Dera Baba Banda

Ardh Kuwari Cave

Bhairavnath Temple, Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi Temple, Vaishno Devi

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The Vaishno Devi Tour package offers you the best of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in a span of 4 days. This luxury Shri Mata Vaishno Devi holiday package provides the highest quality amenities, without making your pocket feel empty. One of the most respected Hindu pilgrimage places in India is Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is tucked away in the stunning Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Vaishno Devi, the consort of the goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati, is honoured at this hallowed sanctuary. According to legend, the divine manifestation Vaishno Devi was born as Vaishnavi, a little girl who grew up in southern India. Later, she travelled to the northern part of India on her spiritual journey and settled in the Trikuta Mountains' caves. It is thought that after years of meditation there, she gained peace. A spiritual journey of millions of believers is the annual pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi. Usually, the trip begins in Katra, the base camp that is located in the Trikuta Mountains' foothills. The difficult journey that pilgrims embark upon is around 13 kilometres long; it can be finished on foot or with the help of horses and palanquins. Devotees strongly worship the goddess and say mantras and bhajans along the journey. The sacred cave, which contains Vaishno Devi's sanctum sanctorum, is the last destination. The goddess's symbol, or emblem, is located inside the naturally occurring rock patterns that enhance the cave. Long lines of devotees stand in line to visit the holy sign and seek Vaishno Devi for her blessings. Vaishno Devi Tour comes under <a href="https://www.kiomoi.com/holidays/jammu-and-kashmir-tour-packages-152" target="_blank">Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages</a> provided by Kiomoi

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi

Katra Patnitop Tour Package deal of Kiomoi Travel gives first-class programs for the country of Jammu and Kashmir. The tour begins from Katra, which lies within the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains. Katra is most well-known for the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi, wherein hundreds of thousands of vacationers and pilgrims arrive each year to offer their prayers to Mata Vaishno Devi. The next destination on the excursion is Shivkhori, which is one of the most pure and famous temple of Lord Shiva. Patnitop is one of the most surprising hill stations in the whole world, a favourite amongst tourists from all over India. It is the best vacation spot for journey seekers. Welcome on arrival at Jammu Airport, and after greetings continue to Katra, the bottom point of Vaishno Devi. Arrive at Katra, and check into your hotel. In the evening proceed for Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan - one of the maximum popular pilgrimages of India, located in the lap of Trikuta mountains throughout Katra town, at an altitude of around 5200 ft. Yatra includes a trek of nearly 14 kilometres from the base camp at Katra known as Ban Ganga. An alternate manner to perform darshans is through battery-operated motors, ponies/palkis/ helicopters. Visit Ardhkuwari &amp; Bhairo Temple, now you can go by ropeway from Vaishno Devi Bhavan to Bhairon temple. After journeying the temples, go back lower back to the motel in Katra and loosen up for an overnight live. ,In the Morning. After breakfast, take a look out from the hotel &amp; proceed to Patnitop. Check into the inn. In the afternoon, proceed for Sanasar. En direction, go to Nathatop, some other famous traveller point. Back to Patnitop inside the nighttime. Overnight live at Patnitop. , begin the closing day of your tour with a delish breakfast on your motel at Patnitop. Post breakfast, you will be transferred to the Jammu Airport/Railway station. Your arrival at Jammu Airport/ Railway Station will mark the stop of the journey. You can include your Patnitop trip in our <a href="https://www.kiomoi.com/holidays/jammu-and-kashmir-tour-packages-152" target="_blank">Jammu and Kshmir Tour Packages</a>.

Katra Patnitop Tour Package

The Enchanting <a href="https://www.kiomoi.com/holidays/jammu-and-kashmir-tour-packages-152" target="_blank">Kashmir tour package</a> by Kiomoi, planned across 9 days and 8 nights covers the destinations of Jammu, Katra, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. This luxury tour package is best and available&nbsp; from the months of May to September. The starting point of the itinerary is Jammu, the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, one of the popular tourist destinations in the state Amar Mahal Palace, Mubarak Mandi Mahal, Dogra Art Museum and Raghunath Temple, etc. known among vacationers. Next on the itinerary is Katra. This city has excellent spiritual significance and is packed with pilgrims who visit the Vaishnodevi temple all year. Srinagar is the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the stunning cities in the area is the city of Dalsarovar, Shalimarbagh and Hazrat Bal Tirtha. They're well known for their peace. Tourists will then be taken to Gulmarg, one of the most famous ski resorts in the country. Its vacation spots include Gulmarg Gondola, Khilan Marg and Alpather Lake. The last place in this itinerary is Pahalgam. This city is friendly to every new traveller and is a small hill station city, best known for Betab Valley, Sheshnag Lake, Tulian Lake and Mamal Temple.

