How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple: Complete Travel Guide from All Major Cities
Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India, attracting millions of devotees every year. Dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, the temple is located in the scenic Trikuta Hills of Jammu & Kashmir, near the town of Katra. Pilgrims from across the country and abroad visit this sacred shrine to seek blessings, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.
Planning a Vaishno Devi Yatra requires proper travel knowledge, as the journey involves reaching Katra by air, train, or road, followed by a 13 km trek to the holy cave shrine. Whether you are traveling from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, or any other major city, understanding the best routes and transport options can make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
In this complete travel guide, we explain how to reach Vaishno Devi Temple from all major cities, covering flights, trains, road routes, trekking options, and essential travel tips for first-time pilgrims.
Where Is Vaishno Devi Temple Located?
Vaishno Devi Temple is located in the Trikuta Hills of the Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir, India. The holy shrine sits at an altitude of approximately 5,200 feet above sea level and is reached via a 13 km pilgrimage trek from the base town of Katra.
Katra is the nearest town, railway station, and yatra registration point, making it the main gateway for pilgrims visiting the temple. The shrine lies about 50 km from Jammu city, which is also the nearest major airport and urban hub.
State: Jammu & Kashmir
District: Reasi
Nearest Town: Katra
Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (IXJ) – ~50 km
Nearest Railway Station: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
Trek Distance: 13 km from Katra to Bhawan
Surrounded by lush mountains and serene landscapes, the temple’s remote hilltop location adds to its spiritual significance and divine experience. Due to its well-developed connectivity by road, rail, and air, Vaishno Devi Temple is easily accessible from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and other major Indian cities.
This strategic location makes Vaishno Devi Temple one of the most accessible yet spiritually powerful pilgrimage destinations in India.
How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple by Air
Reaching Vaishno Devi Temple by air is the fastest and most convenient option, especially for pilgrims traveling from distant cities. The nearest airport to the shrine is Jammu Airport, from where Katra—the base town for the yatra—is easily accessible by road.
Nearest Airport to Vaishno Devi Temple
- Airport: Jammu Airport (IXJ)
- Distance to Katra: Approx. 50 km
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours by road
- Type: Domestic Airport
Jammu Airport serves as the main air gateway for Vaishno Devi pilgrims and offers reliable connectivity with major Indian cities.
Direct Flights to Jammu from Major Cities
You can get direct or connecting flights to Jammu from:
Jammu Airport to Katra
After landing at Jammu Airport, pilgrims must travel by road to reach Katra, the starting point of the Vaishno Devi Yatra.
- Prepaid taxis & private cabs
- JKSRTC buses
- Shared taxis
The road journey is smooth and scenic, making it comfortable for families and senior citizens.
From Katra to Vaishno Devi Temple
From Katra, pilgrims need to complete a 13 km trek to reach the main shrine at Bhawan.
- Walking (Free)
- Pony / Palki services
- Battery-operated vehicles (up to Ardhkuwari)
- Helicopter (Katra to Sanjichhat)
Why Choose Air Travel?
- Fastest travel option
- Ideal for senior citizens
- Best for long-distance travelers
- Good flight connectivity
- Easy road transfer to Katra
- Time-saving during peak season
Travel Tips
- Book flights early during Navratri and summer months
- Choose morning flights to avoid delays
- Pre-book Jammu–Katra taxis in peak season
- Carry light woolens as weather can change quickly
How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple by Train
Reaching Vaishno Devi Temple by train is one of the most economical, comfortable, and preferred options for pilgrims across India. The temple is well connected by rail through Katra, the base town for the Vaishno Devi Yatra.
Nearest Railway Station to Vaishno Devi Temple
- Station Name: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station (SVDK)
- Distance to Yatra Start Point: 1–2 km
- Distance to Bhawan: 13 km (trek from Katra)
- Facilities: Waiting halls, food stalls, taxis, auto services
This station is specially developed for pilgrims and offers excellent connectivity with major cities across India.
Direct Trains to Katra from Major Cities
Popular Trains
- Vande Bharat Express (New Delhi – Katra)
- Shri Shakti Express
- Jammu Rajdhani Express
- Swaraj Express
- Himsagar Express (via Jammu)
Cities with Direct or Easy Connectivity
If You Don’t Get a Direct Train to Katra
You can travel to Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is about 50 km from Katra, and then continue the journey by road.
