Vaishnodevi Must Do's include activities and sightseeing for both pilgrims and tourists. Nestled in Trikuta Mountains at a height of 5200 feet above sea level, Vaishnodevi region has awesome natural beauty and sanctity in the air that fills every visitor here with devotion.

Trek to the Holy Shrine

Trip to Vaishnodevi is incomplete without the trek to the Holy Shrine which is about 13 km from Katra. Devotees can go on foot, pony or palanquin. There are food arrangements and rest rooms for the pilgrims convenience throughout the trek. The trek has destinations like Banganga, Charan Paduka, Ardh Kumari, Bhairon Temple which are must visit during the pilgrimage.

Catch on the Aarti

Aarti of the Goddess is the sacred ceremony performed twice a day, during early sunrise and immediately after sunset, just outside the Holy Cave. It is the ritual in which The Godess name is chanted 108 times. It is considered very auspicious to attend the ceremony during pilgrimage to Vaishnodevi. The glimpse of the deity remains suspending during this holy ritual. After aarti the devotees are distributed holy water and Prasadam.

Temple Tour in Katra

Katra located in the foothills of Vaishnodevi, is home to many ancient temples which are must visit during Vaishnodevi tour.  The most renowned are Shiv Khori which is The Holy Cave of Lord Shiva, Baba Dhansar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Dera Baba Banda, a Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage destination. Pilgrims complete their tour after making visit in these temples.

Shop for Souvenirs

Pilgrims are always interested in taking Souvenirs of their pilgrimage. Katra Bus Stand has several small souvenir shops that sell audio cassettes, CDs, shawls, laminated picture of The Goddess, chunri, bangles and many more items at a very nominal price.

Taste Pure Vegetarian cuisines

Pilgrimage destination in India offers strictly vegetarian food. Therefore Vaishnodevi is no exception. Even the voluntary food association that distributes foods free of cost to the pilgrims during the Vaishnodevi trek to The Holy Shrine is strictly vegetarian. Here is a chance to taste pure vegetarian food right from North Indian, South Indian to Chinese and other continental dishes.