Millions of pilgrims a year walk the 12 km path from Katra to the Bhawan, the holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta hills. The path is paved, lit and lined with food stalls, and families walk it day and night. Ponies, palanquins, battery cars on part of the route and helicopters to Sanjhichhat help those who cannot walk the whole way.
Highlights
- The walk from Banganga to Ardhkuwari and on to the Bhawan
- Darshan at the holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi
- Bhairon Baba temple above the Bhawan, by ropeway or on foot
- Shiv Khori cave temple, a day trip from Katra
- Patnitop and Sanasar meadows on the road to Srinagar
What to eat
- Rajma chawal at the dhabas
- Kalari (Dogra fried cheese) in Jammu
- Sweets and dry fruit from the Katra bazaar
Where to stay
Katra has hotels at every budget near the bus stand and the start of the walk; the Shrine Board also runs accommodation at Katra and along the track.
Getting there
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) station has direct trains from Delhi, including Vande Bharat. Jammu airport (IXJ) is about 50 km away by road.
Tips
- Every pilgrim must register and carry the RFID yatra card; register on the Shrine Board website, maavaishnodevi.org, or at the Katra counters.
- Navratri (March-April and September-October) and New Year are the busiest times; book rooms early.
- Wear good walking shoes and carry a light rain jacket: the weather in the hills changes fast.
Best time to visit
Sep-Nov, Mar-May. See what else is good in September and our best time to visit India guide.
Temples and shrines near Katra and Vaishno Devi
- Mata Vaishno Devi The goddess as three pindis in a cave
- Shiv Khori A natural cave with a Shiva lingam
Places to see in and around Katra and Vaishno Devi
18 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.
- Vaishno Devi Temple Temple, 5 km
- Mansar Lake Lake, 38 km
- Akhnoor Fort Fort, 21 km
- Surinsar Lake Lake, 38 km
- Raghunath Temple Temple, 29 km
- Amar Mahal Palace Palace, 27 km
- Hari Niwas Palace Palace, 28 km
- Manda, Jammu Ancient site, 14 km
- Dogra Art Museum Museum, 28 km
- Shivkhori Temple, 37 km
- Bhimgarh Fort Fort, 14 km
- Group of Temples at Kiramchi Temple, 18 km
- Bahu Fort Fort, 30 km
- Mubarak Mandi Palace Palace, 28 km
- Siar Baba Waterfall Waterfall, 39 km
- St. Mary's Cathedral, Jammu Temple, 33 km
- Jambu Zoo Garden, 22 km
- Mansar-Surinsar Wildlife sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 37 km
Food to try in and around Katra and Vaishno Devi
Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh favourites to look out for.
- Wazwan
- Rajma
- Kalari cheese
- Khatta meat
- Ambal
- Rajma kulcha
- Patisa
- Dahi bhalla
- Thukpa
- Skyu
- Gurgur cha
- Ramban Sulai Honey GI: speciality
The full food passport, state by state.
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