Vaishnodevi

Vaishno Devi is the name that needs no introduction. This is one of the most popular pilgrimage places in Jammu Kashmir, crowded with thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the world. It is believed that Devi Vaishnavi was formed in connection with the three goddesses, Lakshmi, Parvathi, and Saraswati. This spiritual place is visited by more than 10 million pilgrims every year, and Devi has the significance of fulfilling the wishes, bringing eyesight to the blind, and blessing people with wealth, children and happiness.  

Vaishno Devi is the most visited place in the city. The main cave nestled in the mountains is the main temple, and only a few pilgrims got the chance till now to go there. When the pilgrim count is less than 10000, the authority will allow people to the main cave, which can usually occur in the winter season in the months of December and January. Vaishno Devi is located at the foothills of Trikuta, and you can prepare a detailed itinerary if you wish to visit this place. Though you cannot have a caravan ride directly to the temple. You can explore other places like Katra, which helps you rest on the banks of Chenab River before you start your trip to the temple.  

As stated above, the city is known for the Vaishnodevi temple, and you can plan a visit to this place. Vaishnodevi is said to be the divine Goddess who fulfills the wishes and makes the weak stronger. The temple also has places to explore, which you find interesting and peaceful. Vaishno Devi is open throughout the year, and you can plan the visit depending at your convenience.   

Ardhkuwari

This is also one of the best places to visit in Vaishnodevi and is closer to the city center. It is quite easy to reach and explore this place throughout the year due to its geographical importance. This is the second most visited place in Vaishnodevi. To reach the innermost cave, which is 52 meters long, one needs to crawl to witness three divine goddesses, Lakshmi, Kali, and Saraswati. Winter is the best season to visit the place as the snowfall can make your journey unforgettable for a lifetime.

Katra

Katra is popular as the base camp of Vaishno Devi. All the pilgrims start their journey from Katra to Vaishno Devi. Even if you do not want to visit the Vaishnodevi temple, Katra welcomes you with beautiful locations and tourist attractions you can’t ignore. Katra is a small town at the foothills of Trikuta with alluring sights of mountain peaks, Chenab River, and Banganga, which is ideal for family outings. If you are planning to visit Devi’s temple but want to take rest at the base camp, this is the best place for your caravanning to explore nature and have a leisure day before having Devi’s darshan. You can have a leisure and relaxing time in our Rolling Paradise by immersing in the beauty of the mountains and Chenab River here. Many restaurants and accommodations are also present in Katra and the best time to visit Katra is from March to October.

Shopping at Katra Main Bazaar

Though Vaishnodevi is the major pilgrimage center, it is also a reliable shopping destination for shopping lovers. The main retail market in the place is Katra Main Bazaar, where you bag a wide variety of dry fruits like almonds, berries, walnuts, dried apples, etc. You can explore dresses, sarees, bangles, and many other things popularly sold here in the name of Goddess. 

Ropeway to Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi Mandir is linked with Bahiron Nadh, another famous temple that can be reached by Ropeway, as reaching it by trek can be very dangerous for the elderly. The Ropeway is air conditioned and can drop you at the temple in 5 mins. The cable car can accommodate up to 46 people at a time and functions only in one way. The view of Bhairav valley from the ropeway journey is spectacular, which you don’t want to miss.