Today I am going to share my experience of vaishno devi pilgrimage and hope that my experience will help in making your trip much better and memorable.
Vaishno devi pilgrimage is located in katra, 50 km from Jammu Railway Station. Earlier, Jammu used to be the last station but now thanks to Indian railways there are direct trains to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. If you are coming from flight then you can hire taxi from outside the Jammu Airport to Katra. Direct buses and taxis are also available to Katra from Jammu Railway Station that will cost you around Rs 1200-1300 (approx) and public buses will cost Rs 80/- per passenger.
SVDK (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra) Railway Station
This is the most beautiful and clean Station i have ever visited, you will not find even a single wrapper of toffee on the platform. Tourists travelling to SVDK can easily get Auto-rickshaw outside the station. Although the Auto fare is same for all autos but still you can try bargaining. Auto fare to katra market is Rs 100-140 (Max 5 passengers).
***Don't even think to travel to SVDK without ticket even in general coach as there is strict checking at the entrance gate.
***Come on window when your train travel from Jammu to Katra to enjoy the marvellous engineering of Indian Railways.
Accomodation in Katra
There are many Hotels, guest houses in Katra so tourists don't face any problem in getting accomodation at very reasonable rates.
Preferred Hotels: Let me clear one thing i am not advertising any hotel, i am just mentioning the name of hotels in which i stayed and found them comfortable.
1. Niharika Complex (Rs 600-1000)
2. J&K tourism Centre (Dat Bangla, Rs 1000-1800)
3. Hotel krishna (Opp. Yatra ticket counter, Bus stand)
***In case you don't want to book any Hotel then you can opt for Doormatries for Bathing and relaxing at Rs 100-120/day and you can keep your luggage safe in locker room in the same complex (Chargeable)
Important Points for tourists:
1. Do not forget to take Yatra ticket of each individual. You can generate these tickets in same Hotel in which you are staying else you can collect it from shrine Board office in Niharika complex.
2. There is no fees for generating Yatra ticket in any Hotel.
3. Book your accomodation for Bhawan at Shrine board office in Niharika Complex. No room booking is done at Bhawan.
4. Helicopter service is also available for Yatris from Katra to Sanjhi Chat and booking is done at Shrine board office in Niharika Complex.
Yatra Time
Before starting yatra, have some food anywhere in Katra. Vendors standing outside Niharika complex serves good food, one can eat stuffed kulcha there.
Take Auto from bus stand to Darshani Darwaza (fare : Rs 100 per auto which will carry max 5 passengers), there is no scope of bargaining.
Get your luggage checked at entry gate. After moving 200-300 m take Darshan Parchi from the Yatra Ticket counter and keep it safe with you as you will not be allowed for Darshan at Bhawan without these.
Now you can start your journey to bhawan without any tension. Don't move silently, just keep on saying "Jai Mata di" loudly..........."Jor se bolo Jai Mata di".
There will be lot of temples in between and now don't expect me to talk about all temples.
NOTE: Old people and disables can take Ponnis (Horse ride) and Khachhars (to carry luggage). Children and adult please avoid taking these and complete the whole journey on foot. Lot of Bargaining is required and collect the identity card of pony or khachhar issued to them by Shrine board.
**Avoid taking long Stairs else don't blame me that i didn't warned you in my blog.
Ardhkuwari Temple
If you have not taken the Himkoti route then after 7 km you will reach Ardhkuwari temple. As soon as you reach here take the Ticket number for cave from ticket counter and wait for your chance. Till your chance comes get yourself refreshed by eating at Bhojnalayas in front of temple.
Do's and Don't in Temple
1. Do not throw garbage in temple premises.
2. Cooperate with the Army as they are very friendly people and follow all instructions given by them.
3. Wait for your chance patiently.
4. Help each other in the Ardhkuwari cave.
Way to Bhawan
Now proceed for the Bhawan , follow the new route for Bhawan instead of old route. It is around 6 Km route.
At Bhawan allow yoursel to rest for 3-4 hrs and after taking Bath proceed for Darshan.
Important Points for Devotees
1. Carry your Darshan Parchi with you and submit it to the army person standing at the main gate
2. All VIP passes are to be collected from SDM office in New Kalika Bhawan.
3. Best time for Darshan: 3-7 am.
4. Devotees can book aarti online as well as from SDM office at Rs 1000/- each member.
https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/aarti.aspx
5. Avoid planning your darshan at Aarti time otherwise you will have to stand in que for 2 hrs.
Do's and Don't in Temple
1. Don't Pollute the Temple area.
2. Follow all instructions given by army present there.
3. Wait patiently for your chance in the que.
4. Playing cards and alcohol is strictly prohibited.
5. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.
Way to Bhairav Baba
After darshan at Bhawan, do not forget to proceed to Bhairav Baba as it is said that yatra is not completed without visiting this temple.
Enjoy the beauty of mountains from this temple.
Here you can see the apes and monkeys, noone need to fear from them as they are very friendly.
Now from here Slope is downward and one needs to control his/her speed to avoid chances of slipping.
Enjoy your 1-2 hrs stay at Sanjhi Chat and hide your eatables from Monkeys.
Back to Katra
After coming back to katra:
1. Collect your luggage from pony (if hired) and take auto from outside the Darshani darwaza to your hotel which you have booked and if not then you can book it now also.
fare of Auto: Rs 250/- (max 5 Passengers), no scope of bargaining
2. Prefer walking if your hotel is nearby and your legs allow you.
3. Do shopping in the Katra Market, purchase Prasad for your friends and relatives, get your girlfriend name printed on heart shaped wooden keyring and enjoy the food stuff after a tiring journey.
4. Get your legs massaged (if you feel like) from the local persons with some sort of oil with them which smells very bad.
5. Trust me it will be the best sleep of your life after completing your journey.
Plans for Next day
If you are having your train in evening or next day you can plan to visit Shivkhodi, patnitop, Nathatop else you can visit kal Kandoli Temple
Well, if you will take my suggestion plan for Shivkhodi.
Important Points
1. You can hire taxi/cab/mini bus from Katra itself
Approximate fare:
Shivkhodi; Rs 2500-3000 (Tavera, Qualis), Rs 4000 (Mini bus)
Patnitop: Same rate
You can easily cover any one of these spots in one day only.
2. Before booking ask your travel agent to stop at Kal kandoli Temple and drop you at Jammu railway Station.
3. If you have train from Katra then he will drop you at Katra Station.
Guys i have not mentioned mythics or history of any of the temple as you can find it anywhere easily, i have just tried to share most of the important points which are main concern of tourist visiting any new place. I hope this will help you out.
"Jai Mata Di"
Stay tuned for my next blog on Lucknow:City of Nawabs
For any special tourist place which you want to be shared and for any queries mail me at: agarwalmohit738@gmail.com
It's lovely
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