Sri Vaishno devi Yatra
Sri Vaishno devi Yatra Information
Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti, located in the hill of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Hinduism, Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess.
Located near the town of Katra, in Udhampur district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Vaishno Devi temple is one of the most revered places of worship in northern India. At an altitude of 5200 feet and a distance of approximately 12 kilometers (7.45 miles) from Katra, the shrine of Vaishno Devi is frequented every year by millions of pilgrims, making it the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirupati Balaji Mandir. The Shrine is maintained by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
The nearest airport from Katra is in Jammu City, 48 kilometers (29.82 miles) away. The nearest railway station is at Udhampur, 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away. Railway Extension to Katra proper is expected to be operational by 2007.
From Katra, devotees have multiple options to reach the main temple. The quickest way is to take the helicopter ride, which will take 15-20 minutes to reach the summit. However, this may not be operational on certain days depending on weather conditions. Other options include walking up or taking a horse ride. The climb is steep and tiring but there are multiple rest stations along the way and options to buy refreshments. For those with disabilities, there is an option to take a 'Palkhi' where 4-5 men will carry a person in a carriage. For young children, one can hire a person who will carry them and also carry the bags.
Extra clothes are required there, as every devotee is expected to bathe and change before going to the main temple for darshan. Security is very tight so one should make sure there is nothing of concern on his or her person.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Packages
Day 1 Delhi- Jammu (flight or train) & Jammu to Katra (road)
This morning you will fly or take your train from Delhi to Jammu. Once you reach Jammu you will meet our executive at the airport or station & than we will drive to Katra, which will take you approximate 1 hr. Once you reach their check in the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Darshan
(By Foot)
After breakfast, get ready for darshan at Vaishno Devi. Get a free yatra slip from the Yatra Registration Counter at the Tourism Reception Centre, Katra Bus Stand) which allows you to cross the Banganga checkpost. A kilometer away from Katra is the Banganga, the place where the Mata is believed to have quenched her thirst. Than 6 km away is Ardhkawari, the holy cave where Mata meditated for nine months. Another 9.5 km takes you to Sanji Chhat. On reaching Bhawan, show your Yatra Slip at the Registration Office and take down your batch number. This number is important as it will determine your place in the queue for darshan. Offerings like prasad (food blessed in temple sanctuaries), chunri (veil for the goddess) and coconuts can be bought here.
The place where compassion triumphed over rage. When Vaishno Devi slew Bhairav, this is where the head landed. It is called Bhairav Ghati. The temple has been constructed at the same spot. The body of Bhairav remained near the cave and the huge stone, outside the cave is a symbol of Bhairav's body.
After darshan you will return to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
OR..
(By Helicopter)
After breakfast, get ready for darshan at Vaishno Devi by Helicopter. After darshan you will return to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3:(Katra- Jammu to Srinagar)
After breakfast gets driven to Jammu airport to board your flight towards Srinagar at 12:25, which will reach Srinagar by 13:10, where our company executive will meet you & will escort you to the houseboat where you can take rest till evening & later you will taken for Shikara ride on the Dal Lake & see Floating Garden. Overnight at the houseboat.
Day 4: Srinagar
After breakfast visit the Mughal Gardens - Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of Pleasure), Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love) and Pari Mahal. The gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan hills in the background. For those with a religious or historical bent of mind visits to the Hazratbal Shrine. Later visit the local crafts market and enjoy shopping forcarpets, pashmina shawls, jewellery, walnut wooden items and papier-mâché handicrafts. In the evening, enjoy Shikara ride (Gondola Boat) across the pristine Dal Lake and experience the sight of willow trees on the banks, floating aquatic gardens on the lake and kingfishers hunting for food. Later in the evening, you will be dropped back to the houseboat for overnight stay.
Day 5: Srinagar- Pahalgham- Srinagar
After breakfast drive to Pahalgam at 8050 feet and enjoy the walk by River Lidder. Flowers and the green of the meadows abound in spring and summer. Here one can visit Shikergah, Dubian and Mamal Temples (dating back to 14th century) all of which can be travelled on foot or pony. Pahalgam also has a nine hole golf course. Return to Srinagar by evening and overnight at Houseboat in Srinagar.
