All the information regarding visit to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is situated in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and is approx 60 Km from Jammu City. The shrine is open 24 Hrs for Darshan and needs little bit of planning and motivation for visiting Maa Vaishno Devi.

Yatra Parchi (Permission for visit the shrine) can be taken online by furnishing ID card details of all Pilgrims. Yatra Pachi can also be taken offline after reaching Katra at many places but it is advisable to take Yatra Parchi online as online parch is valid for 24 Hrs for starting journey from Base to shrine but in offline one you have to start journey within 6 hrs of issue of parchi. Peak season for Mata Vaishno Devi visit is between April to June and September to October. Heavy rush of pilgrims may be encountered during the above periods.

Ex Bangalore, we have many ways to reach Katra

1. Flight from Bangalore to Jammu and then by Bus/Cab/Train to Katra (Flights from Bangalore to Jammu are costly)

2. Flight from Bangalore to Delhi and then by Bus/Cab/Train to Katra (Most economical and Time saving option)

3. Train from Bangalore to Katra

Hotel options are numerous in Katra and can be booked from any online booking sites. Also Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine board has a lot of accommodation options and needs to be booked early for reservations. 

Clothes to be taken depends on period of the year you have planned to visit. It is advisable to carry cold weather clothes if you plan your journey between October and February. Also it may snow in December, heavy weather clothes are preferable.

Katra is base camp for Mata Vaishno devi Shrine and there is considerable temperature difference between Katra and Bhawan (Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Temple area is called Bhawan also). From Katra to Bhawan, there are a lot of points ie Banganga, Charanpaduka, Ardhakunwari, Himkoti, Sanjho Chat and Bhairo Baba Temple. Ardhakunwari Temple is midway between Katra and Bhawan. Distance from Katra till Bhawan is approx 14 km. 

If you start ascend from Banganga, several options like horses, mules and carriages are available on rent till Bhawan. Rates are quoted at Banganga entry point. If you prefer walking, you can start from Banganga or Tarakot Marg. Tarakot Marg is a new way which is available only for walking pilgrims from Katra till Ardhakunwari. This new way is easier to climb and safe. After reaching Ardhakunwari, electric cars are available to reach Bhawan (Heavy rush is observed for tickets). Also you can book online tickets for electric cars. Helicopter facility is available from Katra till Sanjhichat. From Sanjhichat, Bhawan is 2.5 Km which can be covered by walking or by horses on rent. Also Helicopter option from Katra to Shrine needs to be booked early minimum 3 months in advance to get confirmed reservation. (Though Helicopter flight is not guaranteed due to ever changing weather near Shrine) 

After reaching Bhawan, Yatra parch needs to be stamped and if heavy rush of pilgrims is observed, then group number is given in the Yatra parch and you have to wait till your group number is announced to have Darshan. There are free lockers available in Bhawan to keep all the belonging. Shoes, leather items, cameras and luggage not allowed inside Mata Vaishno devi Darshan place.

You can have most authentic details and can do booking of accomodation from Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine official Website (https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/).

Ardhakunwari Shrine view from Katra Railway Station

At Katra Railway Station