Vaishnav Devi-Adventure Travel Tour Jammu

Everyday of the year more than thousands of people climb up the steep pathways of Vaishnav Devi just to worship the goddess Vaishnav Devi. It is a Popular belief that anybody who walks up the Himalayan trail to the goddesses's abode to ask for a boon he/she rarely goes back disappointed. There are many who visit Vaishnav Devi year after year to pay obeisance regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class, caste or religion. Not only the the Yatra to the holy shrine but also the legend associated with it is fascinating.

Light woollens are required at night even during summer here. During the remaining time of the year heavy woollens are required.

Some things that you should always remember while venturing for this yatra(pilgrimage) are:

• Obtain a yatra slip only from the yatra registration counter at the Tourist Reception Centre at the Katra bus stand. Without an authentic yatra slip, crossing of the Ban Ganga check post is not permitted. The slip is not available anywhere else.
• Take official receipts for all payments made to the Shri Mata Vaishnav Devi Shrine Board as well as those made to private vendors. Demand to see official rate lists while making payments.
• Use only the donation boxes provided by the SMV Shrine Board. In case of donations at the donation counters of the board at Katra, Adhkawari, Sanji Chhat and various points at the Bhawan and always obtain a formal receipt.
• Donations to the shrine are exempt from income tax under the Income Tax Act. Do contact the central office of the Shrine Board located at Katra, or the Sub Divisional Magistrate or Tehsildar in Room No. 8, Kalika Bhawan, Durbar, or write to the Chief executive Officer, SMV Shrine Board for any suggestions/complaints.
• Avoid over straining yourself on the climb. Walk on the paved track, instead of the stairs. Do not relax at points where warning notices are displayed. Do not break traffic discipline or try to over take others at difficult stretches.
• Good accommodation, with bedding facilities is provided by the SMV Shrine Board on payment. Facilities for booking of such accommodation fixed rates are available at various offices of the Board.
• Qualified doctors are available at the Primary Health Centre, Katra and at the dispensaries at Adhkawari and Bhawan, round the clock. They are also available at the evening clinic at Katra bus stand; open 2 p.m to 8 p.m. Medical Aid Centres run by the SMV Shrine Board provide necessary assistance to the pilgrims at the Katra bus stand, Banganga and Sanji Chhat.

Jammu is the nearest airport, railhead and inter-state bus terminus. Buses leave for Katra at 10 minutes intervals between 5:30 a.m and 8:30 p.m. During peak season, additional buses are pressed into service.Taxis are available both at Jammu and Katra for the journey. In Jammu city, these can be hired from the Jammu airport, Jammu railway station and the Tourist Reception Centre. A number of travel agencies conduct tours to Katra regularly from Delhi and other major cities of India. There are also daily scheduled services to Katra from a number of cities and towns of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

Pawan Hans operates two flights daily from Jammu and 5 flights from Katra to Shrine. Its capacity is 6 persons per flight. The distance from Katra town to Vaishnav Devi(Durbar) is 13 kms, which has to be traversed by pony, ‘dandi’ or on foot. ‘Pithus’ (coolies) are also available.

The Mata Vaishnav Devi Shrine Board (SMV Shrine Board) runs a large number of cafeterias and viewing points along the trail between Katra and the shrine where snacks, coffee and cold drinks are provided to the yatris on a no-profit-no-loss basis. The Shrine Board also runs ‘bhojanalyas’ at Katra, Adhkawari, Sanji Chhat and at the Bhawan / shrine for providing hygienically prepared food to the yatris on a no-profit-no-loss basis.Upon reaching the Bhawan, a group number is allotted to the pilgrims at the slip counter against the yatra slip issued at Katra. The yatri is required to stand in queue at Gate Number 2 till the announcement of the group’s number is made to proceed to the sanctum sanctorum. The holy water coming from the feet of the Mata can be collected on the way back.

For History of Vaishnav Devi Click Here!