Amidst the verdant valleys and the serenity of nature’s embrace,
Stands the abode of the Mother Goddess, beckoning devotees to seek her grace.
Hi! My name is Parul and this story is a three day destination guide to the majestic and divine Vaishno Devi Dham as a solo traveler. This trip is a heartfelt pilgrimage that every devotee must definitely take once in their lifetime!
Reaching the Destination
I started my journey by taking a train to Jammu Tavi from Lucknow. It is an incredible experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern India. The journey covers a distance of approximately 1045 km and takes around 22-24 hours depending on the train you choose.
After reaching Jammu, you will need to take a local bus to Katra.
Day 1: Into the natural trails
My spiritual journey started with the bus ride to Katra. The cool breeze filled my lungs as it moved around the winding roads. The excitement within me was palpable as we began our ascent towards the mountains, leaving behind the bustle of the city and entering a world of natural beauty. We slowly moved towards our destination surrounded by natural trails, lush green hills, clear streams and magnificent waterfalls. The serene surroundings, coupled with the gentle sway of the bus, lulled me into a peaceful state of mind, and I felt my spirit lifting up.
As we reached Katra, I stepped out of the bus to witness the vibrant and bustling town, filled with shops, cafes, and devotees bustling. The fresh mountain air filled my senses as I got a little too excited while experiencing it all. I quickly checked into our hotel and went out to explore the place and have dinner.
The first day was a beautiful beginning to an enriching experience, and I couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the journey held in store for me.
The second day of my journey to Vaishno Devi was that of spiritual bliss and adventure. After a delicious breakfast, I set out to explore the lanes of Katra, which were lined with shops selling souvenirs, sweets, and religious artifacts. The atmosphere was alive with a sense of devotion, and I could feel the energy building up within me as I made my way to the registration center to start the yatra.
After completing the registration formalities, I set out on foot, following the well-laid path that snaked its way through the hills. The landscape around me was breathtaking, with towering peaks, lush green forests, and glistening waterfalls. As I walked, I felt a deep sense of peace and tranquility enveloping me, and my heart was filled with a sense of devotion to the Mother Goddess.
The yatra was not an easy journey, with steep inclines, narrow paths, and rough terrain, but I persevered, drawing strength from the chants of fellow pilgrims and the beauty of the surroundings. After a few hours of walking, I finally reached Bhawan, the sacred shrine of Vaishno Devi.
As I entered the shrine, I was filled with awe and reverence, and my heart overflowed with gratitude for the opportunity to be there. The darshan was a surreal experience, and I felt a sense of deep connection with the divine energy that was ever present in the atmosphere.
After spending some time in quiet contemplation, I began my descent back to the hotel, feeling rejuvenated and energized. The journey back was equally breathtaking, with stunning views of the mountains and valleys. When I reached the hotel, I was exhausted but content, feeling grateful for the blessings of the day.
Day 3: As the journey comes to an end…
On the final day of my journey to Vaishno Devi, I visited the sacred site of Shivkhodi, located around 80 km from Katra. The temple was located in a natural cave, surrounded by stunning rock formations and cascading waterfalls. As I entered the cave, I felt a deep connection with the divine energy that permeated the atmosphere. The darshan was an incredibly moving experience, and I felt a sense of deep reverence for the powerful deity that resided there.
The journey back was just as awe-inspiring, with stunning views of the rugged terrain and natural beauty of the region. As we reached Katra, I felt a sense of contentment and satisfaction, knowing that I had completed my spiritual journey.
After checking out from the hotel, I boarded the bus to Jammu Tavi and prepared to board the train back to Lucknow.
As our train slowly pulled towards Lucknow, I felt a sense of nostalgia and longing, knowing that the journey had come to an end. Although the memories of the journey would remain etched in my heart. The journey to Vaishno Devi had been a life-changing experience, and I felt blessed to have been a part of it.
Here are some travel hacks
- Book your accommodation in advance.
- Avoid carrying heavy luggage.
- Carry a small backpack with essentials such as water bottles, snacks, and first-aid supplies.
- Wear comfortable and good quality shoes.
- Carry a torch or flashlight.
- You can also opt for a helicopter ride to the top of the mountain.
- Register online for the yatra to avoid long queues.
Roadmaps
About the Traveler
Parul Narayan is a travel enthusiast, a wanderer, an explorer who always seeks for stories and new experiences while travelling. She is a solo female traveller who digs the idea of being able to do what you want, how you want and finds travelling solo liberating and motivating.