Jammu Airport (50 km away)
Vaishno Devi, located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, is one of India's most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi. Situated in the Trikuta Hills at an altitude of 5,200 feet (1,585 meters), the shrine attracts millions of devotees annually. Pilgrims undertake a 13 km trek from Katra to the holy cave, where the goddess is worshipped in the form of three natural rock formations (Pindis). The trek can be completed on foot, by ponies, palanquins, or helicopters. Key attractions include Ardhkuwari Cave, Bhairavnath Temple, and Banganga. The best time to visit is March to October, though it remains open year-round. The nearest airport is Jammu Airport (50 km away), and Katra is well-connected by rail and road.