Day 6: Srinagar- Delhi
This morning you will be dropped back at the airport to catch your flight to Delhi.
Duration: 6 Nights 7 Days
Highlights: Delhi/Srinagar/Sonamarg/Amarnath/Sonamarg/Srinagar/Gulmarg/Pahalgam/Jamu/Katra/Vashnodevi/Katra/Jammu
Day - 1, Arr. Srinagar:
On arrival in Srinagar meet our local representative and proceed to house boat check-in. Srinagar famous for its lakes, gardens and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them is also called heaven on earth. Afternoon free. Overnight in houseboat.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Houseboat
Day - 2, Srinagar
After breakfast leave for Sightseeing tour of Mughal Gardens visiting Cheshmashahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of Pleasure), Shalimar (The Abode of Love). These gardens are tourists' paradise and are beautifully decorated with bright flowerbeds, terraced lawns and well maintained cascading fountains.One of the famous temple of Lord Shiva- Shankracharya temple. Afternoon free (One can go for Shikara ride on self expenses basis). Overnight in Srinagar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Houseboat
Day - 3, Srinagar / Sonamarg / Amarnath: (84 km, 2½ hrs One Way)
Eearly morning drive to Sonamargh. On arrival transfer you to Baltaal to catch the helicopter to Amarnath Cave for darshan. Take a dip in the ice-cold water of Amarnath Stream, which flows, outside the cave. Inside the cave there is scenery of calm tranquility of white and glistering three massive Lingmas stand erect symbol of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and Ganesh. After darshan, proceed back to baltaal. You will be picked up from there and proceed to Sonamarg. Overnight in Resort in Sonamarg.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Sonamarg Nature Resort or Similar
Day - 4, Sonamarg / Srinagar
Today you will proceed to visit Sonamarg. Also known as "Meadow of Gold" which coul drive from the spring flowers or from strategic trading position it enjoys. Sonamarg has a wild mountain beauty. Evening return back to the hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at houseboat.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Houseboat
Day -5, Srinagar / Gulmarg /Srinagar: (56 Km, 1½ hrs One Way)
After breakfast leave by car for full day trip to Gulmarg (The Meadow of Flowers) at 2730 meters above sea level and which is one of the best ski slopes in the world. Gulmarg is also home to one of the highest 18 hole golf courses in the world and offers a splendid view of the Nanga Parbat Peak (the fifth highest mountain of the world) There is also a option for a short trip upto Khilanmarg by the Gandola cable car. Lunch (carried from houseboats) at Gulmarg. Overnight stay at houseboats.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Houseboat
Day - 6, Srinagar / Pahalgam: (94 km, 3 hrs One Way)
Morning drive to Pahalgam (the valley of sheperds), en route, visiting safforn fields and Awantipura ruins (1100 years old temple oflord Vishnu built by king Awantivarman, enjoy the beautiful countrysid e on the way. Drive through the pine forest, on arrival in Pahalgam walk along pony trails with a magnificent view of Monutain.Overnight will be in Pahelgam.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Baisaran or Similar
Day 7, Pahalgam / Srinagar:
After breakfast enjoy the Scenic Beauty Visit - The beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Later proceed to Srinagar. On arrival in Srinagar check in houseboat. Overnight stay will be in Houseboat.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Houseboat
Day - 8, Srinagar / Jammu/ Katra (Flight Jet lite depart Srinagar at 11:55, arr. Jammu at 12:30)
(Please take note from this day you all will be 6 Persons. 2 Persons will be dropped at Station to catch the train to Amritsar.)
Today after breakfast you will be transferred to Airport to catch the flight to Jammu. On arrival in Jammu you will be proceed to Katra. On arrival check in hotel. Overnight in hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Bhawani z paradise or Similar
Day - 9, Katra / Vashnudev / Katra / Jammu
After an early breakfast start your yatra to Vaishno Devi Temple. After pooja & darshan start your journey back to the Katra.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day - 10, Katra - Jammu - Departure:
Today you will be proceed to Jammu. On arrival in Jammu you will be transferred to catch the flight/Train to onward destination.