Jammu And Kashmir Itinerary

Gulmarg

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Dalhousie

<div>The temple town of Katra aka Katra Vaishno Devi is situated on the foothills of the Trikuta Hills, the holy abode of Mata Vaishno Devi. Part of the state of J&amp; K, it serves as the base camp for those visiting the holy cave shrine. One has to be in Katra to understand the spirit of this place to see thousands of devotees from all across and outside thronging this place day and night. Devotees cutting across religious identities have just only one thing running on their mind and that is to have a glimpse of their beloved holy mother. Vaishno Devi, it is believed never lets her children go empty-handed from her Durbar.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Mind you Katra has its own charm. It is not just a mere transit point for pilgrims going to or returning from Vaishno Devi. It is a bustling city on the main Jammu Srinagar National Highway.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>You can reach Katra by taking Buses (both state-run and private), hired private vehicles or on your own. Accommodation is generally not a problem provided you are not coming on the peak seasons such as during Navratras. For food, you don’t need to worry there are plenty of restaurants, small eateries serving100 % vegetarian food.&nbsp;</div>

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<div><div>There are a large number of places around Katra where you can visit besides doing the darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. Sometimes due to tremendous rush, there is a restriction to the number of devotees going to the top to the Bhawan. In such situations instead of wasting time, the best way is to move out of Katra and visit the nearby places. These places near Katra are an ideal blend of religion and adventure. You can find temples, hill resorts, picnic spots to suit your test and temperament.<br></div><div><br></div><div>There are enough places of interest for newly married couples to go for a honeymoon. After taking blessings of Mata Rani nothing is like moving to picturesque hilly spots nearby and spend a few days inquietude. Here are a few of those places.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Katra Attractions Places</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div>Other than being the main reaching point for Katra, Jammu is a major tourist attraction. It offers a good mix of history, mythology and scenic beauty. Read More...</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Hill Resorts Around Katra</span></div><div>There are quite a few hill resorts around Katra which you can visit before or after Darshan. Read More...</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Aghar Jitto</span></div><div>Distance from Katra: 6 KMs</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Location:</span>&nbsp;At Reasi on the Katra- Reasi road</div><div>Aghar Jitto is named after Baba Jitto the legendary farmer who laid his life to fighting oppression by landlords. He was a great devotee of Ma Vaishno and a temple is built here dedicated to him. A three-day Aghar Jitto festival is the prime attraction of this place. There’s also spring water that flows in front of the shrine. It is believed that the water of this spring is holy. If a pre-natal woman takes a dip here then no harm can be done to the baby. A path from here goes to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine cave.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Dera Baba Banda</span></div><div>Dera Baba Banda is not only a major pilgrimage centre for Sikhs but attracts people from other faiths also. It is around 30 kms from Katra.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Kol Kandholi</span></div><div>Kol Kandholi should fall on the itinerary of every devotee seeking a darshan of the Mata Vaishno Devi. It is the first darshan of the entire Yatra and is located 14 km from Jammu.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Baba Dhansar</span></div><div>Baba Dhansar is known for a naturally formed Shivling. The temple is located on the way to Salal Dam and is 15 km from Katra.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Shiv Khori</span></div><div>Shiv Khori or “Home of Gods” is famous for the cave shrine of Lord Shiva. It is situated in the Reasi district of the J&amp;K. The road from Jammu to Shiv Khori passes through some very scenic places. It is around 70 km from Jammu.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Sudh Mahadev Temple</span></div><div>The Sudh Mahadev Temple is said to be 2800 years old and with a strong mythological connection. The temple houses a natural black marble lingam and is 120 km from Jammu.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Gauri Kund</span></div><div>Gauri Kund is at a very short distance from Sudh Mahadev. It is basically a spring. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati used to bath here daily before paying obeisance to Sudmahadev. This spring gets its name from Parvati.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Mantalai</span></div><div>Mantalai is a place that is a few kilometers further from Sudh Mahadev, Mantalai is a picturesque place. It is surrounded by a dense cover of green deodar forests. Legend says it that the marriage of Lord Shiva with the Goddess Parvati took place here.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Jhajjar Kotli</span></div><div>Distance from Jammu: 35 km</div><div>Location: On the Jammu –Srinagar national highway.