Vaishno Devi

By Air

Jammu is well connected to the rest of India by air. Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate daily flights to Jammu. The average flying time from New Delhi is about 80 minutes.

By Rail

Jammu/Katra is connected to other parts of country on broad gauge and numerous passenger trains ply from various parts of the country. One can also reach Katra by rail. In the peak season of summer and other holidays, the Railways introduce special trains for the comfort of the Yatris. Many superfast trains also ply on this route and one can reach Jammu/Katra overnight from New Delhi.

By Road

Jammu is well connected through road also to rest of India. National Highway No. 1A passes through Jammu towards Srinagar. Regular bus services from all major North Indian cities are available for Jammu as well as Katra. Many standard and deluxe buses of various State Road Transport Corporations as well as private operators connect Jammu with important cities and towns of North India.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

The best season to visit Vaishno Devi is during the summer and the place receives most number of visitors during this time. But for those visitors who want to avoid the crowds that come in during summer, the months from September to February can also be an option to visit Vaishno Devi. The summer months especially from May to July are most popular among devotees. The maximum temperature recorded is 30° Celsius and the minimum of 15° Celsius. The winter season is from November to January. During this time the area records a maximum temperature of 13° Celsius and a minimum temperature of minus 2° Celsius. The area receives snowfall during the months of December and January and so visitor are advised to carry heavy woollens. Vaishno Devi experiences monsoon season from July to September. During this time the area experiences regular showers recording about 107cm of rainfall.

ITINERARY For 8 Days & 7 Nights

Day 1: Arrive in Katra

Meals: Meals as per hotel plan Upon arrival at Jammu Railway Station/Airport, board your designated vehicle and drive to the small town of Katra. Located at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountain range, this town is dotted with a number of guest houses, hotels, fast-food joints and retail stores. Owing to the presence of several hotels and a bustling marketplace, this town serves as a convenient base for travellers as well as pilgrims heading to the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi. After arriving in Katra, check-in at the hotel and relax for a while. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may either relax in the hotel or stroll along the nearby market areas to shop for different items like woollen garments and hosiery. You can also visit the popular shrines of Katra – Banganga Temple and Dera Baba Banda. Thereafter, return to the hotel and get a good night's sleep to wake up rejuvenated for a pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine, the following day.

Day 2: Trip to Vaishno Devi Temple

Meals: Meals as per hotel plan Visit the Yatra Registration Counter (YRC) to get a computerised Yatra slip or DarshanParchi, which is required to make the journey to the Vaishno Devi Temple. Thereafter, start your trek to the shrine, which is situated at an altitude of 5200 feet on top of a hill. The length of the journey is approximately 13 km on a well-laid path. However, the path being quite steep, a number of pilgrims opt for pony rides. The holy shrine is considered as one of the sacred pilgrimages centres of Hindus. After reaching the shrine, pay homage to Mata Vaishno Devi, who is believed to fulfil all desires of her devotees. Afterwards, head back to the hotel in Katra for an overnight stay.

Day3:Drive from Katra to Pahalgam

Meals: Meals as per hotel plan Proceed towards the next destination - Pahalgam, which is popularly known as the 'Valley of Shepherds'. It is one of the picturesque destinations in Kashmir and is known for its shimmering lakes and natural beauty. Pahalgam serves as a base camp for pilgrims of Amarnath Temple Yatra. This area enthrals travellers with its plenitude of snow-clad mountains, vast expanses of meadows and pastures along with pine forests. Situated near the banks of Lidder River and Sheshnag Lake, the hill station boasts of spectacular vistas. With undulating terrains and mountainous surroundings, Pahalgam has an idyllic setting for adventurous activities like trekking and hill climbing. On arrival in Pahalgam, check-in at the hotel and take rest. Thereafter, you can leisurely stroll across the nearby areas and even go to the banks of the Lidder River or Sheshnag Lake on your own. Return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day4: Day at Leisure in Pahalgam

Meals: Meals as per hotel plan You may spend the day entirely in leisure activities. Home to stunning landscapes and picturesque water bodies, Pahalgam is a scenic destination. Explore the best of this hill station by visiting its prominent tourist attractions like Chandanwari, Aru Valley and Baisaran Meadow. You may choose to indulge in several recreational activities, like horse riding, fishing, trekking and leisurely walks. Pahalgam has several local markets, where you can find different woollen products. After this fun-filled day, retreat to the hotel and stay overnight.

