| Fast-Facts | | | | � |
| � | | | | Hotels in Katra |
| Location: Katra, 61 Km North of Jammu | | | | � |
| Significance: Pilgrimage center of Hindus. | | | | Pilgrims on the way to Vaishno Devi temple can take |
| Best time to Visit: March-April | | | | rest at some comfortable staying hotels in Darbar, |
| � | | | | Adhkawari & Sanjichhat. Shri Mata Vaishnov Devi |
| Come Spring Season and pilgrims pack their luggage | | | | Shrine Board also offers accommodation at Niharika |
| for a holy trip. Vaishno Devi at Katra(16 kms in the | | | | Vishram Ghar. Visitors can also find some space at |
| north of Jammu) is one of the popular Hindu pilgrimage | | | | Dharmshalas in Katra. |
| centers in India. It is the holy abode of Mata Vaishno | | | | � |
| Devi, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Every year, | | | | How to reach Vaishno Devi Temple |
| between March to April, believers make a religious trip | | | | � |
| to the cave of Himalayan mountains and fill the | | | | By Air: |
| ambiance with the echo of hymns - "Prem Se Bolo, Jai | | | | The nearest Jammu airport is situated 48km away |
| Mata Di, Jor Se Bolo, Jai Mata Di". | | | | from Katra. Flights of Indian Airlines and Jet Airways |
| � | | | | offers services at regular intervals. Travelers can opt |
| The divine journey to Vaishno Devi temple is a life-time | | | | for boarding Helicopter service from the airport at |
| experience. The pious shrine is positioned at an altitude | | | | Sanjhi Chat. |
| of 5, 300 ft on the Trikuta Mountain. Devotees start | | | | � |
| their yatra from Katra, situated 13 kms away from the | | | | By Rail: |
| temple. The high steps are covered on foot and | | | | The nearest railway station is in Jammu. The Railway |
| pilgrims enjoy trekking for about five hours. Many opt | | | | Department in India introduce a special train for pilgrims, |
| for a comfy ride on pony/horse. The main offering to | | | | on the peak season of summer and holidays. |
| the Goddess includes glittering red-color chunri, coconut | | | | � |
| and fruits. Many offer 'Halwa-Puri' and Chana for the | | | | By Road: |
| purpose of 'Bhog', performed during morning hours. | | | | The central bus stand in Jammu operate daily buses, |
| � | | | | which leave for the 52 km trip to Katra. Developed |
| Beside visiting the main cave, Vaishno Devi tour | | | | road NH 1A connects Jammu and Srinagar. Besides, |
| package also covers nearby attractions like Ban | | | | inter-state buses and private coaches ply over North |
| Ganga Temple, Charan Paduka Temple and | | | | Indian cities and offer travelers safe journey. |
| Ardhkuwari Temple. | | | | |