</div><div>Jajjar Kotli is basically a picnic spot that attracts visitors during summer. There’s a tourist complex, on the banks of Jujjar rivulet. Good facilities are provided here by JKTDC.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary</span></div><div>Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary has located just 28 km from Jammu and is virtually a paradise for lovers of nature and wildlife. Read More...</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Srinagar</span></div><div>Srinagar and the areas around provide ample opportunities to the tourists to enjoy the unbridled view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks and indulge in some adventurous activities too</div></div><div><br></div><div>We at Kiomoi after a thorough research have zeroed on 10 activities that is a must if you happen to travel to Katra and then go up to the Trikuta Hills to have the Mother`s Darshan. These are as follows:</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Trek:&nbsp;</span>A trek to Mata’s Darbar is considered to be one of the most cherished activities. The trek may seem arduous in the beginning, but seeing the exuberance of fellow travelers would surely lift your morals. The devotees with Lal Mata Ki Chuuni wrapped around their heads and chanting “Jai Mata Di” really makes the journey an electrifying experience.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Helicopter Rides:</span>&nbsp;Here at Vaishno Devi you can fulfill your desire to soar in the skies without spending a fortune. The Helicopter rides start from Katra and take you up to Sanjhi Chat. From the helicopter, you can get a panaromaiuc view of the hills. In our opinion you can take the downward journey by a helicopter.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Savor mouthwatering delicacies:</span>&nbsp;At Katra, they do not use onion or garlic and restaurants serve 100 % Sattvik food. Yet the test is excellent. Whether it is crispy Chole Bhatures or Rajma Chaval the taste of the food is going to linger in your mind for a long time. Another excellent item on the menu is the tangy Aonla Ka achar( Indian gooseberry pickle).</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Take Bath at Banganga:</span>&nbsp;This is a must, the water of The Banganga is very cold yet taking a bath there on way to the Mata`s cave is an invigorating experience. There are separate sections for ladies and gents.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Navaratra:</span>&nbsp;If you do not mind the crowd and have already booked your train and accommodation then we suggest a visit to Katra during Navaratras especially the Shard Navaratra. The whole Katra gets decked up with flowers and gets erected at many places. There are many cultural festivals organized in a sense the whole city gets immersed in celebrations for the 9 days.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Visit Nearby Places:&nbsp;</span>Many people just do the Darshan and then come back to Katra and proceed to the home. Katra and Jammu have some amazing places around with Jammu itself being a major tourist attraction. Hills, temples, palaces, adventure sports you are guaranteed to have a nice time provided you are ready to explore with an open mind.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Buy Dry Fruits:</span>&nbsp;At Katra, you can buy a whole range of Dry fruits Walnuts and Almonds are a specialty there. If you can bargain a bit be ready for some very good buys. You can even buy your stock for the whole year.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Drink Keva:&nbsp;</span>This is a tea which perhaps you have never taken before. This is a special Kashmiri Tea. Drinking it would make you refreshed and forget all the travails of an arduous journey. You can buy the leaves of this special tea from Jammu.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Have Langar Food:&nbsp;</span>Remember T series songs sung by Gulshan Kumar showing devotees lined up at Langars and eating food. This is one place where there is no discrimination between the rich and the poor, the have`s and the have not’s. Enjoy the piping hot food served by more than eager volunteers at different Langars on the way.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Enjoy Train Journey:&nbsp;</span>The Train journey between Jammu and Udhampur is very scenic with hills and a series of tunnels in between. There are some 158 bridges and 10 tunnels. So buy a ticket and set out on a journey to see how the trains pass on some risky terrain.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Best Food in katra</b></div><div><br></div><div><div>Katra Eat n Dine offers numerous possibilities for food lovers. As Katra is very near to Vaishno Devi so to respect peoples’ sentiments all the Food Joints, Restaurants serve vegetarian food. At Niharika complex near Bus stand, you can get Shrine Board operated Bhojanalay. The food is good and hygienic and surroundings neat. There are a number of other good private restaurants, Punjabi dhabas serving proper food. If you are at Katra you must taste the authentic Rajma Chaval. The spicy Rajma curry and the rich aroma of basmati rice would surely linger on for a long time. Other favorites include Parantha, Chhole Masala, Shahi Paneer,<br></div><div><br></div><div>Coming to beverages, you must drink Kashmiri Kahwa. It is a spicy tea that is very popular during wintery nights or rainy days. Kashmiri Kawa has a warming effect that is sure to invigorate you. The taste of this exotic tea gets better with honey and a dash of lemon. This is the best thing to drink while you reach the plains from an arduous trek downhill after Darshan.</div></div>

