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Vaishno Devi is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites and the famous cave of Mata Vaishno Devi temple is located on Trikuta mountain. It is one of the oldest holy temples in India and devotees from all over the world come here to seek blessings. Here the Goddess appears in three forms, namely Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi. Known by various names like Mata Rani, Trikuta, or Vaishnavi. The journey to the temple is 13 kilometers, from where one can see beautiful views. If you are planning Vaishno Devi Yatra with familySo here’s a guide that details everything you need to know before planning an elopement to this sacred destination.
Ways to visit Vaishno Devi
In fact, every year more than 1 crore devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi visit Vaishno Devi, who plan to trek 12 km to seek the blessings of Mata Rani. Let us take a look at the various options you can choose from to reach Ardhkuwari from Katra and then from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan. Vaishno Devi Yatra with family,
1. Tracking
Image credit: Vinayraj for Wikimedia Commons
A visit to Vaishno Devi with family should be planned well when choosing trekking as your means to reach the building, about 13 km from Katra. There are two routes from Katra to Ardhkuwari, each of different distance and there are also two routes from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan. Bhairavnath Temple is a few kilometers up from Vaishno Devi Temple, you can either walk to the temple, or there are many ponies and palanquins available on the route.
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2. Helicopter ride
Image credit: Varunkou for Wikimedia Commons
The helicopter ride for all children, adults and elders will add a spark of fun and excitement to the overall experience. Tourists must book the helicopter ride at least 2 months in advance. The helicopter ride takes about 8 minutes and can accommodate 5 to 6 passengers at a time. Katra’s helipad located on Udhampur Road is at a distance of 2 km from Katra Bus Station.
After reaching Sanjichhat point, it takes about half an hour to reach Vaishno Devi Bhawan. You can choose pony, porter, palanquin services as per your convenience or prefer to visit the temple on foot. For helicopter ride, one way fare from Katra to Sanjichhat is around Rs. It will cost Rs 1800 for one person and Rs 1800 for both ways. 3600 per person.
3. Pony and Palki
Image credit: Nakumbhkar for Wikimedia Commons
For some devotees, walking 12 to 13 km to reach Vaishno Devi Bhawan may be a daunting task, hence, many pilgrims prefer to avail various services including pony and palanquin. The municipal committee manages all the ponies, porters and palanquin services for the convenience of the passengers. Also make sure you check out all the options before planning your Vaishno Devi trip from Delhi.
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Vaishno Devi Temple Worth Visiting
Following are the major temples that you will visit Vaishno Devi Yatra with family,
1. Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, considered one of the most important temples and religious places among Hindus, is dedicated to Vaishno Devi. This temple is considered to be one of the 108 Shaktipeeths dedicated to Durga who is worshiped as Vaishno Devi.
2. Adh Kumari Temple
Adh Kuwari is considered to be half way to the main temple of Vaishno Devi situated at a distance of 6 km. The word Adh Kuwari means eternal virgin and it is considered to be one of the most important shrines on the way to the sacred cave.
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3. Bhairon Nath Temple
Located just 2 km away from Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Bhairon Nath Temple is dedicated to Baba Bhairavnath. It is believed that Goddess Vaishno Devi killed Bhairava as he was about to attack her and then she took the form of Kali and beheaded him. However, he repented for his sins and the goddess forgave him and specified that the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi would be incomplete without seeking the blessings of Bhairon Nath.
4. Maharani
Charan Paduka is situated at an altitude of 3380 feet and is about 1.5 km from Banganga. Charan Paduka, carved on a rock, is a religious site believed to contain the sacred footprints of the goddess. Tourists pay obeisance at the footprints of Mata carved on a rock and then proceed for the journey.
3 best places to stay in Katra
Tourists will be able to explore the properties available in Katra only when they are planning a visit to Vaishno Devi. However, you can plan your stay in Katra. The below mentioned hotels are located in Katra which are famous for the best facilities offering a comfortable stay to their guests. Let’s take a look at our curated list of hotels in Katra for those looking for Vaishno Devi Yatra with family,
1. Hotel Rama Trident
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The property features modern architecture and the rejuvenating hotel is just a 14-minute walk from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Train Station. You can choose to indulge in nearby activities such as visiting Baba Dhansar Temple which is just 24 minutes away. You can go for a leisurely walk in the Shalimar Gardens, located 8 minutes away from the hotel. Cooperative staff, spacious rooms, delicious food and a good location are some of the features loved by guests.
