You are reading about Mata Vaishno Devi. This place is also called Vaishnodevi, Vaishno Devi Mandir, or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. It is a holy cave temple on the Trikuta hills near Katra in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. People from all over India come here to say Jai Mata Di and seek blessings of Vaishno Mata. The shrine is run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The temple is high up in the hills. The main cave and Bhawan are reached after a trek from Katra. The trek is famous and safe. Along the way you will see small shrines, clear mountain air, and many helpers for pilgrims. The shrine is open most days of the year and many festivals like Navratri are special here.
You can also use a helicopter or battery car if you need help. The Shrine Board runs online bookings for some services like helicopter seats and temple stay. Always try to book from the official site to avoid trouble.
Why read this page?
Because here you will find plain, quick answers on: what the shrine is, how to reach, what you will see on the trek, nearby temples, safety tips, best time to go, and common questions about vaishno devi helicopter booking and darshan. You can use this to plan your visit fast.
How to reach Mata Vaishno Devi
By Air
- Nearest airport is Jammu (Satwari / Jammu Civil Enclave).
- From Jammu airport take a taxi or bus to Katra.
- Travel time from Jammu airport to Katra is about one and a half to two hours by road.
By Train
- There is a railway station called Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK).
- Many trains stop at Katra from big cities.
- From Katra station you can walk, take a taxi, or use local transport to reach the start of the trek.
By Road (Bus / Car / Taxi)
- Katra is well connected by road.
- Jammu to Katra by road is about forty to forty five kilometres and takes around one to two hours.
- Many state buses and private taxis go to Katra. You can drive or take a bus from nearby cities.
Helicopter (Vaishno Devi helicopter booking)
- The Shrine Board runs helicopter services from Katra to the helipad near the Bhawan (Panchi / Sanjichhat).
- You must book helicopter seats on the official site. Check the Shrine Board for rules and quotas (senior / specially-abled seats are often reserved).
On the trek / short help options
- From Katra you can trek to the Bhawan (many walk).
- If you cannot walk, you can hire a battery car, pony, or a palki for parts of the way. These services run from the base and at checkpoints.
Temples Around the Vaishno Devi Yatra
- Ardhkuwari
Ardhkuwari is a small cave on the trek. It is said that Mata Vaishno Devi stayed here for many months. The cave looks like a small womb and many people feel peace here. Many stop here to pray and rest before going up to the Bhawan. - Charan Paduka
Charan Paduka means the holy footprints. Here you will see the place where Mata is said to have left her footprints. People touch this place and pray. It is one of the main stops on the way to the vaishno devi mandir. - Geeta Mandir
Geeta Mandir is a small temple near the trek start in Katra. Many pilgrims visit it before they begin their walk. The temple has verses and simple prayers from the Gita. It is a calm place to say a short prayer. - Ban Ganga
Ban Ganga is a clear mountain stream near Katra. Legend says Mata Vaishno Devi made this water with an arrow. Pilgrims like to wash their face or take a small dip here. It is a fresh, green spot and many photos are taken here.
Pilgrim Experience — Mata Vaishno Devi
This is what a pilgrim usually feels and sees at Vaishno Devi / vaishnodevi / vaishno devi mandir. Many people go there to say Jai Mata Di. The walk is holy and calm for most. The path has shops, helpers, and places to rest. The main cave (Bhawan) is on a high hill. The whole trek from Katra to Bhawan is about thirteen km and the Bhawan is at about five thousand two hundred feet. Plan for a slow, steady walk.
There are services for those who need help. Battery cars, ponies, pithoos, and palkis run on parts of the route. You can book these from the Shrine Board counters or their website. Rates and rules are fixed by the Shrine Board. If you cannot walk, these options help you do the yatra. If you are short on time or cannot do the trek, you can book a helicopter seat from Katra to Sanjichhat. Helicopter seats must be booked on the official site. Check the Shrine Board for booking days and rules.
Weather can change fast in the hills. Sometimes the yatra is stopped for safety when rains or landslides happen. Keep this in mind while planning.
What to expect on the Mata Vaishno Devi trek
- The walk is long. Expect about thirteen km from Katra to Bhawan. Plan time and energy.
- The path has steps, narrow parts, and flat sections. Walk slowly.
- You will see many pilgrims. Expect crowds on festival days.
- There are stalls for water and snacks on the way. Carry a small bottle too.
- There are toilets and resting places at intervals. Use them when you can.
- Battery cars run between Ardhkuwari and Bhawan. You may book online or at counters.
- Ponies and palkis are available for hire. Rates are fixed by the Shrine Board. Ask at help counters.
- Medical help and assistance counters are on the route. If you feel weak, ask helpers or staff.
