Best Time To Go Vaishno Devi

Kashmir is truly a place of indescribable beauty. Its serene and blissful aura leaves visitors speechless. From snow-covered glaciers to crystal-clear lakes, and expansive grasslands to breathtaking orchards, this paradise offers an indelible experience. The incredibly picturesque places to visit in Kashmir have captivated the hearts of tourists from all around the world. And now, it's your turn to explore and discover this enchanting 'Paradise on Earth'.  There are many places to explore in and near Kashmir and one such place that you will not miss to visit on our Veena World Kashmir packages for family, senior citizens, etc, is the surreal Mata Vaishno Devi trip.

Located in the Trikuta Mountains, the holy cave of Vaishno Devi is home to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, making it one of the holiest pilgrimages in the world. Devotees from all over the world flock to this ancient temple in India in the hopes of receiving divine blessings.  The goddess appears at this place in her three forms: Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. Mata Rani, Trikuta, and Vaishnavi are just a few of her many names. There are breathtaking vistas scattered over the entire 13-kilometre route to the shrine.  If you are planning a trip to Vaishno Devi with your loved ones, then here is a comprehensive guide to Vaishno Devi that will help you and your family prepare for your pilgrimage to the holy site.

Different Modes of Transportation to Reach Vaishno Devi

To visit Maa Vaishno Devi Temple, the first step is to reach Katra, which is located approximately 50 km away from Jammu. Jammu itself is well-connected to major cities in India, making it convenient for travellers. So, you won’t face any difficulty reaching here.

Via Air

If you're planning to travel by air, the nearest airport to Katra is Jammu Airport, also known as Jammu Civil Enclave. This airport is situated around 50 km away from Katra. It offers regular flights to major cities in India like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Upon arrival, you can easily find cabs and taxis for Katra and vice versa.

Via Train

There are a number of trains available to Jammu/Katra from almost every major city in India. The nearest railway stations to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra are Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station (1.5 km) and Udhampur Railway Station (if your train goes there). Alternatively, Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the best option to choose if your train does not go to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station or Udhampur Railway Station. The distance between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station and Katra is 1.5 km, while the distance from Jammu Tawi Railway Station to Katra is around 51 km. Visitors can easily find transportation options to and from these railway stations to Katra.

Via Bus

Jammu & Kashmir Road Transport Corporation and private companies operate buses to and from Jammu to Katra at regular intervals. Private deluxe buses with air conditioning and taxis are also available at very affordable rates from all parts of India to Jammu.

Moreover, Kashmir tour package sightseeing opportunities en route to Vaishno Devi Temple will be a heartwarming affair.

Vaishno Devi in Different Seasons

Honestly speaking, any time you plan to visit is the best time to go to Vaishno Devi as different seasons have their unique charm. And as we reverently say, “Maata ka bulawa aaya hai!”

March to June

Summer is the best season to go to Vaishno Devi. This is definitely during the months of May, June, and July. During the day, it is peaceful and calm, but the temperature cools down considerably in the evenings. It is a pleasant time to go for darshan (worship) during this period. It is advisable to carry light woollens as the summer weather remains cool, and you may feel the cold in the evenings due to the high altitude. These months also see comparatively fewer crowds, making it a more enjoyable experience.

October and November

The best time to visit Kashmir on a Vaishno Devi tour package is the months of October and November due to the festivities that take place during this time. Navratri and Dussehra, which celebrate the power and glory of Goddess Durga/Chandi, attract a large number of pilgrims. The atmosphere is filled with the enthusiastic chant of 'Jai Mata Di' as people eagerly gather for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Devi. Additionally, this period provides an opportunity to appreciate and immerse oneself in the mesmerising beauty of the surrounding landscape.

July to September

The monsoon season presents the perfect opportunity to discover the intriguing charm of the terrain. With the region experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall, the entire area becomes adorned in lush greenery, and magnificent waterfalls cascade down the landscape, making this time also one of the best times to go to Vaishno Devi temple. However, it is important to note that planning a trip to Vaishno Devi during these months can be risky due to the potential for sudden mudslides. Nonetheless, this time of year is considered the off-season, making it advantageous for budget travellers who can find affordable accommodation options.

December to February

Due to its high altitude, Vaishno Devi witnesses substantial snowfall throughout the winter months. While it may not be suitable for elderly individuals and young children, tourists can consider visiting during this time for a unique experience. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, the Holy Cave remains open and dedicated pilgrims brave the snowy conditions to pay homage to the Holy Mother.  Many newlywed couples visit this place to seek blessings for their happy future on their Kashmir honeymoon packages.

Temples to Visit on Your Vaishno Devi Trek

Adh Kumari Temple

Adh Kuwari is known as the halfway point to the main Bhawan of Vaishno Devi, which is located approximately 6 kilometres away. It is called Adh Kuwari because it is believed to signify the eternal virgin, and it is considered to be one of the most significant temples on the path to the holy cave.

Bhairon Nath Temple

Located a mere 2 km from the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, the Bhairon Nath Temple is a sacred place dedicated to Baba Bhairavnath. According to the legend, Bhairavnath was on the verge of attacking the goddess Vaishno Devi when she swiftly annihilated him and took on the form of Kali, beheading him. However, filled with remorse, Bhairavnath sought forgiveness, and the compassionate goddess not only forgave him but also declared that the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi would be incomplete without seeking the blessings of Bhairon Nath.

Charan Paduka

Situated at an altitude of 3380 feet, Charan Paduka is located approximately 1.5 km from Banganga. This religious site holds incredible importance as it is believed to be the place where the sacred footprints of the Goddess are imprinted on a rock slab. Visitors come here to pay their respects to these holy imprints before continuing their pilgrimage.

Different Ways of Doing the Vaishno Devi Yatra

There are many options available to do the yatra like trekking, by helicopter, battery cars, ponies and palanquins. The elderly and children who can't walk the long stretch of 12 to 13 km take the palanquins, helicopter rides and battery cars. Whereas the young adults are more enthusiastic about trekking to enjoy the beautiful views on the way. To make the yatra an adventurous one, many people also choose the 8-minute helicopter ride to give it a touch of fun, thrill and spark.

Now with all the necessary information you have for your Vaishno Devi trip, what are you waiting for? Book your Kashmir Vaishno Devi tour package from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata or any other city with Veena World and create lasting fond memories with your dear ones.