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<div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Navaratra</span></div><div>It would not be an exaggeration if we say that Katra is the Navaratra Capital of India. It is a tradition that is continuing at Katra for the last 100 years. It is the Sharad Navaratra celebrated during the month of September- October that draws the maximum number of pilgrims to this place. The government of J&amp;k has declared the festival as official and uses this occasion to showcase the rich heritage of Dogra art and culture to those outside the state. Tourists or devotees mingle with the local populace to celebrate the occasion with gaiety and fervor.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Festive Look</span></div><div>Katra wears a festive look during the full nine days of Navaratra. Shops and houses are decorated with lights and flowers, arches get erected at different places of the town and the whole town reverberates with the chant of “Jai Mata Di”. Thousands of devotees pour in from across the country to witness the nine-day long Navratra festival along with undertaking a yatra to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. Local residents can be seen singing and dancing at every crossing.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Cultural programs at Katra</span></div><div>If you are at Katra during Navaratras there is a chance to experience the nuances of Dogri culture in full bloom. You can listen to folk or devotional music, participate in dance, watch flower shows and enjoy poney/pithu race. Recently wrestling competitions are also held to give variety to the festivities. The festival kick starts with a traditional procession consisting of school students and cultural troupes. Words cannot do justice to the festive mood out there you just have to be there to understand the spirit.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">The Folk Music,&nbsp;</span></div><div>This year the festival kicked off on Friday last, with long procession of school children and contingents of cultural troupes drawn from all parts of the State forming an impressive yatra. The Navratra festivities would continue till Vijaydashmi or Dusshera in Katra.</div><div><br></div><div>Every evening during the Navaratra days till Vijaya Dashami you could hear the blowing of ‘Narsingha’ a local musical instrument from every nook and corner of Katra town. This starts the Kud dance of Bhaderwah a kind of Dogri folk dance. As artists clad in their traditional attire take rhythmic steps to melodious music, it becomes very difficult to resist the temptation of taking a step or too. Both devotees from outside as well as locals enjoy the proceedings equally.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Exhibitions</span></div><div>A lot of exhibitions are also hosted during this time to acquaint outsiders with local customs and products. You can be part of book exhibitions, display of ancient Dogri art objects, handloom and handicraft products, and photo exhibitions on pilgrim centers in Jammu and Kashmir along with host of other things.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Special Navratra Cuisine</span></div><div>A major attraction of the festival is the special Navratra and Dogri cuisines. You can get authentic Navratra cuisines prepared in Shudh Desi Ghee at various restaurants and special stalls put up across the whole town. Don’t miss out the special Rajma Chaval the aroma of which is sure to make you asking for more.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Accommodation During Navaratra</span></div><div>This is the most important part. If you want to be part of the Navaratra festivities and having darshan of Ma Vaishno Devi without any hiccups you need to book in advance your hotel. As thousands and thousands of devotees would converge on Katra during Navratras there is no chance to get proper accommodation at that time. As you cannot miss this lifetime experience you need to act fast and book in advance.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Vaishno Devi Bhawan Yatra Trek</span></div><div>The pilgrims while on a Tour to Katra-Vaishno Devi must remember important points by which they can easily locate the distances, charges and many more issues that remain unanswered. The Yatra Trek to Vaishno Devi Bhawan is described based on the research and analysis task. The pilgrims who remain clueless about the whole tour could easily get an idea that what steps should they take while on a Vaishno Devi Tour. Given below are the main informative points of Vaishno Devi Bhawan Yatra trek:</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Katra Stand to Baanganga</span>:&nbsp;</div><div>The travelers while on a religious tour to Katra can easily hire an auto, taxi or heavy vehicle. Auto Rickshaws are amongst the most feasible options. The travelers can notice good numbers of auto rickshaws at Auto stand in Katra. From here the pilgrims can either take shared autos or if they want to hire an auto individually then they have to pay 100 rupees. The pilgrims who are smart enough in doing negotiations can bargain with the hiring charges of Auto Rickshaws. The distance from Katra Chowk to Baanganga is 1.5 km. It takes 10 minutes to reach Banganga by Auto Rickshaw. From Baanganga, the travelers have to walk till the Shrine gate.