5-Day Relaxing Itinerary in Vaishno Devi Jammu in December 2023

1. Day 1: Arrival in Jammu
   25 minutes (5 miles) from Jammu Airport

   Upon arrival in Jammu, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, visit the Raghunath Temple, a 17th-century temple complex dedicated to Lord Rama which houses several shrines within the premises. In the evening, take a stroll at the Bahu Fort and Gardens, which offers a scenic view of the Tawi river.

2. Day 2: Vaishno Devi Darshan
   3 hours (33 miles) from Jammu

   Start early morning towards Katra and trek to the Vaishno Devi shrine, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Vaishno Devi. The trek is about 14 km long and can take between 6-9 hours to complete, depending on the pace. Seek blessings and enjoy the spiritual environment of the temple. Return to Katra for the night.

3. Day 3: Shivkhori and Baba Dhansar Temple
   2 hours 30 minutes (70 miles) from Katra

   Visit the Shivkhori Cave Temple, which is a natural cave dedicated to Lord Shiva and adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. It takes about an hour to reach the cave from Ransoo, where you can find local handicrafts. In the afternoon, head to Baba Dhansar Temple, a beautiful temple located in a serene and picturesque location, which is surrounded by lush green forests, exotic flora, and fauna.

4. Day 4: Mansar Lake and Surinsar Lake
   2 hours (36 miles) from Katra

   Visit Mansar Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by dense forests, and considered a holy site by Hindus. Take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the place. Next, head to Surinsar Lake, which is also considered a sacred site and surrounded by hills, where you can indulge in some bird watching or nature walks.

5. Day 5: Departure
   1 hour 30 minutes (26 miles) from Katra

   Spend the morning visiting the famous Raghunath Bazaar, where you can find souvenirs and local handicrafts. In the afternoon, head back to Jammu and visit the Amar Mahal Palace Museum, which used to be the residence of the Dogra kings and now houses a collection of paintings, artifacts, and sculptures. Depart for your next destination in the evening.

Recommendations

You can visit the Patnitop hill station, located about 3 hours (50 miles) from Katra, which offers beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and a plethora of adventure sports activities. Alternatively, you can also visit the Bagh-e-Bahu garden, which is located near the Bahu Fort and offers a variety of flora and fauna.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Raghunath Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Bahu Fort and Gardens (1 hour, Free)
• Vaishno Devi Darshan (6-9 hours, Free)
• Shivkhori Cave Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Baba Dhansar Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Mansar Lake (2 hours, Boat ride: INR 200)
• Surinsar Lake (1 hour, Free)
• Raghunath Bazaar (2 hours, Shopping expenses variable)
• Amar Mahal Palace Museum (1 hour, INR 50)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 250

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