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Pilgrimage of Mata Vaishno Devi is said to be one of the holiest pilgrims in world. Sri Mata Vaishno Devi resides in a cave and the cave is situated in the three peaked mountain called as Trikoot. Lakhs of devotees pay homage to Mata Vaishnodevi Ji every year. Mata Vaishnodevi fulfills all the wishes of her devotees and now the number of devotees have exceeded to 5 million every year. Devotees coming to Vaishno Devi are not only from India but also from abroad.

The holy cave of Mata Vaishnodevi Ji is located at the height of 5200 FT. Devotees mostly stay at Katra and take on the walk of 12 km. There is no idol of Mata Vaishno Devi inside the cave, there are only three rocks called as Pindies. Darshans for Mata Vaishnodevi Ji is opened 24 hours throughout the year.

The management of the devotees and regulation of the shrine is under Mata Vaishnodevi Ji Shrine Board formed in 1986. Mata Vaishnodevi Ji Shrine Board has done many activities for comforts of devotees and development of the place. Rs125 crore has been spent for the developmental activities. Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine board continues to invest all the donations and offerings received by the Darashanyatri for the improvements of facilities.

Time of Puja

At Maa Vaishno Devi temple Aarti is conducted both in morning and evening. Morning Aarti at Vaishno Devi is conducted before sun rises and evening Aarti at Vaishno Devi is conducted after sun set. Only Pandits, Pujaris along with Board’s senior most functionaries and staff are allowed to be present at sanctum- sanctorum at the time of Aarti at Vaishno Devi.

Darshans and Prasad

Puja is conducted for various goddesses and gods during morning Aarti at Vaishno Devi and evening Aarti at Vaishno Devi as the belief is that while Aarti at Vaishno Devi is being conducted all gods and goddesses will be present in sanctum Sanctorum. A divine lamp called Jyoti is lit for performing Aarti at Vaishno Devi and the lamp is brought outside in a thaal after completion of Aarti. This thaal will have all items used to offer Aarti along with Jyoti. Outside holy cave’s mouth Aarti is performed outside cave in the presence of all devotees. During this Aarti at Vaishno Devi and one performed inside yatris can hear the mantras and shlokas uttered by Pandit. On completing Aarti at Vaishno Devi outside Pujaris will distribute prasadam to yatris along with charanamrit or holy water. This whole process lasts for more than two hours and during morning Aarti at Vaishno Devi and evening Aarti at Vaishno Devi devotees are not allowed to have Devi Darshans.

Located at a suitable height and surrounded by trees Patinitop is a peaceful and quiet place in the Jammu region. Its at a distance of four hours from Katra. We can also visit Sanasar which resembles Patnitop. Sanasar is on a higher location. While going towards Sanasar, Mathatop/Nathatop are the places to visit. Patnitop also offers some trekking routes. Patnitop is 112 kms away from Jammu. Its at a height of 2024 meters across the Jammu Srinagar highway. Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots and nice walks in the mountains. In winters the resort is covered with thick snow. Its a major center for snow games like skiing. The major center of attraction in Patnitop is its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. That is why its one of the best resorts of Jammu region.

Patnitop counts amongst the best-developed tourist spots in the Kashmir valley. The natural beauty, dense pine forests and flourishing green landscape of this hill resort makes it a popular tourist destination. Patnitop also boasts of three freshwater springs, with ice-cold water and said to have medicinal properties. A 6-hole golf course (now being expanded to 9-holes) lures tourists to Patnitop in summers. You can also take an excursion to Sudh Mahadev, a holy place near Patnitop. There are many activities to undertake while on a tour of Patnitop, Kashmir. For the adventure lovers, there are amazing trekking options near Patnitop.