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Katra Darshani Gate(Transport):&nbsp;</span></div><div>From Katra shrine gate the uphill Trek to Bhawan starts. The pilgrims have to pass through the stringent security check-ups. It is important to note that pilgrims are not permitted to carry still cameras or video camera while en route to the main shrine. Walking few meters ahead, the pilgrims will come across to the Darshani gate (Announcement booth). Here the pilgrims would find the horse stable which provides pony rides till Ardhkuwari and Bhawan at the price range of Rs 500 to Rs 800. As the matter of fact, travelers can also bargain with the price tags of a pony. Pichu(Government recognized) is also available for the children. These Pithus(Carry children on their shoulders) are available at the price range of Rs 350 to Rs 600 respectively. For the pilgrims who are physically challenged or older in age. The Paalki(wooden log carrier) can be booked at the price range of RS 3,500 to Rs 5,000 per person pick and drop. The disciples are advised to book them in advance through travel agents or by directly contacting the Palki carriers. The pony riders (horse carriers, khachar) take 4 to 5 hours approximately to reach the shrine. The total distance from the Darshani gate to the Bhawan is 14.5 km.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Ardh Kuwaari to Bhawan(Transport):&nbsp;</span></div><div>The distance from Ardh Kuwaari to Bhawan is 5 km and from the Darshani gate the distance is 11 km. The travelers if fortunate enough to reach can make a booking of their battery cars charging Rs 100 per head for one way journey. The tickets can be booked from the police check post counter at Ardh Kuwaari. The booking counter at Ardh Kuwaari remains open from 8:00 Am to 6:00 Pm in the evening. The battery cars take 15 minutes to cover the distance from Ardh Kuwaari to Bhawan(shrine).</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Transport at Bhawan(Transport):&nbsp;</span></div><div>The pilgrims covering the distance by taking a walking spree will reach Katra in 6 hours. From Bhawan the travelers can take their slope down trip journey easier by taking pony ride or palki ride whichever is convenient. The main booking counter of battery-operated cars is situated at the walkable distance of 400 meters from the last police checks post and Bhawan. The people get in ques from 6:00 AM at the battery car booking counter. The battery car from Bhawan to Ardh Kuwaari carries 8 to 10 people.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Katra Famous Temples</span></div><div>Besides Vaishno Devi Shrine, there are many Famous Temples in and around the precincts of the region, holding great significance. The other Famous Temples in Katra that can be visited by the pilgrims are as follows:</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Bhumika Temple:</span>&nbsp;</div><div>The Bumika Mata is temple is located 1 km from Katra. Legend has that this was the place where the goddess appeared in front of her disciple(Shridhar) and asked her to arrange free meal for the villagers. His disciple served food to villagers but when the turn of Bhairav Nath came, divine goddess in her disguise form (girl) scolded him for making unnecessary demands from the poor priest Shridhar. When Bhairav Nath stepped up further in arguments, she suddenly disappeared from that place. From that day this temple is defined as the second milestone at which the pilgrims can behold the view of incarnated idol of Vaishno goddess.</div><div><br></div><div>Charan Paduka Temple: The Charan Paduka Temple is a holy sanctum where goddess Vaishno imbibed the impressions of her feet on rock while escaping from Bhairav Nath. Those footprints have been preserved in the temple. This is the place from where goddess traveled to a cave when Bhairav Nath was chasing her. This sanctum is 1.5 km from Banganga approximately 3,380 feet.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Bhairav Nath Temple:</span>&nbsp;</div><div>The Bhairav Nath has located 3 km on the uphill climb distance of the Trikuta Hill. It is said that the Yatra of pilgrims remain incomplete if he don’t visit the Bhairav Nath temple. This is the only place where the evil ‘Tantrik’ Bhairav Nath was killed by the goddess Vaishnavi. Later when Bhairav Nath was in the state of dying, he urged the goddess to forgive him for the sins committed. On his repeated requests, she was finally convinced. Mata Vaishno appreciated his modesty and rewarded by honoring him as the true follower. The goddess blessed him that pilgrims who want to relinquish themselves from all the miseries have to visit her as well Bhairav’s shrine. The Yatra of pilgrims will only be called completed when he/she(pilgrim) will also visit the Bhairav Nath’s Shrine.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Garbh Joon Cave:&nbsp;</span></div><div>Garbh Joon Cave is a 15-foot long cave where goddess Vaishno hid her self for nine months and performed penance. The cave is narrow and pilgrims traverse from it by crawling slowly. During the rush hour or peak seasons, the shrine board authorities close this cave and pilgrims have to enter from another cave developed and maintained by the Vaishno Devi Shrine board. Outside the cave is the Charna Amrit outlet from where the pilgrims collect holy water.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Banganga Temple:</span>&nbsp;</div><div>Located 3 kms from Katra, Banganga is the place where Veer Langur(Hanumaan) felt thirsty and in order to quench his thirst, the goddess shot an arrow into a stone and the holy river was produced. It is the same river where goddess Vaishno washed her hair. Today Banganga is hallowed by the presence of same gushing river and temple telling everyone about the glorious past of the region. The pilgrims at Banganga take a holy dip and head towards the main Vaishno goddess shrine.</div>