Day5: Drive from Pahalgam to Gulmarg | Sightseeing in Gulmarg

Meals: Meals as per hotel plan Check-out from the hotel and head to another enchanting destination – Gulmarg. Popularly known as the 'Meadow of Flowers', this place boasts of stunning landscapes dominated by grassy hills and flowerbeds. Owing to its spectacular surroundings, this hill station once served as a holiday retreat for the former kings of the region. Upon arrival in Gulmarg, check-in at the hotel and head to Gulmarg Gondola, this is a cable car that traverses across the pine forests and snow-capped mountains on way to Kongdori. Perhaps one of the longest and highest cable cars in Asia, this gondola offers one-of-its-kind experience as you behold fascinating views of the beautiful surroundings while in it (Charges applicable). Later, return to Gulmarg and visit the 110-year old St. Mary's Church, which was constructed during the British rule. Afterwards, go to the Gulmarg Golf Club, which is the world's highest 18-hole golf course and is one of the longest in the country. The vast expanse of meadows and flowerbeds set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains is a sight to behold while visiting this golf club. After this sightseeing tour, retire to the hotel and sleep the night away.

Day6: Drive from Gulmarg to Srinagar | Sightseeing in Srinagar

Meals: Meals as per hotel plan Check-out from the hotel and proceed to Srinagar – a picturesque destination in Kashmir. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is situated at the banks of the scenic Jhelum River. Every year, thousands of tourists throng this city to witness its serene gardens, placid lakes and soaring mountains in its backdrop. On arrival in Srinagar, check-in at the hotel and freshen up. In the afternoon, embark on a 2-hour shikara ride (Charges applicable) on the picturesque Dal Lake. Admire the scenic beauty of this magical lake and surrounding lush greenery and Loft Mountains, during the ride. Thereafter, proceed towards the local crafts market, where you can find exquisite items made of papiermache and wood. After this enriching experience, retreat to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day7: Sightseeing in Srinagar

Meals: Meals as per hotel plan Set out on a sightseeing tour of the city. Begin with a visit to the beautiful Nishat Garden (Garden of Pleasure) and Shalimar Garden (Abode of All). These gardens are part of the Mughal Gardens, which lie along the banks of Dal Lake. They were created during the Mughal period and boast of verdant lawns, fountains and flowerbeds. A must-visit attraction of Srinagar, these gardens have a charm of their own. Next, embark on a joyous drive along the lake side on the famous boulevard road that offers picturesque views of the sparkling waters of Dal Lake. Thereafter, make a stopover at the local Handicrafts Emporium, where you can find beautifully-designed ornaments, jewellery, shawls and many other items that you can take home as souvenirs. Later, visit the Shankaracharya Temple – a majestic shrine located at an elevation of about 1100 feet. It is one of the oldest temples in the region and is said to be established around 371 BC. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this shrine is known for its architectural splendour, showcasing the craftsmanship of the ancient times. After this delightful tour of Srinagar, retire to the hotel and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

Day8: Depart from Srinagar

Meals: Meals as per hotel plan.

Check-out from the hotel and drive to the airport for your return journey.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation is Premium/Deluxe Category hotel or Equivalent based on availability at the time of actual booking
• Daily breakfast or Dinner included in hotel as per fixed menu/buffet system.
• Meeting and assistance on arrival station
• Chauffeured transportation for all transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours
• All currently applicable hotel & transportation taxes

EXCLUSIONS

• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone, fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
• Local payments in domestic currency, such as entry fees to monuments, tips and gratuities
• Any ride, monument entry fees
• Guide Service
• Domestic / International air fare
• Indian Visa Fees
• Any other services not mentioned in Price Inclusions above
• 5% GST on Total billing

CONDITIONS

• Entry & exit points will be nearest to the destinations
• All confirmations are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Should the no. of passengers, inclusions, hotel category or type of transport change at any given point the cost is liable to change and payable as advised by us.
• Rates/itineraries/payment terms are subject to change without any prior notice.
• Day wise sightseeing itinerary will be given after the confirmation.
• For Ac Vehicle A/c will work only in the plains and will be switched-off during hill drives.
• Children below 5 years accommodation will be on complimentary basis sharing parent’s room and breakfast charges as applicable.
• The given cost is inclusive of all services mentioned in the quotation and no refund will be processed for any service which is not avail by guest once in tour.
• Hotel Check In / out time is 12:00, early Check in and Late Checkout depends on Availability of Rooms, also with supplement charges. Please inform us the arrival departure timing of our guest in advance for confirms services and supplement charges occur.