Experience
Mata Vaishno Devi
The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited places in India. It tops the list of religious places in India and especially in North India. The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is situated in an ancient cave on the sacred Trikuta mountain. The Trikuta mountains are at a height of 5,200ft and are at a distance of 61 km from Jammu city. For visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine the devotes reach Jammu and then reach Katra. From Katra starts the trek of 13 km which leads to the holy Vaishno Devi shrine.
History
Mata Vaishno Devi shrine holds extreme religious importance for Hindus in India and abroad. The temple of Mata Vaishno Devi situated at the Trikuta mountain is very ancient. According to mythologies, Mata Vaishno Devi had incarnated as a princess in Treta Yuga as a Shakti of Mother Parvati, Saraswati and Lakshmi for the welfare of mankind. Out of all the epic tales related to Mata Vaishno Devi, the one associated with Baba Bhairavnath is the most popular amongst the devotes. People who reach the shrine definitely visit Bhairavnath temple situated at a distance of about 5 km from the Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Things to do (Activities)
Helicopter ride
People who cannot walk the 13 km distance on the mountain, they can opt for a helicopter ride to reach the Vaishno Devi shrine. The helicopter ride can be booked on the spot or in advance. The ride will take almost 8 to 10 mins to reach the destination. People who take the helicopter ride are sure to enjoy gorgeous scenic views in a beautiful environment.
Visiting Jammu
During your visit to Vaishno Devi shrine, you can halt at Jammu and spend a day exploring the place. Jammu has a lot of options for tourists. You can visit places like Raghunath Mandir, Bahu fort, Bagh- e – Bahu and the Dogra art museum. The food of the place is also very popular amongst the tourists, you can spend some time visiting different places and trying authentic cuisines in Jammu.
Shopping at Katra
The base of the journey for reaching the Vaishno Devi shrine on the Trikuta mountain is Katra. Those who visit the shrine mostly stay in Katra once they reach or when they finish the journey. The market in Katra is full of authentic shops. You can go for shopping and buy different varieties of dry fruits, lentils and other food items. The market is also popular for clothes, you can buy Kashmiri and Pashmina shawls from there. Even beautiful wooden items can be bought from the market.
Trekking and Hiking
With numerous mountain peaks around, Manali is also popular for being a trekking destination. If you are fine with trekking and hiking, the place offers you some of the most gorgeous treks. You can opt for Hampta Pass Trek, Chandratal Lake trek, Deo Tibba Trek and many more. Manali in winters make these treks snow covered which increases the level of excitement for travellers. If you like trekking, add these places to your things to do in Manali list
Accommodation
List of the Accommodations available at the Destination
Ginger Katra
Ginger Katra
Katra or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi – Katra is at the foothills of Trikuta mountians, where the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is located.
Lemon Tree Hotel Katra
Lemon Tree Hotel Katra
Lemon Tree Hotel, Katra Introduction: Just 5 minutes from the railway station, Lemon Tree Hotel, Katra offers captivating views of the Trikuta Mountains
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Jammu
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Jammu
Nestled in the heart of the city, the Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson Jammu provides business and leisure guests with a contemporary, full-service hotel near local corporations and the banks of the scenic Tawi River.
Fortune Inn Riviera
Fortune Inn Riviera
The city of Jammu, the winter capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, is the epicenter of all socio-economic activities in the Jammu region.
Clarks Inn Suites
Clarks Inn Suites
Clarks Inn is a new boutique property in Katra – renovated completely in 2019. We arrived in Katra at 9 am & the front office staff was kind enough to provide us early Check In at 9 am.
Zone by The Park
Zone by The Park
Meet the new shining star in J&K’s winter capital, Zone by The Park Jammu. There’s no better place to enjoy the serenity of Jammu like Zone. ZONE BY THE PARK
Radisson Blu Jammu
Radisson Blu Jammu
119 well appointed rooms/suites designed to offer you pleasant and productive stay. Every room at the Radisson Blu Jammu is aesthetically designed with luxurious furnishings and soothing colors.
Le ROI Jammu
Le ROI Jammu
Located in Jammu, 32.2 km from Katra, Le Roi Jammu features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property.
Restaurants
List of Popular Restaurants available at the Destination
Moti Mahal
Moti Mahal
This is a nice restaurant to be Comfortable seating… Polite staff. The place is more with dishes on the house for non vegetarians.
Falak Revolving Restaurant
Falak Revolving Restaurant
It’s very nice place to enjoy with our family and we booked a table and take meals with our family best to enjoy our meals and good service from this restaurant.
Zamindara Dhaba
Zamindara Dhaba
This restaurant is best known for its traditional and excellent cuisine.
Madhuban
Madhuban
It is the famous restaurant in katra located very conveniently near all key points in katra like Shrine Board office, Bus Stand, Taxi Stand etc.
The restaurant has good sitting area and equally efficient and courteous staff
Punjabi Haveli nice
Punjabi Haveli nice
This is a good place on the highway for having a good meal with family at any time of the day. Tasty meals, nice and clean please and good staff.
Kaffberry
Kaffberry
The ambience is awesome! And great food and variety too
Transportation
By Air
Jammu airport is very well connected through all the flights. From Jammu airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Katra to start the trek.
By Train
The nearest railway station to reach Vaishno Devi shrine is the Katra railway station. The rail journey till Katra takes you through one of the most gorgeous valleys, bridges and landscapes in the entire country. Visiting by train is considered the best option to reach the shrine.
By Surface
Katra is very well connected through the road network. You can easily reach there by your own car or by public transport. Bus service is very frequent and is very easily available for the area.
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