Trekking is more enjoyable in Patnitop during summer, when all the treks open up. The most popular trekking route around Patnitop is the Sundarani-Jungal Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar route in Jangal Gali area. This route offers you three exciting treks to choose from. Then, there are the opportunities of riding ponies along little known trails, paragliding, camping and walks. The flowery meadows of Patnitop consist of an ideal place for walks and picnics. Skiing courses are also conducted at Patnitop in the months of January and February. All said and done, Patni top has something to offer to everyone in every season, so come and explore this beautiful destination!

Tourist Attractions

Skiing

Patnitop also attracts a lot of tourist because of the skiing possibilities that are present here. In winter months, special skiing classes for beginners has been introduced, specially in January and February. The snow covered slopes of Patnitop are not very steep or bumpy, so they turn out to be perfect for starters. For more experienced legs, there is Madhatop, just 5 km away from here, which is more difficult and challenging.

Jammu

Jammu is justly famous for its temples. Infact, it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of its trends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful Ziarats (shrines). If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that protects Jammuites.

The Naag Temple

Situated on top of the hill, the temple is more than 600 years old. The temple witnesses a large number of devotees on all days and on special occasions, the number is mind boggling. The temple is also a good option for excursions.

Location: 95-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K
Altitude: 2,130m
Main Attractions: Mamaleshwara, Baisaran, Tulian Lake, Aru
Best Time To Visit: In Summer – May To September In Winter – November To February

How To Reach

By Air: Srinagar is the nearest airport at a distance of 95 km.
By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead.
By Road: A 2½ hours drive from Srinagar by regular buses or taxis will take you to Pahalgam.

Famous for scenic beauty, the jewel of the Liddar valley, Pahalgam is situated in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Set at 2130 m above sea level, surrounded by the great Himalayas, it is positioned on the banks of the Liddar River. The alpine weather conditions create pleasant and mild weather conditions in summers from April to June, while winters from November to February are cold and experience heavy snowfall. The rainy seasons of July and August see a huge entourage of pilgrims who come here to visit the holy cave of Amarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva, as Pahalgam is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra.

The mention of Pahalgam is found in the regions ruled by the Mughals in the medieval period. Local Hindu kings later ruled over it as a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir until this princely state annexed into India, after independence. The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the luxuriant Liddar valley attracts the tourists. There are number of picnic spots on the shores of River Liddar, flowing near Pahalgam. Pahalgam is also a part of Asia’s only saffron growing area; the saffron plants are in full bloom in November. Pahalgam offers quite a few hiking and trekking trails, which one can explore riding on horseback. The snow capped peaks in the backdrop and lush green pine forests soothe the eyes of the travelers. The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling and trout fishing. Virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers mark Pahalgam as part of the paradisiacal beauty of Kashmir.

Tourist Attractions

Tulian Lake

The 11 km long route beyond Baisaran takes you to the Tulian Lake at an altitude of 3,353m. The lake remains covered with snow most of the year and offers a number of adventure sports.

Mamaleshwara Temple

Located at a walking distance from Pahalgam, Mamaleshwara Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. This small temple has a square shaped tank made of stone. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century or even earlier.

Aru

The little village of Aru is actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for 11-km upstream. The main track, which also can be taken by car, is on the left bank of the river. There is also a less used, and more difficult path, on the right bank. At Aru one will often find the Gujars, living in their log huts with their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for the summer.

Vaishno Devi, a devotes of Lord Vishnu used to pray to Lord Ram had taken vow of celibacy.BhaironNath , a tantrick (demon-God) tried to behold her and gave a chase. The Goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. The Goddess then meditated in the cave at Adhkawari. It took Bairon Nath nine month to locate Her, the reason why the cave is known as ‘Garbh Joon’ Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with Her Trident when the demon -God located Her.

On arriving at the holy cave at Darbar, she assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut of Bhairon Nath’s head which was flung up the mountain by the force of blow and fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located . The boulder at the mouth of the holy cave according to the legend is petrified torso of Bhairon nath who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying moments.

Best time to visit

The main season for visiting the shrine is from March till July. The area’s very cold through most of the year, so this is the best time to visit. Even during the summer, the temperature’s not exactly high, so take along light woollens just in case it gets cold.

