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Located atop the Trikuta Mountains in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi is home to the reigning Hindu goddess Lakshmi. While going there, your trip is incomplete without the best places to visit in Vaishno Devi. One of the Shakti Peethas in India, millions of people come here to worship and seek blessings from Mata Vaishno. The high popularity of this place has turned it into a major tourist spot in the country for witnessing the beauty of the mountains.
7 Places To Visit In Vaishno Devi
Though famous as a pilgrimage spot, there are many other places to visit in Vaishno Devi to bask in the glory of this spiritual abode.
1. Vaishno Devi Mandir
Photo: Rajneesh kumar Thakur / Wikimedia Commons
A visit to Vaishno Devi is never complete without visiting the Vaishno Devi Mandir. It is the country’s second-most popular altar, attracting millions of people every year. According to devotees, Mata Rani visits the temple during poojas and aarti. In addition to seeking blessings from Mata Rani, one can enjoy the lovely view and weather up there. The temple is surrounded by natural beauty, which is enough to wash away your tiredness from the 13 km long trek up from Katra.
Location: Trikuta Hills, at 5000 ft elevation
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Vaishno Devi Temple Trekking
2. Katra
Photo: Shailendrachauhan95 / Wikimedia Commons
When looking for places to visit in Vaishno Devi Jammu and Kashmir India, you cannot miss Katra. This small town nestled at the foot of the Trikuta Mountains is undoubtedly one of the finest tourist spots out there. Since it is considered the gateway to the Vaishno Devi Mandir, tourists now have access to helicopters and vehicles to reach the temple. This place is also famous for attractions like the Chenab River, the high mountain peaks, and Banganga.
Location: Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 24*7
3. Ardhkuwari Temple
Photo: Santosh178 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the many well-known tourist attractions in Vaishno Devi is the Ardhkuwari Temple. Located close to the City Centre, it is easily accessible all year round. It is believed that when Mata Vaishno beheaded Bhairav, his body remained in the Ardhkuwari Cave. This is one reason that Ardhkuwari is so popular among devotees. However, exploring the Ardhkuwari Cave is not easy as you must crawl to reach the other side. Once you are there, you will witness the three important deities – Maha Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Kali.
Location: Tilak Nagar, Purana Daroor, Dhar Vaishno Devi, Ban Ganga, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Srinagar Temples
4. Bhairavnath Temple
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons/ Image For Representation Only
It is said that one’s excursion to the Vaishno temple remains incomplete unless visiting the Bhairavnath Temple. Dedicated to Baba Bhairavnath, it is one of the most-visited tourist places in Vaishno Devi. Since the temple is built on elevated land, one gets to enjoy an amazing view of the mountains. The charm of the place is further enhanced due to the presence of the thick green forest.
Distance: 3 Km from Vaishno Devi
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Shankaracharya Temple In Srinagar
5. Himkoti
Photo: Anirudh Singh Chauhan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you have a deep love for nature, Himkoti is an ideal destination for your Vaishno Devi trip. Greenery surrounds the entire place, creating beautiful scenery for people to enjoy and offering a stunning view to calm their minds. After visiting the temples and other pilgrimage sites, one can unwind as a Himkoti. Given the scenic view of the place, it is ideal for both families and couples.
Distance: 2.5 km from Vaishno Devi
Timings: 24*7
6. Swayambhoo Shiv temple
Photo: Abhinandan J. Patil / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Swayambhoo Shiv Temple, nestled along the Vaishno Devi trek route, is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The term “Swayambhoo” signifies that the Shiva lingam here is self-manifested, enhancing the site’s spiritual importance. Located in a peaceful setting away from the main crowd, it offers devotees a quiet moment of reflection. Pilgrims often stop here to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings before continuing their journey toward the Bhawan.
Location: Along the Vaishno Devi trekking path, Trikuta Hills region, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
7. Charan Paduka
Photo: Amit Bokde / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Charan Paduka is a revered spot where devotees pay homage to the sacred footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi imprinted on a rock. It is believed that the Goddess stopped here while being pursued by Bhairavnath. Surrounded by scenic views and spiritual calm, this spot offers a moment of reflection for pilgrims. Charan Paduka is one of the must-see Vaishno Devi tourist attractions, as it holds immense religious significance.
Location: En route to Vaishno Devi Bhawan, Trikuta Hills, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: 24*7
Places To Visit Near Vaishno Devi
Here listed are some of the attractions to visit near Vaishno Devi, adding onto the charm of your spiritual journey:
1. Bagh-E-Bahu
Photo: Tejan gupta / Wikimedia Commons
If you are someone who is intrigued by history, Bagh-E-Bahu is a Vaishno Devi tourist place, located 60 km away. This beautiful garden offers a stunning view with its lush greenery, water, and earth. The fort, accessible to both locals and visitors, holds a spectacular sound and light show. Most people visiting Vaishno Devi come to the fort to witness this one-of-a-kind show. Another interesting thing about the fort is the underground aquarium, which is shaped like a fish. This fort is one of the best places to visit in Jammu near Vaishno Devi.
Location: Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-bahu, near hanuman mandir, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: ₹5
2. Shiv Khori
Photo: Itzseoprasoon / Wikimedia Commons
Shiv Khori is a popular destination for pilgrims, making it one of the places to visit near the Vaishno Devi Temple. The cave is about 200 metres long and renowned for its naturally formed Shiva Lingam. It also has formations resembling various deities, which are a wonder to see. The journey to Shiv Khori takes you through picturesque landscapes, lush green hills, and a serene environment perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Distance: 90.7 km from Vaishno Devi
Timings: 5 AM – 7 PM (Summer) 6 AM – 6 PM (Winter)
3. Dera Baba Banda
Photo: Naresh Gopal Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
When adding places for the Vaishno Devi trip, one shouldn’t forget Dera Baba Banda. This religious site is very important for Sikhs, attracting people from different corners of the country. This place is primarily famous for keeping Baba Banda Bahadur’s ashes. For those unaware, he was the chief soldier of Guru Gobind Singh’s army. While entering the Gurdwara, you will see the large sword and arrow that were once used on the battlefield. Despite being decades old, the gurdwara still holds importance.
Location: Village dera baba banda bahadur, Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Patnitop
5. Patnitop
To make the trip more exciting, one must include Patnitop as one of the Srinagar tourist places in their itinerary. This ancient hill station in Jammu and Kashmir has always been a top tourist spot for visitors, primarily due to its pleasant weather. It reaches its peak, especially during the winters when it starts snowing. When in Patnitop, one can start exploring from the Raghunath Temple, which boasts 300 images of deities. Besides that, one can go exploring the nearby places to witness the true beauty of this town.
Location: Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 24*7
6. Baba Dhansar
Photo: Shouvik Sharma / Shutterstock
If one is up for a serene getaway, Baba Dhansar is the ideal spot. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and greenery, this place is perfect for nature enthusiasts. The enchanting waterfall, amidst the lush surroundings, provides a peaceful retreat and a leisurely spot for family picnics. Spending a few hours sitting in the middle of the greenery is all one needs to refresh their mind. When searching for places to visit around Vaishno Devi, it is a must to include Baba Dhansar.
Location: Katra, Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: All You Need to Know About The Raghunath Temple In Jammu & Kashmir
Now that you have all these places to visit in Vaishno Devi in your itinerary, why wait? Plan a trip with TripXL to embark on a pilgrimage journey like never before. You can even customise your travel plans at your convenience, so you don’t need to miss out on any of these attractions. Make your vacation to Vaishno Devi with your family a memorable one.
Cover Photo:Sheet Holidays / Wikimedia Commons
