The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is situated in the Trikuta Mountains of the Shivalik Hill Range in Jammu & Kashmir. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees annually. The cave shrine houses the three natural rock formations known as the Pindies, representing Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.

The Yatra Experience: Katra to Bhawan

The base camp for the yatra is the bustling town of Katra. From here, the 13 km trek to the Bhawan (Holy Cave) begins. The path is well-paved and illuminated, offering facilities like water points, shelter sheds, and medical aid.

• Ban Ganga: The starting point where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have washed her hair.
• Ardh Kuwari: Halfway point. It is believed Mata meditated here in the Garbh Joon cave for nine months.
• Sanjichhat: The highest point of the trek, offering a bird's eye view of the valley. It is also the helipad location.
• Bhairon Ghati: The journey is considered complete only after visiting the Bhairon Baba Temple, located 1.5 km above the Bhawan. A cable car (ropeway) is now available for this steep section.

Modes of Travel

While many devotees prefer to walk as a mark of devotion, various facilities are available for comfort. Ponies and Palkis (Palanquins) are readily available from Katra. Battery Cars operate between Ardh Kuwari and Bhawan for senior citizens. For those short on time, Helicopter services operate from Katra to Sanjichhat, cutting the travel time to just 8 minutes.

Best Time to Visit

The shrine is open throughout the year. The peak season is during the summer months (May-June) and the festivals of Navratri (March-April & September-October). For a peaceful darshan, consider visiting during the winter months (November to February), keeping in mind the cold weather.