- Taxi / Cab (1.5–2 hours)
- JKSRTC buses
- Shared taxis
From Katra Railway Station to Vaishno Devi Temple
After reaching Katra, pilgrims must complete the mandatory Yatra Registration and then begin the 13 km trek to the Bhawan.
- Walking (Free)
- Pony / Palki services
- Battery-operated vehicles (up to Ardhkuwari)
- Helicopter (Katra to Sanjichhat)
Why Choose Train Travel?
- Budget-friendly option
- Comfortable long-distance travel
- Ideal for families and groups
- Direct connectivity to Katra
- Lower travel fatigue
- Reliable year-round service
Train Travel Tips
- Book tickets 30–60 days in advance during peak season
- Prefer overnight trains to save hotel costs
- Select lower berths for senior citizens
- Carry light woolens during winter months
- Avoid festival rush if possible
How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple by Road
Reaching Vaishno Devi Temple by road is a convenient and scenic option for pilgrims traveling from nearby cities. Road connectivity is available up to Katra, the base town of the Vaishno Devi Yatra, from where devotees must complete the 13 km trek to the holy shrine.
Road Connectivity to Katra
Katra is well connected by national and state highways to major cities in North India. Roads are mostly well maintained, making road travel comfortable for families and group travelers.
Distance to Katra from Major Cities
- Jammu → Katra: 50 km | 1.5–2 hours
- Delhi → Katra: 650 km | 12–14 hours
- Chandigarh → Katra: 450 km | 9–10 hours
- Amritsar → Katra: 380 km | 8–9 hours
- Pathankot → Katra: 160 km | 4–5 hours
Bus Services to Katra
Regular bus services are available to Katra from major cities and towns in North India.
- JKSRTC government buses
- Private deluxe & sleeper buses
- Volvo and semi-sleeper buses
Taxi & Self-Drive Options
Private taxis and self-drive cars are easily available from Jammu, Delhi, and nearby cities. Parking facilities are available near Katra town.
- Taxis from Jammu Railway Station & Airport
- Self-drive cars allowed up to Katra
- Paid parking facilities in Katra
From Katra to Vaishno Devi Temple
Road access ends at Katra. Pilgrims must complete the remaining journey by undertaking the 13 km yatra to the Bhawan.
- Walking (Free)
- Pony / Palki services
- Battery-operated vehicles (up to Ardhkuwari)
- Helicopter (Katra to Sanjichhat)
Why Choose Road Travel?
- Flexible travel schedule
- Ideal for family and group travel
- Economical for nearby cities
- Scenic Himalayan routes
- Easy availability of transport
- Comfortable year-round travel
Road Travel Tips
- Start early to avoid traffic near Jammu
- Avoid night driving during foggy winters
- Book buses in advance during peak season
- Check weather conditions before travel
- Carry motion sickness medicine if required
How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple from Major Cities
From Delhi
- By Train: Direct trains to Katra (Vande Bharat, Shri Shakti Express)
- By Flight: Delhi → Jammu (IXJ), then 50 km road journey
- By Road: ~650 km via NH44 (12–14 hrs)
From Mumbai
- By Flight: Mumbai → Jammu (via Delhi)
- By Train: Mumbai → Jammu/Katra (via Delhi)
- By Road: Not recommended due to long distance
From Hyderabad
- By Flight: Hyderabad → Jammu (connecting flights)
- By Train: Via Delhi or Jammu (long journey)
- Best Option: Flight + road to Katra
From Bangalore
- By Flight: Bangalore → Jammu (via Delhi)
- By Train: Bangalore → Delhi → Katra
- Recommended: Flight for faster travel
From Chennai
- By Flight: Chennai → Jammu (1 stop)
- By Train: Via Delhi (very long journey)
- Best Option: Flight + taxi to Katra
From Kolkata
- By Flight: Kolkata → Jammu (via Delhi)
- By Train: Kolkata → Jammu/Katra
- Travel Tip: Book early in peak season