Star Category: 4-star
Face value: Rupee. 3,807 per night
Place: Railway Road, Near Ambika Chowk, Katra, Jammu & Kashmir 182301
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2. AMR Hotel
Image Credit: PeterWeidman for Pixabay
The hotel is located adjacent to a shopping mall and near Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Train Station, which is approximately a 4-minute walk from the property. AMR Hotel provides a safe and hygienic environment to its guests. The rooms are available in different categories like Superior Room, Deluxe Room and Deluxe Family Room.
Star Category: 3-star
Starting price (for the night): Rupee. 16,621
Place: Ground Floor, Jammu Road, Main Market Near Vaishno Devi Katra Jammu and
Kashmir, 182301
3. Hotel Hari Resort
Image Credit: ManuelaJaeger for Pixabay
Hotel Hari Resort offers a variety of amenities such as free WiFi, full-service laundry, and air-conditioned rooms. This hotel is popular for organizing arrangements for special occasions. The resort offers different categories of rooms including Double Deluxe AC, Double Deluxe Non AC and Super Deluxe Rooms. Due to its proximity to major points, it is good for you to stay in this property Katra tour plan with family Would be a wonderful idea.
Star Category: 3-star
Starting price (for the night): INR 5,263
Place: Dak Bungalow Road, Opp. Shalimar Park, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301
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How to reach Vaishno Devi
Vaishnodevi Yatra with family Can be done by road, train or flight. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station is the nearest terminal which is located at a distance of 20 km from the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi Temple. There are frequent buses to Katra from Jammu Tawi, Amritsar, New Delhi and other major cities of India. One can also reach Katra, which is about 50 km from Jammu, it serves as the base camp for the journey. Jammu is well connected by flight to all major cities, another way is to take train to Jammu. There are many daily and weekly trains that run from major cities to Jammu and there are some trains that have been extended to Katra. Considering the connectivity and options, you can easily plan Vaishno Devi trip from Mumbai.
Best time to visit Vaishno Devi Yatra
Vaishno Devi is crowded throughout the year but tourists mostly visit during the months of March to July as the weather is pleasant and comfortable for the devotees. The maximum temperature is 31 °C and minimum temperature is 17 °C which makes it suitable for darshan and because of this many travelers prefer to schedule their time. Vaishno Devi Yatra Planning with Family During these months.
It usually rains between August and September, this time the weather conditions can be a bit severe, but despite this many devotees prefer to travel during this time. November to February are the winter months and many travelers do not like to travel during these months as the weather conditions are harsh and trekking becomes difficult during this time.
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Now that you know everything about Vaishno Devi and everything you need to keep in your mind before planning your trip. Our ultimate guide mentioned above will make your Vaishno Devi trip with family convenient. Be sure to plan a Vaishno Devi Yatra as it is considered the home of spiritual culture and a sacred site for Hindus. Schedule your vacation during the summer season when there is a great ambiance amidst the hills.
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FAQs About Vaishno Devi Yatra with Family
How can I plan Vaishno Devi Yatra with my family?
You can plan Vaishno Devi Yatra with your family in 3 to 4 days. 3 to 4 days will be enough for a comfortable holiday, you can easily spend 1 night in Katra, 1 night in Bhawan and return back to Katra.
How much does Vaishno Devi Yatra cost?
The cost will vary largely depending on the number of days you decide to stay on the trip, choice of accommodation and other amenities like breakfast, transfers. Having said that, the trip will cost you around Rs. for single occupancy. 10,950 and Rs. Will cost Rs. Rs 7,850 for double occupancy, this will include your 1 night stay in Katra and transfer to and from Jammu. Darshan fee is not included in this.
How difficult is the journey to Vaishno Devi?
The temple of Goddess Maa is situated in the Trikuta Mountains which are 61 km away from Jammu city at an altitude of 5200 feet. Devotees have to plan a 13 km trek starting from Katra. This trek is not that difficult, it is a bit tiring due to the steep slopes at some places. However, helicopters, ponies and palanquins are available which will help the devotees reach the temple.
Which month is good for Vaishno Devi Yatra?
The months of April to October are considered ideal to visit Vaishno Devi due to the pleasant weather during these months and the accessibility of the pilgrimage site.
How much time is enough for Vaishno Devi?
Generally, 2 to 3 days are sufficient to visit Vaishno Devi, allowing you to complete the pilgrimage, have darshan and return. However, the duration may vary depending on your speed and desire to explore the surroundings.
How far is Patnitop from Katra?
The distance between Patnitop and Katra is approx. 85 km by road, 38 km by flight. Travel time by road is approx. 1 to 2 hours.
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