- If you plan helicopter travel, book seats early on the official portal. Slots fill fast.
- Carry light luggage. Wear good walking shoes. Keep a raincoat in the monsoon season.
- Be ready for security checks at the Bhawan. Follow staff instructions.
- Keep medicines and ID with you. Share a phone number with your group.
Nearby places
- Nav Durga Mandir (Nau Devi / Nav Durga)
This small temple shows nine forms of Maa Durga as It is close to Katra and many pilgrims visit it before or after the Vaishno Devi trek. You can reach it by road in a short drive from Katra.
- Shiv Khori Mandir
Shiv Khori is a cave shrine with a natural Shivling as It is a bit farther from Katra but many people go there on the same trip. The cave is calm and cool.
- Baba Jitto Mandir (Aghar Jitto)
Baba Jitto is a local saint loved by farmers and villagers. His small shrine is near the Katra–Reasi road. People come here to pray and join the yearly fair.
- Dera Baba (Dera Baba Banda / Dera Baba Mandir)
This place is a holy gurudwara and a quiet stop near Katra. It has an old history and is kept clean. Pilgrims from many faiths visit here.
- Bhumika Mandir
Bhumika Mandir lies near Katra railway area. It is easy to reach and many yatris stop here for a short prayer. The place is simple and calm.
- Baba Dhansar Mandir
Baba Dhansar sits near a small sacred pond and a stream. People believe the water here is holy. It is a good, quiet place for a short visit.
Best Time to Visit Mata Vaishno Devi
Season | Months | Weather / Feel | Crowd | Why go now | Helicopter |
Spring | Mar — Jun | Cool days, clear sky | Medium | Best walking weather | Yes (runs well) |
Monsoon | Jul — Aug | Rainy, slippery | Less | Green hills, fewer people | May be stopped in heavy rain. |
Autumn | Sep — Nov | Clear and calm | Medium to high | Great views and photos | Yes — book early in festival time. |
Winter | Dec — Feb | Cold, maybe snow | Low | Quiet trip, peaceful | Limited; check before travel. |
Tiny tips
- If you go during Navratri or big holidays, expect very long queues. Book early.
- If you need a helicopter seat or battery car, book online early in peak months.
- Always carry a small first-aid kit and a copy of your ID.
Safety Measures & Facilities — Mata Vaishno Devi
- Carry one ID copy and keep it with you.
- Walk slowly on the steps. Take rest breaks.
- Follow police and staff instructions at all times.
- Do not trust agents who say they can book for you — always use the official Shrine Board site.
- If the weather is bad (rain, landslide, heavy wind) do not try to go up. The Shrine Board may stop services for safety.
Where to get help (important numbers and places)
- Shrine Board Help Desk / Call Centre (Katra): use the official helpline numbers shown on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi site. Save them on your phone before you start.
- There are medical points on the route and a 24-hour dispensary. Oxygen and emergency drugs are kept at main points like Banganga, Ardhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. For big problems, head to the block hospital in Katra.
- Police, Shrine Board staff and volunteers are on the path to help you. Look for help counters or the nearest police post if you are lost or unwell.
Facilities you will find near Vaishno Devi Temple
Place | Toilets | Drinking water | Medical help | Rest shelters / benches | Booking counters (official) |
Katra (base) | Yes | Yes | Government hospital / dispensary nearby | Yes | Shrine Board counters for helicopter, battery car, rooms. |
Banganga | Yes (basic) | Yes (spring / taps) | First aid point | Small rest areas | Local helpers, info points. |
Ardhkuwari | Basic toilets | Water stalls | Medical aid post | Shelters for rest | Battery car boarding point nearby. |
Sanjichhat (helipad area) | Toilets | Drinking water | Medical help | Benches / shade | Helicopter counters and official boarding area. |
Bhawan (main cave) | Yes | Yes | 24-hour dispensary / ICU nearby | Limited (crowds) | Shrine Board counters, cloakroom, prasad counters. |
Transport & booking safety
- Helicopter: Book only on the official Shrine Board portal. There is a special quota for senior citizens and specially-abled pilgrims. Check rules and print or save your ticket.
- Battery car / pony / palki: These can be booked online or at official counters. Do not hire from unknown persons on the road.
- No third-party booking: Shrine Board warns that only its site or counters are valid for rooms, helicopter seats, and battery cars. Avoid middlemen.
Mata Vaishno Devi is a warm, holy place that gives calm and hope. You can walk from Katra or use a pony, battery car, or book vaishno devi helicopter booking on the official site. Carry your ID, wear good shoes, and pick spring or autumn for the best weather. Visit vaishnodevi to say Jai Mata Di and feel the blessing of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi — are you ready to plan your trip to vaishno devi mandir?