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<div>Having a fare idea about Katra Weather can go a long way in having a successful Darshan without any major or minor sickness and inconveniences. The following information would prove useful. One thing the devotees must note that though from Katra to Bhawan is a merely a trek of 13 km but Katra`s altitude is nearly 2500 ft above sea level while that of Mata`s sanctum sanctorum is located at near about 5200 ft. above sea level. This difference in altitude levels adds up to a significant temperature difference.<br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Summer Months:&nbsp;</span>In summer months you can expect moderate temperature. The temperature in the summer month usually ranges between 30°C to 40°C. However, April is an unpredictable month in the sense that if it rains it can turn quite cold. Light cotton cloth is excellent. May to July is the summer months.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Monsoon Months:</span>&nbsp;The monsoon season witnesses quite a heavy rainfall but otherwise the weather is pleasant. Cotton clothing would be with very light woolens would be perfect. Starting from end July to September weather is pleasant when it is not raining.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Winter Months:&nbsp;</span>Please be very careful if you are traveling to Katra and further to Vaishno Devi during winters. In winters temperature can get down to sub-zero temperatures (even -5°C is not very uncommon. From October to March all the pilgrims must carry heavy woolens withy them.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Important useful Fact while in Katra</span></div><div><br></div><div>Location: Katra is located 32.98° N 74.95° E</div><div>Altitude: 2500 feet above sea level | District: Udhampur</div><div>Pin Code: 182301 | STD Code: 01991</div><div>Nearest Railway Station: Katra</div><div>Nearest Airport: Jammu</div><div>Avg temp: During summer: Max- 40; Min- 20 | During Winter: Max: 15; Min:03</div><div>Languages Spoken: Hindi, Punjabi and Dogri</div><div>Best Time to Visit: Any time</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">About Yatra</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Temperature:&nbsp;</span>Please check the temperature severities before undertaking or planning a Yatra as it is generally very cold from December to February.</div><div>Clothing: During Summer (April to September) usually cotton clothing would do but it is better to take light woolens for night. Sometimes after raining it becomes cold. For the remaining months (October- march) heavy woolens are a necessity.</div><div>Footwear: If you want to trek your way to the Darshan then please use footwear of good quality. Canvas shoes or PU sole footwear is best. Women should avoid wearing heels.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Pace of Walking:</span>&nbsp;Maintain a steady pace if you are trekking. While descending from the Darshan, do not try to go down fast. Many people do that and end up having blisters on the foot due to the constant thumping.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Helicopter Service:&nbsp;</span>Take Helicopter ride if you are traveling with children and elders. There is a drawback in traveling by helicopter if you take also the return flight. You are given a fixed time slot which is around 2 hrs. Within this stipulated time frame you have to finish your darshan and reach Sanjhi Chat in time to catch the return flight. What happens is that it is almost 2 hours by the time you walk your way and stand in queue for Darshan. So there’s no time left to visit Bhairo Nath temple.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Essential items to Carry:</span>&nbsp;Besides medicines, torches, raincoats and walking sticks are a good idea to carry. You never know when you need them. They can all be bought or hired from a large number of shops at Katra or on the way to Bhawan.&nbsp;</div><div>Travel Light: Please trave light. Backpacks or stroller type light luggage bags are best if you want to walk. All necessary food and travel-related items are available en-route as well as at Holy Bhawan. Yatries need not carry items like Prashad, Blankets, foodstuffs etc. So except for personal clothing and important items like medicines etc do not carry any extra baggage.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Rules regarding Mobile phones and electronic gadgets:</span>&nbsp;Carrying mobile phones or things like digital or video cameras along with other electronic items are strictly prohibited beyond the first check post.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Special Passes for Defence Personnel:</span>&nbsp;Special pass available for defense personnel and their dependents. Armed with this pass you can stand in a special queue for darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Items not allowed inside the Sanctum Sanctorum:</span>&nbsp;No leather items like purse, handbags or belts are allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum. You need to deposit them in a locker. Except for money and handkerchief nothing is allowed inside for final darshan.