Timing

Visitors can enter the shrine 24 hours. Only during the aarti time the darshans are not allowed- in the morning and evening for half an hour. For entry into the shrine, devotees need to get a Yatra slip issued by the Shrine Board at Katra. The Shrine Board operates a Tourism Reception Centre at the Katra bus stand, from where the slip can be obtained; it’s free of charge. The slip must be presented at the Banganga checkpost within 6 hours of being issued. Furthermore, when you reach the Bhawan, just below the shrine, you’ll need to present the slip in order to be assigned a place in the queue of devotees waiting to go up to the shrine.

Patnitop or Patni Top is a hill top tourist spot located in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated on a secluded plateau in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a popular destination offering opportunities for adventure sports, walks and picnics.

Situated amidst picturesque surroundings, Patnitop lies at an altitude of 2,024 m above sea level in the Lower Himalayan Ranges. It is situated on National Highway 1A, between Udhampur and Srinagar, at a distance of 35 km from Udhampur and 112 km from Jammu.There are no substantial records of the earlier history of Patnitop when compared to its nearby towns of Kudh, Batote and Udhampur. The presence of the 600 year old ‘Nag Temple’, a temple to honour the Serpent deity, is the only evidence to prove earlier inhabitation at this place. As per the local lore, the name Patnitop originated from the phrase ‘Patan da Talab’, meaning ‘pond of the Princess’. It is believed that there was a pond on the grassy slopes of this place where a princess used to bathe.

Located on the lower reaches of the Pir Panjal mountain range, the hill station of Patnitop is built on an irregular, more or less flattened plateau, with River Chenab flowing close by. Low rolling hills covered with shrubs and pines surround this plateau. Patnitop is full of deodar, which is one among the world’s four varieties of ‘true cedars’. Patnitop’s long natural walking trails, dense woods of pine and deodars, views of the Chenab Basin and thick snow sheets in winter attract tourists in large numbers.

Tourist places

Sightseeing in Patnitop includes Shigarh, which is a popular trekking route in Patnitop. Located at an altitude of 3500 m, Shivagarh is about 11 km from Patnitop and it takes a day’s time to reach by trek to the place. At a trek of 5 km from Patnitop is Madhatop, a snow covered region throughout the winters. Skiing is a very popular adventure sport and several tournaments are organized here during the winters. With an altitude of 2024 m, Madhatop is easily accessible by road.

Kud is a very important committee town located in the district of Udhampur in the Indian state of Kashmir. Kud is located on Udhampur Srinagar Highway, 110 km from Jammu city and is about 32 km from Udhampur. With an altitude of 1855 m, it is a very important part of the lower Himalayan range. The region of Kud is popular for Patisa, which is sweet dish prepared in the sweet shops.

Sonamarg – Fast Facts

Altitude 2,740
Languages Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri
Best time to visit April-June

Sonamarg is a wonderful destination for an intrepid traveler, who is looking for ‘meadows of gold’ (this is what Sonamarg means) and exciting places for adventure sports. Perched at an altitude of about 2,740 metres above sea level Sonamarg is a scenic tourist attraction located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg is at a distance of about 80 kilometres from Srinagar.

Tourist places in and around Sonamarg

At a time when mercury rises in the plains of India, it is soothing cool in the upper reaches. Sonamarg is a perfect tourist destination for summer. The lush meadows and snow capped peaks in the backdrop offer magnificent views. Sonamarg is a complete scenic destination in itself. There are a number of places that one can visit when in Sonamarg. There are a number of waterfalls in and around Sonamarg that you can visit. Gadsar Lake and Satsar Lake are two beautiful lakes that you can visit. The lakes are surrounded by tress and flowers. Nilgrad and Nichnai Pass are other two beautiful places that you can visit.

Some of the places around Sonamarg that you can visit are Thajiwas, Baltal, Zoji-la pass and Yushmarg.

