Jai Mata Di.. This is probably one of the slogans which comes out of any devotional person perpetually.. Although mostly frequented by hindus... I am sure Mata Vaishnodevi shrine is visited by all kind of religious people.. It is believed that you cant visit Mata Vaishnodevi at your own choice.. Its only when the Mata wishes, she will call you and you would defineteley go... no matter what kind of situation you are in.. I do not know how true it could be... considering.. these days.. you have helicopters which can take you right uptill the top of the shrine.. But trust me you would believe everything once you reach there.. I saw a guy who had come all the way upto the shrine.. but could not go in coz.. his parents had forgotten to deposit their mobile phones at the cloak room.. and due to strict security he had to wait outiside.. he could not go in later.. as you require to register urself before you start your ascend at the bottom of the hill.. I do not wish to write more on the relegious aspect of the shrine.. but would like to share the journey that I took from Delhi to Vaishno devi...
The Journey from Delhi To Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine has got two major halts. One at Jammu and the other one at Katra. The trip is possible via all means of transportation - except “ship”:) One could take a flight from Delhi to Jammu and from there we could hire a cab to Katra. A non a/c indica would cost approx Rs. 550/- Helicopter services are available from Katra to the shrine (Only takes 5 minutes and costs around 1500 to 2500 Rupees).. Else take a train from Delhi to Jammu (preferably Rajdhani – takes the shortest amount of time among all trains). And from Jammu you have mini buses every 5 to 15 minutes to Katra from where you could start the climb. Though the bus services are there very frequent…. Would suggest to wait for a deluxe bus…. Others are uncomfortable…. Please book the trains tickets in advance…don’t expect to get tickets at the last moment… Direct bus services are also available from Delhi to Katra…. Would highly recommend Volvo buses…. DTC plies one at 7pm everyday from ISBT, Kashmere Gate, New Delhi… There are other private operators who operate from various points.. (mostly from Connaught Place) while DTC would charge you 700 bucks for one ticket.... a private operator would charge around 850/- for a person.. Or else one could also take Deluxe buses run by private operators, from ISBT, Kashmere gate.... or else the last option.. state run buses.. (this is definitely not recommended for senior citizens.. ) The journey from Delhi to Katra is of around 13 hours approx in a Volvo.. with just two or three stoppage.. so u can imagine the plight of the people who take state transport buses… it takes more than 14 hours and is really uncomfortable… this option is only for people who could not avail any other option….(only plus point… this mode is dirt cheap.. would cost you only around 300 bucks from Delhi to Katra!!!!) In case you are traveling by bus, I would suggest you to take the night service buses.. so that you can reach katra by morning…
At Katra you need to register yourself, before you start the ascend for the darshan.. … There is a booth for that wherein they give you a coupon (Yatra Slip).. which you need to retain till you reach the top and enter the temple.. This coupon is free of cost… ( This is very important .. as they check the coupon at the shrine gate on top.. and would refuse entry to you in case you have lost it… I guess such strictness due to security reasons…. After you register yourself and get the coupon it is important to cross the first station “Banganga” within the next six hours.. en route to the bhawan (shrine)… They check the coupon at “Banganga”.. although you don’t need to hurry.. as the time taken from katra to Banganga on foot is max 1 hour… you could also hire an autorikshaw to Banganga… which would cost around 20 bucks and will take you there in 10 minutes..…these days they have battery operated auto rickshaws from banganga to the bhawan!!!!.. (but only at specific timings during the day).. I did not avail the service.. so don’t know how much it would cost....You could also hire a pony for your ascend.. although I would definitely not recommend this.. as most of the horses are too weak.. and not treated properly.. and it is extremely cruel to make the horses climb all the way up with all the weight…
En route.. in case you would like to visit the sacred passage through the caves at Adhkunwari you would need to plan in advance… as only 50 ppl are allowed at a time to pass through the cave… and they issue group number for that also…you might need to spend hours.. waiting for your turn.. so it is recommended to take your group number.. visit the shrine on top and on you way back.. you could visit the cave…
There are many good hotels at Katra…. Most of them available at decent rates.. also most of them have family rooms (accommodating 4 ppl)…. But try to book a few days in advance..
I would also like to add that these days.. the natural entry to the bhawan (shrine) through the caves has got closed... and there is a man made subway.. through which you could walk and reach the goddess...
If possible plan the entire trip in advance… especially if you have senior people traveling with you. Hope I was able to put some ideas about the trip.. I would be glad to help you with any other details in case you require… put me an M2M…
Jai Mata Di…