Vaishno Devi, Katra, Jammu : Maa Vaisno Devi & Ardha Kuwari Cave Temples (Feb 2026 - Part 5)

Part 5 - Punjab / Jammu / Himachal Pradesh Tour (Feb 2026) The Vaishno Devi Temple is one of India's most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, nestled in a holy cave within the triple-peaked Trikuta Hills of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of approximately 5,200 feet, this highly sacred Shakti Peetha is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of the supreme Mother Goddess. Unlike traditional temples, the shrine contains no idols or statues; instead, devotees receive darshan from three natural rock formations known as Pindies, which embody the divine energies of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. Reaching the holy cave requires a challenging 12-to-13-kilometre trek starting from the base camp at Katra, though options like helicopters & ponies. The shrine is managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to assist pilgrims throughout the year