The Vaishno Devi Temple is the most visited pilgrimage site in India and is located in the city of Katra. It is dedicated to the three Hindu goddesses, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. The temple is located at a distance of 13.5 km from Katra, and the devotees have to walk the last 6 km of the journey to reach the temple. The temple premises have a beautiful garden, where visitors can relax and enjoy nature.
The Bhairavnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath, who is considered to be the protector of the Vaishno Devi Temple. It is situated on the Bhairav Ghati hill and is located about 2.5 km from Vaishno Devi Temple. The temple has a calm and peaceful atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding hills from the temple premises. Devotees believe that their Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is incomplete without visiting this temple.
The Nau Devi Temple is a group of nine small temples dedicated to various Hindu goddesses, including Kali, Bala Sundari, Mahalakshmi, Ambika, Saraswati, Ambe, Annapurna, and Chintpurni. It is located in the vicinity of the Vaishno Devi Temple and can be covered on foot. The temple complex has a beautiful small lake where visitors can spend some time in peace and tranquillity. It is a perfect place to learn about Hindu mythology and culture.
The Baba Dhansar Temple is located near the Karua Jheel and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a unique natural formation of waterfalls, and the devotees believe that the water from these waterfalls has healing properties. The temple is surrounded by dense forests and is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore nearby caves, as well as the ancient Shivlinga in the temple premises.
If you have more time, you can visit the nearby places like Jhajjar Kotli, Shiv Khori, and Banganga. However, if you have less time, you can drop Baba Dhansar Temple from the itinerary. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and clothes as the terrain is rocky and uneven. It is also recommended to carry a water bottle and some snacks as there are limited food and water options available during the pilgrimage.