Vaishno Devi is situated in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and is one of the most sacred pilgrimage in India. Many people visit the temple here to pray and seek blessings. But there’s more to see around Vaishno Devi than just the temple! You can find amazing views, peaceful temples, and exciting things to do.
Whether you like to explore nature, have fun adventures, or simply enjoy the peace and beauty, there’s something for everyone near Vaishno Devi. This guide will tell you about some of the best Places to Visit Near Vaishno Devi.
1- Patnitop: A Paradise for Adventure Seekers
Patnitop is a hill station 45 km from Vaishno Devi. It is a skiing, trekking and paragliding hub. The town has many temples too, Patnitop Temple and Mahamaya Temple.
- Paragliding: Fly like a bird over the valleys and experience the thrill of paragliding. Patnitop has excellent flying conditions hence it’s a popular spot for this activity.
- Zip Line: For some adrenaline rush try the zip line. Glide in the air and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape.
- Gondola Ride: Take a leisurely ride on the gondola. Go up high and see the snow-capped peaks and green valleys.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to October are the best time to visit Patnitop, weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
2- Shiv Khori: The Magnificent Shiv Cave
Shiv Khori is a cave temple of Lord Shiva. The cave is 1.5 km long and is one of the biggest cave in India. It’s a popular pilgrimage for Hindus and also has many other shrines like Mata Kali Temple and Hanuman Temple.
- Accessibility: Private and shared taxis are available to reach the cave.
- Facilities: For those who can’t walk, palki (palanquin) and ghoda (horse) rides are available to reach the cave entrance.
- Restrictions: No photography and videography inside the cave.
Explore Our Hindu Pilgrimage Destinations:
| Tours | Days |
| Vaishno Devi Yatra package with Helicopter Booking | 02 Nights / 03 Days |
| vaishno devi and kashmir tour package | 07 Nights / 08 Days |
| Vaishno Devi Tour with Patnitop | 03 Nights / 04 Days |
| Vaishno Devi by Helicopter with Amarnath Yatra | 05 Nights / 06 Days |
3- Bhairavnath Temple: A Revered Shrine
Bhairavnath Temple is a temple of Bhairavnath, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. It’s on a hill top in Reasi town. It’s a popular pilgrimage for Hindus and has great views of the surrounding mountains. It’s near to vaishno devi temple.
Visiting Information
- Location: Bhairavnath Temple is located approximately 17 km from Katra Railway Station and 5 km from Ardhkuwari.
- Trek: A steep 5 km trek from the Vaishno Devi Temple leads to Bhairavnath Temple. For those unable to undertake the trek, pony rides and a ropeway service are available.
- Timings: The temple is open for visitors from 5 AM to 12 PM and again from 4 PM to 9 PM daily.
Also Read – How to Reach Vaishno Devi, By Train, By Air, By Road!
4- Sanasar Lake: A Tranquil Retreat
Sanasar Lake is a beautiful lake in Shivalik Hills. This location is far from vaishno devi around 4 hours through the vehicle. The lake is surrounded by green forests and is a popular spot for picnics, boating and fishing. The lake has many temples too, Mata Surya Temple and Mata Kali Temple.
Best Time to visit –
The best time to visit Sanasar Lake is during spring and summer when the weather is pleasant, and the surrounding landscape is at its most vibrant.
Top Activities Around Sanasar Lake
- Paragliding: Feel the excitement of paragliding in nearby areas like Nathatop. Tandem flights let you glide through the sky safely with an expert.
- Horse Riding: Discover the beautiful surroundings on horseback. Guided rides take you through green meadows and forests for a unique experience.
- Trekking: Explore the scenic trails around Sanasar, such as those leading to Surni Kund and Shanta Gala, which offer great views and a peaceful connection with nature.
- Hot Air Ballooning: Take in the stunning landscape from above with relaxing hot air balloon rides available nearby.
5- Ban Ganga Temple: A Sacred Site
Ban Ganga Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the banks of the Ban Ganga River. Around 1 hour far form the vaishno devi. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and is also known for its beautiful architecture.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, established in 1986, has greatly improved the area by enhancing facilities like bathing ghats and accommodations, making it more convenient for visitors.
In recent years, the focus has shifted to sustainable tourism practices. Measures such as banning plastic bags and ensuring proper waste management have been implemented to protect the environment and maintain the sacredness of the area.
Visiting Information-
- Location: Approximately 1 km from Katra, the starting point for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from March to October when the water levels in Ban Ganga are at their highest.
6- Bagh-E-Bahu: A Garden of Delights
Bagh-E-Bahu, a beautiful garden complex, is a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. Bagh-e-Bahu is a stunning garden built in the Mughal style, with terraced lawns, fountains, and colorful flower beds. Spanning about 115 acres, it has well-maintained pathways lined with trees like chinar and deodar.
Attractions
- Artificial Lake: A peaceful lake that adds to the garden’s beauty.
- Aquarium: A large aquarium for visitors to enjoy.
- Fountains and Waterfalls: Lovely water features that create a calm and relaxing vibe.
7- Raghunath Temple: A Monument of Faith
Raghunath Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Vishnu. The temple is located in Jammu and is one of the most important temples in the region. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and its many carvings.
-
- Construction: The temple was started in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the first Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, and completed in 1860 by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh.
- Accessibility: The temple is conveniently located about 8 km from Jammu Airport and 7 km from Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
8- Nathatop and Patnitop: Twin Hills of Adventure
Nathatop and Patnitop are two beautiful places in the hills, and they are close to each other. You can do many fun things here!
- Activities: Enjoy skating on the frozen lake during winter, explore the meadows, embark on trekking expeditions, and capture stunning photographs of the scenic landscapes.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for snow-related activities and spring/autumn for pleasant weather and trekking.
- Pricing: Entry fees may apply for certain areas and activities.
9- Ardhkuwari Temple: A Powerful Shakti Peeth
Ardhkuwari Temple, situated in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir, around 30 minute away form the vaishno devi. Ardhkuwari Temple is a very special and important place for Hindus. It is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, a powerful Hindu goddess. There’s a special story about this temple. Legend says that a part of Goddess Sati’s body fell at this spot. This makes the Ardhkuwari Temple one of the 51 most sacred places for Hindus, called Shakti Peeths.
Visiting Information
- Location: Ardhkuwari Temple is located about 6 km from Vaishno Devi Temple and 12 km from Katra Railway Station.
- Elevation: The temple sits at an altitude of approximately 4,800 feet above sea level.
- Timings: The temple is open 24 hours, allowing pilgrims to visit at any time.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for visiting is during the cooler months from March to October
10- Baba Dhansar: A Cave of Spiritual Significance
Baba Dhansar, also called Prachin Shiv Gufa, is a holy Hindu pilgrimage site located near Karua Jheel in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is believed that Baba Dhansar, a saint, lived in this sacred cave for many years, and the site is known for its spiritual significance and healing properties.
Visitor Information
- Location: The cave is about 14 km from Katra and can be reached with a short 200-meter walk from the nearest road.
- Timings: Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, giving visitors enough time for worship and exploration.
By exploring these fascinating destinations, you can enrich your pilgrimage experience and discover the hidden gems of the region surrounding Vaishno Devi. These areas surrounding Vaishno Devi offer a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you are a devotee or a nature enthusiast, these destinations ensure a memorable experience.