</div><div>No Liquor: Katra is a dry city. To prevent the sanctity of the place do not carry any liquor with you. This seems obvious but not adhering to this can be a source of trouble. Even Cigarettes and Gutkha pan masalas are also not allowed.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Shopping at Katra:</span>&nbsp;It is better to avoid buying anything from Katra except for the Prashad and other small souvenirs. There’s a state handicraft emporium very close to Bus stand. Here you can check out stuff like shawls and other woolen items.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Aarti Timings:&nbsp;</span>Aarti takes place twice a day. Devotees are not allowed inside during Aarti. Otherwise, darshan is open round the clock. It is done once in the morning at sunrise and in the evening at sunset. The timings of Aarti are 6 am to 8 am in the morning and 6 pm to 8 pm in the evening.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Prefer Tracks over stairs:</span>&nbsp;To prevent overstraining on the climb it is always advisable to take the paved tracks over the stairs. · Original Holy Cave: Please take note that the Original Holy Cave is open only during winters.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Security &amp; other considerations:</span>&nbsp;As you are aware that the state of J&amp;K is facing terrorism activities. In addition to that, landslide also takes place sometimes. So be careful and follow the official instructions made through loudspeakers. You are supposed to maintain solemnity and dignity of the place and keep off from indulging in any activity that can raise panic or suspicion.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Medical Facilities:</span>&nbsp;Unlike Kailash Mansarovar yatra you do not need any medical certificate to undertake the Yatra. However, those with heart ailments, breathing, low Hemoglobin levels or other similar ailments are suggested to carry on with the Yatra only after due medical checkup and consent of the Doctor. Heart, asthmatic and orthopedic problems can get aggravated after a strenuous climb.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Railway reservation Counter:</span>&nbsp;A computerized Railway Reservation Counter operates from the Niharika complex near the main bus stand at Katra.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Mobile Connectivity:</span>&nbsp;BSNL works best here.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Post office/ Speed post courier:</span>&nbsp;Post offices are available at Katra, Adkuwari and also at Bhawan. In Katra, you can get a Speed Post courier facility.</div><div>Cloakroom: Cloakroom service to keep luggage is provided by Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board as well as private hotels/lodges etc. Be careful to check the credentials of private hotels and lodges before leaving your luggage. It is always wise to not leave your cash, jewelry or any other valuable at Cloakrooms. Cloakroom facility is available for free at the following places.</div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Cloak Room Facilities</span></div><div><br></div><div>At all Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Shrine Board operated guest houses/ lodging places<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span>Katra</div><div>1) Cloakroom opposite to the main queue complex (gate No.1). Here you can deposit shoes, belts, combs etc which are not allowed in the Holy cave.</div><div>2) A cloakroom is also functional at Sridhar Bhawan.<span style="white-space: pre;">	</span>*Main Bhawan</div><div>*Cloakrooms at Main Bhawan functions round the clock.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;">Advice for Children and the Elderly:&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br></span></div><div>If you are traveling with elderly people or children, it would be better then to not come back on the same day. For example, if you set out for the darshan in the afternoon and then it is better to rest at Ardhkuari for the day. In case you do not find accommodation take rest for at least 3 hours. For advance booking of accommodation at Adhkunwari, you can visit the website of Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.</div><div><br></div><div>Intake of water: Water should be taken at regular intervals to avoid dehydration. In order to provide clean drinking water to the devotees, there are around 125 water points and 50 water coolers installed on the way.</div><div><br></div><div>Vomiting &amp; Hill sickness: As the route to Katra from Jammu passes through some hilly terrains. It causes a tendency to vomit. So never travel on an empty stomach and carry medicines for vomiting. Oranges and Nimbu pani can come handy.</div><div><br></div><div>Obtaining Group Numbers: Once you reach Bhawan your primary task is to rush to the group counter and obtain the group number. This is very crucial and must precede any other task.</div>

