Hacks before you plan a trip to Vaishno Devi

VaishnoDevi is one of most popular pilgrims to visit in India. We do it with our family, friends, colleagues. While for some it is a yearly ritual, some plan it once a while. I recently visited the place again and it was vey different from the last time I visited. So here are the things you can keep in mind to avoid delays in your planning.

How to reach

The best and easiest route in by train. It is fairly cost effective, saves time way comfortable. I went from Delhi and some of the trains now take you to Katra instead of just Jammu. So, find a train that takes you directly to Katra. In case you don't it, you can book till Jammu and hire a cab, take bus to reach Katra. The train route from Jammu to Katra is beautiful and takes through a mesmersing path.

The road route is also well maintained in case someone wants to drive till Katra.

Accomodation

One should prefer to stay near the starting point to Vaishno Devi yatra. There are a number of hotels you can find near the place. Better book directly by calling hotels to get some discount on pricing. We stayed at Hotel Hari resort.

Network Connectivity

Only postpaid sims work in Jammu. So, carry one or buy one at Katra. Most of the hotels provide wifi but do not guarantee a strong internet connection so prefer having your own sim. The network connectivity is good even at Bhawan so you can connect easily with a group.

Darshan

1. The entire system has been digitalised. You need to download the Mata Vaishno Devi app before visiting the premise. The booking open 3 months prior to the visit. Just book the date and slot of visit. You need to enter a valid ID proof of each visiting member.

2. Many booking booths are available around Katra - Railway station, Bus stand where you can show the ticket purchased via app and get a digital ID from the booth. The booth is not open 24*7, the last one is open till 11 pm at night and reopens at 4am. Usually it is said that you need to enter the main gate atleast within 2hrs of getting an ID but we were late still were able to get in.

3. You can also get an instant ticket at the booth incase you did not pre book. The digital line is shorter though.

4. If you have kids, there are paid trolleys available at main gate that can take your kid to the Bhawan.

5. If you have someone who cannot walk all along, there are options of horses and humans who carry you till the Bhawan. This option is valid for people not more than 90kgs. Make sure to book them at the gate itself as you cannot find anyone mid way of the route to help. All these options are available only from 7am to 8pm.

6. The mid-way stop called Ardhkuwari has two routes. From the new route, there is an option of cabs that take you to Bhawan. So cab service is available from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan and back. But you need to pre book it from app, otherwise it is very difficult to get directly from site. You can even book for one way route. Cabs start from 8am and last one leaves at 8pm from Bhawan.

7. There are two routes to reach Bhawan. The new one is shorter, but steep and with no food options along the way. The old route and food and water stops so I will suggest to keep using the old route.

8. Keep your ID safe and secure throughout the trip as police will ask for it at exit. If you fail to provide it, you have to pay penalty.

9. Darshan queue is super long, so is the queue to bathe, locker and stuff. So plan the journey wisely. It is best to reach by 4am in the morning when queue will be shorter. It took us nearly 2hrs to get darshan because of the big queue.

10. To visit Bhairavnath, you have option of ropeway as well. But it also has a long queue and unfortunately, as of today, no option to prebook online. Bhiaravnath and again take 1.5hrs of the day.

11. You can donate at other dropbox but not in the temple. You can buy prasad at the exit of the temple.

12. Incase you have someone on wheelchair, there is a lift access at one gate.

13. Helicopter route is also available but it is dependent on the weather even if you prebook it. So it is not 100% reliable option for visiting Vaishno Devi.

14. The weather is unpredictable so keep warm clothes.

Food options

There a variety of food options. There are even Dominos, Mc Donalds options in Katra with all vegeterian options.

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