HOLY PLACE-VISHNODEVI

Introduction
Transport
Accommodation
Travel Essential
Excursion
Jammu Airport
State
Maharashtra
City
Mumbai, Capital of Maharashtra
Airports
Sahar Int Airport & Santacruz Domestic Airport
Distance from City Centre
35 Km/ 25 Mile
Railway Junctions
Mumbai CST, Mumbai Central, Kurla (Lokmanya Tilak Junction)
Local Languages
Marathi
Vaishnodevi Introduction
Katra: 50 kms from Jammu. This small town serves as the base camp for visiting the famous shrine of Vaishnodeviji in the Trikuta Hills. The shrine is approachable on foot along a 12 kms. Long well laid foot-path. Every year, nearly 4 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to Vaishnodeviji. Accomodation is available in Tourist Bungalows, Yatrika and a number of private hotels, beside pilgrims''sarais'.
The holy cave shrine of Vaishno-Devi is situated in a beautiful recess of the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas as in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. There are images of three deities viz, the Mahakali, Maha-Lakshmi and Maha-Saraswati. ROUTE FROM KATRA TO VAISHNODEVI(13 KM/ 8 MILE ON FOOT): Katra/Banganga (1.5 Km/1 Mile) Banganga/Charan Paduka (1.5 Km/1 Mile) Charan Paduka-Adhkunwari ( 3 Km/1.9 Mile) Adhkunwari-Bhavan ( 7 Km/4.3 Mile)The 13 km/ 8 mile track from Katra to the shrine has been re-laid, widened and tiled. Railings have also been installed for protection. The 100 feet cave is very narrow with an average height of 5.5 ft only; has ankle deep water. Pilgrims are allowed in batches through the cave. A newly constructed exit makes the process of going out of the shrine easier.
For 13 Km/ 8 mile walk from Katra to shrine try to start early in the morning around 4.00 am to avoid the heat during the day and enjoy the early morning weather.Use tennis shoes for walking on the 13 Km/8 mile road.Do not carry heavy items while walking as you have to walk as well as climb 13 Km/8 mile road.Go for Mallish (Massage) after you come back from the shrine covering 26 Km/16 mile on your feet at Katra for better Blood Circulation. You can also take a pony ride. Palkhi is also available for older people. However the best way to go to shrine is walking across the 13 Km/8 mile stretch chanting "Jai Mata Di".Use Pithoo (Loader) for carrying small child and the luggage. Following items are available on rent at Katra. Canvas Shoes/Stick/Hats /Torches/Raincoats. Do not overstretch self while climbing on hill and do not use short cuts. It is recommended to use the main road only instead of steps.