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<div>Katra which is about 50 kilometers from Jammu is well connected to important destinations via Jammu. Jammu is well connected to cities across India through air, rail, and road.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>Distance from Katra to other locations</b></div><div><br></div><div>Jammu<span style="white-space:pre">	</span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 50 KM</div><div>Amritsar<span style="white-space:pre">	</span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;270 KM</div><div>Patnitop<span style="white-space:pre">	</span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 80 KM</div><div>Delhi<span style="white-space:pre">	</span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;650 KM</div><div>Chandigarh<span style="white-space:pre">	</span>&nbsp; 410 KM</div><div>Udhampur<span style="white-space:pre">	</span>&nbsp; 520 KM</div><div><br></div><div>For convenience of the devotees, these three modes of transport are explained in detail here.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><b>How to Reach by Airways</b>: The nearest Airport to Katra is at Jammu which is 55 kilometers away. Almost all the major airways operate its flight to Jammu.</div><div><br></div><div><b>How to Reach by Road</b>: Katra is well connected to Jammu by National Highway which is in turn connected to the rest of India.</div><div><br></div><div><b>How to Reach by Railways</b>: The nearest Railway station to Katra is at Jammu 50 kilometers away. Trains from all across India are connected to Jammu.</div><div><br></div><div><b>Driving Direction</b></div><div><br></div><div>Driving Down to Katra is a great option. If you intend to hire a car there are a plethora of options. If you are in Delhi or Delhi NCR you can get private taxis like Indica, Qualis or even luxurious Mercedes Benz that regularly plies between Delhi and Katra or Jammu. They could charge anything between 10,000 to 15,000 Rupees depending upon your choice of luxury and AC or non AC cars.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Driving Direction from Jammu to Katra (54 Kms)</div><div>Driving Direction From Delhi to Katra (594 Kms)</div><div>Driving Direction from Amritsar to Katra (225 Kms)</div><div>Driving Direction from Chandigarh to Katra (388 Kms)</div><div><br></div><div>Katra in the Jammu region is a famous center of pilgrimage for the pilgrims who are the passionate followers of the goddess Vaishnavi. Situated at a higher altitude, this place is visited by thousands of pilgrims on the occasion of Navratras. It is believed that the pilgrim who comes with the full faith to this pilgrimage is said to get his/her wishes fulfilled. This centuries-old pilgrimage is flocked by thousands of devotees every year. The Jammu and Kashmir airport is the nearest airport which connects Vaishno Devi. The Jammu Tawi railway station provides a direct link with the major metropolitan cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkota. The grand trunk road, national highways, and state highways connect Katra with the different cities of India. The most convenient mode of transport for reaching Katra is either by train, bus or aeroplane</div>

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