Visiting Vaishno Devi, one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Goddess Vaishno, is a spiritual journey for many devotees. Located in the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, reaching Vaishno Devi involves travel by various modes of transportation, including flights, trains, buses, and taxis. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the routes and distances from different parts of India to Vaishno Devi.
From Delhi
Flights
The nearest airport to Vaishno Devi is Jammu Airport (IATA: IXJ). Several airlines operate daily flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Jammu. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From Jammu Airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, which is around 50 kilometers away.
Trains
Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT) is the nearest railway station to Vaishno Devi. Trains from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Jammu are available, and the journey takes around 10-12 hours. From Jammu, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Katra.
Buses
Regular buses ply from Delhi to Jammu, and the journey takes approximately 12-14 hours. From Jammu, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Katra.
Taxi
Taxis and cab services are readily available from Delhi to Katra. The journey takes around 12-14 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Distance
By air: Delhi to Jammu is around 600 kilometers.
By train: Delhi to Jammu is approximately 650 kilometers.
By road: The road distance between Delhi and Katra is around 650 kilometers.
From Mumbai
Flights
Direct flights are available from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai to Jammu Airport. The flight duration is around 2.5 to 3 hours. From Jammu, one can reach Katra by taxi or bus.
Trains
Though there is no direct train from Mumbai to Jammu, you can take a train to New Delhi and then board a train to Jammu. The total train journey may take around 30-36 hours. From Jammu, reach Katra by taxi or bus.
Buses
There are no direct buses from Mumbai to Jammu. Travelers can opt for a combination of bus and train journeys or choose to fly.
Taxi
Taxis can be hired from Mumbai to Jammu. The road journey takes approximately 30-36 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
Distance
By air: Mumbai to Jammu is around 1,950 kilometers.
By train: Mumbai to Jammu (via Delhi) is approximately 2,000 kilometers.
By road: The road distance between Mumbai and Katra is around 2,000 kilometers.
From Kolkata
Flights
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata operates flights to Jammu Airport. The flight duration is around 3.5 to 4 hours. From Jammu, reach Katra by taxi or bus.
Trains
Kolkata has trains to Jammu, and the journey takes approximately 36-40 hours. From Jammu, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Katra.
Buses
There are no direct buses from Kolkata to Jammu. Travelers can opt for a combination of bus and train journeys or choose to fly.
Taxi
Taxis can be hired from Kolkata to Jammu. The road journey takes around 36-40 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
Distance
By air: Kolkata to Jammu is around 2,050 kilometers.
By train: Kolkata to Jammu is approximately 2,125 kilometers.
By road: The road distance between Kolkata and Katra is around 2,100 kilometers.
From Chennai
Flights
Chennai International Airport (MAA) operates flights to Jammu Airport. The flight duration is around 4.5 to 5 hours. From Jammu, reach Katra by taxi or bus.
Trains
While there is no direct train from Chennai to Jammu, travelers can take a train to New Delhi and then board a train to Jammu. The total train journey may take around 40-45 hours. From Jammu, reach Katra by taxi or bus.
Buses
There are no direct buses from Chennai to Jammu. Travelers can opt for a combination of bus and train journeys or choose to fly.
Taxi
Taxis can be hired from Chennai to Jammu. The road journey takes around 40-45 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
Distance
By air: Chennai to Jammu is around 2,700 kilometers.
By train: Chennai to Jammu (via Delhi) is approximately 2,780 kilometers.
By road: The road distance between Chennai and Katra is around 2,750 kilometers.
From Bangalore
Flights
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore operates flights to Jammu Airport. The flight duration is around 4 to 4.5 hours. From Jammu, reach Katra by taxi or bus.
Trains
There is no direct train from Bangalore to Jammu. Travelers can take a train to New Delhi and then board a train to Jammu. The total train journey may take around 40-45 hours. From Jammu, reach Katra by taxi or bus.
Buses
There are no direct buses from Bangalore to Jammu. Travelers can opt for a combination of bus and train journeys or choose to fly.
Taxi
Taxis can be hired from Bangalore to Jammu. The road journey takes around 40-45 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
Distance
By air: Bangalore to Jammu is around 2,650 kilometers.
By train: Bangalore to Jammu (via Delhi) is approximately 2,730 kilometers.
By road: The road distance between Bangalore and Katra is around 2,700 kilometers.
- Suggested Tour: Vaishno Devi Tour Packages
Conclusion
Reaching Vaishno Devi from different parts of India involves a combination of flights, trains, buses, and taxis. The choice of transportation depends on factors such as distance, budget, and time constraints. It’s essential for travelers to plan their journey well in advance, considering the mode of transport that best suits their preferences and schedule. Additionally, weather conditions and the pilgrimage season can impact travel plans, so it’s advisable to check for updates and make necessary arrangements for a smooth and spiritually fulfilling visit to Vaishno Devi.
Also Read:
