Tour Guide to a Heavenly Vaishno Devi Yatra

Maa Vaishno Devi  Yatra is considered as a sacred pilgrimage in India since time immemorial. This holy place is set in the foothills of Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir. The main feature of this place is that the Bhawan houses, a holy cave where the goddess has demonstrated herself as the natural rock formations, which are popularly known as three Holy Pinides. Some believe that, unless the goddess invites you by herself no one can pay homage at the Vaishno Devi Shrine.

So, if you, your family and your parents are planning since long for this, book cheapest flight tickets to India from the USA. Whether you are a first-timer or you have been there already, this blog will be very helpful to you and will act as a complete travel guide.

Reaching Vaishno Devi Katra

Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, located in Katra, is one of the most visited temples in India. This place is part of Jammu and Kashmir that connects it effectively to the rest of the country. So, one can use various means of transport to reach here.

• By Air

If you plan to reach there by air, you can reach Jammu and Kashmir airport which is at 49.0km from the temple. After reaching the airport, one can easily get a cab or a bus for the town. You can easily book cheap flight tickets from San Francisco to India (Delhi) and further air ticket to Jammu will cost you INR 3,000 or more.

• By Train

Reaching here by train will reduce your traveling expense as well as provide you a tireless journey. If you are traveling by train, deboard at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station which is at a distance of 1.4km from the temple. The tickets for train travel depend largely on the class you choose for traveling and can vary from INR 385 to INR 2415.

• By Road

Traveling by road can be a delightful journey whether you are using your private conveyance or traveling through public means. The panoramic view of the hills is capable enough to take away all your weariness. The total distance between Jammu and Katra is approximately 44.5km. After reaching Katra station, you can take an Auto rickshaw and start your journey.

Hotels at Katra

There are a number of private and economic accommodations at Jammu and Katra. Also, you will find many Dharamshalas and government accommodations along with accommodations from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for the ease of the pilgrims. Devotees can make prior registration and book rooms for them. You can unwind yourself before the travel at these comfortable settlements.

Yatra Registration

After booking flights from San Francisco to India, the most important and the first thing that you must do is to get yourself registered for the Yatra at the Yatri registration counter. Though the service is free of cost, you need to stand in long queues for registration. The registration includes your name, place to which you belong, and your photograph taken on the spot.

Routes from Katra to Bhawan

In earlier times, there was only one route that everyone had to follow to reach the shrine which demanded a laborious trek for about 13km. As time passed, new routes have opened up eventually. These routes are nothing but shortcuts that help you reach the temple hassle-free.

• Old Track

In the old days, this was the only route to the temple and was an unpaved path with very few stairs. With time, this path has gone through a makeover, and the roads now are clean and covered with tiles. Other than this, loudspeakers are fixed at intervals that play hymns of the goddess.

Water coolers, toilet facilities, and lightings throughout the track make it easy for the trekkers. The only reason that makes the original path retain its authenticity is various points that testify the visit.

• New Track

This is an easier route than the previous one and is 500m shorter than the original route. One cannot travel on ponies at this path. This track starts just below Adhkuwari and ends prior to the Bhawan. The added benefit to choosing this path is that here electric vehicles can run smoothly.

• Tarakote Marg

This route is introduced recently and reduces 13km trek to just 7kms. This route has no steps and has medical units and eateries at intervals. This way allows pilgrims to enjoy the marvels of the scenic view.

Attraction En Route to Vaishno Devi Gufa

The attractions from Katra to Vaishno Devi Gufa present sights to behold. If you are traveling in palkis or on ponies you might miss these attractions. Those who wish to travel by foot get a great reward.

• Darshani Darwaza

This iconic gate marks the beginning of the Yatra. According to folklore, Mata Vaishno met her devotee Pandit Shridhar in the form of a girl at the same place. This place gives a panoramic view of the Trikuta Hills.

• Ban Ganga

This is a small flowing rivulet that is highly associated with miracles of the Goddess. People believe that Mata created this rivulet using her arrow to quench the thirst of Lord Hanuman. Also, some say that the Goddess washed her hair at this place before she proceeded for the cave.

• Charan Paduka

This is a beautiful temple at 1.5km from Ban Ganga that has footprints of the Goddess. Here, Mata stood for a while to ensure if Bhairon Naath was still following her. This led the imprints of her feet here.

• Adhkuwari

This is a place where Maa stopped and worshiped for Lord Shiva for about 9 months. Other than this, the place also marks the completion of half of the journey.

• Hathi Matha

This hill resembles the head of an elephant and hence the name. One may feel like panting after reaching this place but it would be worth counting the blessing and keep going.

• Himkoti

This place is on the new track and provides an awe-inspiring view of the valley. It is the place that oozes mysterious charm.

• Sanji Chat

This is a beautiful small plateau and from here the Bhawan is just 2.5km away. Also, those who are coming here by helicopter have to get down at the helipad. Eateries, resting places, charitable dispensaries, and various shops are present here.

• Bhairon Ghati

Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is incomplete without visiting the Bhairav Nath Temple. From the original route, this shrine falls en route to Bhawan. This is the place where Bhairav’s head fell after the Goddess beheaded him. Visiting Bhairav Baba Mandir after the Darshan is a must.

Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine remains open throughout the year, but the best time to visit here is March and October. The season during these months is moderate and being off-peak seasons you will be lucky enough to have Darshan through the original cave. Book cheapest flight tickets to India from the USA and act as a responsible pilgrim who does not hesitate in helping the fellow Yatris.