Things to do

Sonamarg is not only about scenic beauty but the place also offers some wonderful treks and hiking opportunity. Sonamarg offers some of the finest treks in the area that take you to many beautiful spots. You can trek to Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal lakes from Sonamarg.

Sonamarg also offers wonderful opportunity for fishing. The Sind River provides a wonderful opportunity for trout and mahseer fishing.

Getting there and accommodation

One can reach Sonamarg by road through the Srinagar-Leh Highway. Srinagar is the nearest airport and the nearest railhead is Jammu.

Tourist lodges run by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation are ideal places to stay in Sonamarg. You may also stay at tourist bungalows and hotels in Sonamarg.

Mata’s cave shrine is nestled in the mighty Trikuta mountain 61 kilometres north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Appropriate Season :
The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winters due to snowfall.

How to Reach…

Airway :
Nearest airport – Jammu (48 km from Katra)
Daily Flights are available from Delhi and Srinagar. These flights (Indian Airlines, Go Air, Air Deccan, Jet Airways, Spicejet, Kingfisher) connect Chandigarh & Amritsar on some days of the week.

Railway :
Nearest Railway Station – Jammu By rail, Jammu is directly connected cities like Mumbai, Delhi Kolkatta and Chennai. Besides, it is connected with other major cities of the country.

Roadways :
Jammu is the terminus of a large number of Inter State Bus Services.

Jammu to Katra :
Buses leave for Katra every 10 minutes from the main bus stand at Jammu between 5.30 am to 8.30 pm. During rush periods, additional buses are also pressed into service between Jammu and Katra. Private Taxis are also available for hire between Jammu and Katra. These can be hired from Jammu Airport, Jammu Railway Station and the Tourist Reception Centre at Jammu.

Where to stay :

Jammu
Yatri Niwas managed by the Shrine Board. Various private hotels, the room rent ranging from Rs.300/- per day to Rs.3000/- per day.

Katra
Yatri Niwas managed by the Shrine Board, Rest Houses maintained by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, other Hotels. Sarais, managed by the Shrine Board offer free accommodations at Adhkawari, Sanjichhat and Darbar. Dharamshala, run by various organizations offer reasonable accommodation to the pilgrims. Yatris are however advised to keep themselves away from touts promising free Dharamshala accommodations .

The natural beauty of the valley of Kashmir is well known widely and has deservedly won high praise from travelers, since time immemorial. The first Himalayan State of India, Jammu and Kashmir is divided into mainly three regions, the foothill plains of Jammu; the lakes and blue valleys of Kashmir rising to alpine passes, the high altitude plains and starkly beautiful mountains of Ladakh, which lies beyond those passes.

The valley, practically one large health resort, is enchanting all the year round. The colourful flower season starts from the middle of March and April. May and June find fruit trees laden with many hued carpets of flowers decking the meadows and hill slopes. One of the most attractive aspects of Kashmir is its adventure prospects which includes trekking, mountaineering, fishing, rafting, heli- skiing to trans Himalayan Jeep Safari. June and July is the best time for swimming, sun-bathing, surf-riding and trekking. August and September are good for fishing trout and mahseer in ice-cold mountain streams. Big and small game are to be found aplenty in September and October; Autumn is the fruit season and also a good time for trekking. December to February is the season for winter sports in Gulmarg.

The state experiences extreme climates in the summer and winter. The weather is pleasant from October onwards. However, the best time to enjoy Kashmir and the adventures of Ladakh region is between the months of May and September.

Kashmiri handicrafts are known throughout the world for their exquisite craftsmanship. Srinagar is a shoppers paradise of traditional crafts. Several craft shops line the streets of Srinagar. The diverse articles range from woolen textiles of fleecy soft texture and matchless excellence in weaving, hand-woven carpets in both wool and silk with their intricate Persian design, to the exquisite designs worked on papier-mâché, wood work, silverware etc are products of unique craftsmanship.