sanitizer: Stay fresh during the journey.
Remember:
Leave valuables and electronics (except your phone) at your hotel or a locker in Katra. Video cameras are not allowed beyond the Banganga check post.
Pack light – essentials only! Food, water, and blankets are readily available for purchase along the way.
Plan Your Vaishno Devi Yatra Today!
Feeling inspired to embark on this spiritual journey? Head over to the official website of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to register online and start planning your unforgettable experience.
You may also plan your visit to Char Dham - Read the complete information here.
Do you have any questions about planning your Vaishno Devi Yatra? Share them in the comments section below, and we'll be happy to help!
Jai Mata Di!
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