Vaishno Devi Tour

Every year thousands of pilgrims make the journey to the holy cave site of VaishnoDevi Temple a top a hill near Jammu, India. The tour begins at Katra at the foot of the mountain, and is a 13 km uphill climb. While most pilgrims walk up the mountain, you can also ascend by pony, be carried by porters or fly in a helicopter.

The fervour with which pilgrims make the journey is because it is believed any boon that you wish for at the holy cave temple, will be granted by Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.

The legend of Vaishno Devi in India, tells the tale of a devotee of Lord Vishnu who defeated a demon Bhairon Nath, by taking on the form of Kali, when he tried to violate her vow of celibacy. The boulder at the entrance to the holy cave is believed to be the petrified body of Bhairon Nath who was forgiven by the Mata as he lay dying.

The Vaishno Devi Yatra / Journey in India is well organized and the entire path is tiled and lit at night with sodium vapour lamps. Food, water and public conveniences are available along the way. All pilgrims and tourists need to get a free Yatra slip at the counter at Katra Bus Stand. After reaching the top of the mountain, this slip needs to be shown to the local authorities, who will provide you with a batch number. This number determines your place in the queue to see the holy cave temple.

On returning from the vaishnodevi temple you can see the Bhairon temple, where the head of Bhairon is believed to have fallen when he was killed by Mata Vishno Devi. The journey is a complete spiritual experience, as the hundreds of pilgrims ascend the mountain in procession, chanting "Jai Mata Di". The view of the Pir Panjal Mountains and of the Himalayas on a clear day is a sight to be seen. The religious fervour of the devotees and the spectacular scenery, combine to make the Vaishnodevi Temple Yatra a truly memorable spiritual journey in India.