4 Places to Visit Near Vaishno Devi for A Wonderful Trip!

Vaishno Devi is one of the most religious places in Jammu and Kashmir that draws millions of worshippers from all around the world. According to Hindu mythology, Vaishno Devi is said to be three goddesses – Mahasaraswati, Mahalaxmi, and Mahakali. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from around the globe make a trip to Vaishno Devi to seek blessings and pay their respect to the goddess. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the shrine also consists of a holy cave, which is a popular religious site. Many undertake this uphill religious trek, which is about 13 km. The trek is completed in about 6 to 9 hours on foot. Helicopter services or horse rides are also available to reach the holy site.

If you’re planning a trip to Vaishno Devi anytime soon, here we have listed the top tourist attractions near Vaishno Devi that you must visit.

Best Time to Visit Vaishno Devi

Since the climate is pleasant throughout the year, you can plan a wonderful trip to Vaishno Devi at any time of the year. However, the best time of the year is between March to October. Huge crowds visit Vaishno Devi during these months as the weather is pleasant and cool. Also, maximum tourists plan a trip during Navratri to seek the blessings of the Goddess.

How to Reach Vaishno Devi

By Air: The nearest airport is located at Jammu, which is 50 km from Katra. The airport is well-connected to several cities like Leh, Delhi, and Srinagar. You can also easily book taxi services from Jammu as well. Connecting flights are also available from Delhi for international travel. Also, check out exciting offers on Flights to Jammu here!

By Road: You can also travel by road. State transport buses from Jammu to Katra are available at regular intervals. You can also book private bus services to reach different tourist places on your Vaishno Devi tour.

By Train: Train services are available from Jammu. It is well-connected to all the major cities in the country.

Top 4 Places to Visit Near Vaishno Devi

Apart from the pilgrimage tour, many nearby places and adventurous sites are there that attract tourists from all around the globe. Here are the 4 best tourist attractions you must visit near Vaishno Devi to make your tour exciting.

1. Ardhkuwari – A Popular Religious and Historic Site

Located about 6 km from Vaishno Devi, Ardhkuwari is a popular tourist destination that you can visit. According to legends, the cave of Ardhkuwari was home to a deity, making it a religious site to visit. Since the location is very close to the centre of the city, it is relatively easy to reach. The site gets dedicated worshippers all year round. Apart from it being a religious site, Ardhkuwari is historically important and is a popular stop for devotees heading to Vaishno Devi. If you’re looking to visit some famous places near Vaishno Devi, add this one to your list.

2. Jammu – The City of Temples

Jammu is one of the best places you can visit on your Vaishno Devi tour, especially if you’re travelling by flight. Jammu is a popular tourist destination that has so much to offer every kind of traveller. The scenic beauty, plentiful wildlife, snow-capped mountains, and exquisite monuments make it a must-visit place to explore before you begin your Vaishno Devi trip. The city also houses the popular Maha Kali Temple, which is considered second to the Vaishno Devi temple. You can easily plan your trip accordingly so that you can visit some of the popular tourist spots in Jammu for an exciting experience.

3. Bhairavnath Temple – A Must-Visit Temple on Your Vaishno Devi Tour

The Bhairavnath Temple is another famous tourist destination pilgrims visit on their Vaishno Devi trip. It is believed that a visit to this temple is important, or your entire Vaishno Devi tour would be incomplete. According to legends, Baba Bhairavnath was killed here by Maa Vaishno Devi, who later forgave him and dedicated the temple to him. Earlier, reaching the temple wasn’t easy because of the steep climb. However, today, a ropeway operates from Vaishno Devi Temple to Bhairavnath Temple, making the journey easy. The temple offers panoramic views from above that you can enjoy. Make sure to visit the Bhairavnath Temple near Vaishno Devi for the best experience.

4. Bagh-e-Bahu – A Popular Historical Site

Located about 64 km from Vaishno Devi, a visit to Bagh-e-Bahu is a good idea. A popular historical site, you can visit the fort to experience the beautiful sound and light show that makes it an interesting tourist place to visit. Bagh-e-Bahu gets visitors, especially devotees, visiting the place on their Vaishno Devi tour. You can plan your journey accordingly, so you get a chance to visit the Bagh-e-Bahu fort to make your trip meaningful and exciting.

Make sure to plan your trip well in advance for a hassle-free experience. There are many interesting places to visit on your Vaishno Devi tour. To make things easy and convenient, visit the Cleartrip website for all your flight and hotel bookings. You can also avail of discounts and promotional offers on the platform.

Other Interesting Places to Visit Near Vaishno Devi

Apart from the above 4 places to visit near Vaishno Devi, there are many other interesting tourist spots you can visit. Here is a list of some other tourist places to visit on your Vaishno Devi trip.

1. Patnitop – A Photographer’s Paradise

Patnitop is a beautiful tourist destination to visit if you’re planning a longer trip to Vaishno Devi. Known for its panoramic views and beautiful meadows, it is a popular site to visit when in Jammu. Here, you can enjoy skiing, trekking, or simply a walk to take in the beauty of the place.

2. Sanasar – A Peaceful Escape

If you’re looking for some exciting adventure, escaping to Sanasar is a good idea. It’s a haven for adventure enthusiasts looking for excitement on their tour. It is one of the most popular sites near Katra that you can visit to enjoy trekking, paragliding, abseiling, and rock climbing.

3. Shivkhori – A Holy Cave

Located at a distance of 90 km from the Vaishno Devi temple, the holy cave is another popular religious site for many. The cave houses a Shiva Linga that is 4-foot long. The most interesting feature of the cave is the milky water that drips on top of the Shiva Linga, making it a fascinating sight to witness. If you’re planning a longer stay on your Vaishno Devi tour, make sure to visit Shivkhori.

4. Baba Dhansar – A Lord Shiva Temple

Make your Vaishno Devi tour more meaningful and visit the Baba Dhansar temple located about 15 km from Katra. It’s another popular site to visit on your tour. The temple houses a Shiva Linga with drops of water falling on it. Here, you can also enjoy the beauty of a flowing spring nearby that transforms into a mesmerizing waterfall.

FAQs

What makes Vaishno Devi popular?

Vaishno Devi is an important religious destination for Hindus. It is said that Maa Vaishno Devi resided at this place. Devotees from all around the world gather at the temple to attend aartis and offer prayers to the goddess. It is one of the most popular Hindu temples in the world.

How many days are needed for a Vaishno Devi trip?

If you are planning the Vaishno Devi yatra on foot, a trip of at least two to three days is needed. However, if you want to explore some more interesting places near Vaishno Devi, plan your vacation for at least 5 days or more.

How can I reach Vaishno Devi?

Since Vaishno Devi is a popular religious site, it is well-connected to all states in the country. You can easily reach Vaishno Devi by train, flight, or road.

How old are the temples and caves in Vaishno Devi?

According to historical data, the temples and caves in Vaishno Devi are a million years old. It is considered one of the oldest religious places in the world.

Are there budget-friendly stays near Vaishno Devi?

Yes, there are many Oyo rooms and budget-friendly hotels near Vaishno Devi that you can book on your tour. The site is well-connected, and you can find local transport easily as well.

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