10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Vaishno Devi

1. Day 1: Vaishno Devi Temple
   Located in Katra, 0.5 hrs from Jammu Airport by cab

   Start the trip to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi and enjoy the beautiful scenic views of the trek.

2. Day 2: Shivkhori
   2 hrs (70 km) from Vaishno Devi temple by cab

   Visit the magnificent cave shrine of Lord Shiva known as Shivkhori. Witness the mystical Shiva Linga that is formed naturally.

3. Day 3: Jammu Raghunath Temple
   1.5 hrs (65 km) from Katra by cab

   Visit the Raghunath Temple dedicated to Lord Rama and other gods. The temple boasts of beautiful carvings and architecture.

4. Day 4: Amar Mahal Museum
   20 mins (5 km) from Jammu Raghunath Temple

   Visit the Amar Mahal Palace, now turned into a museum, where you can witness the rich history and culture of the region.

5. Day 5: Bahu Fort
   20 mins (5 km) from Amar Mahal Museum

   Explore the ancient Bahu Fort filled with legends and tales and surrounded by lush green gardens with the view of Tawi river.

6. Day 6: Dogra Art Museum
   20 mins (5 km) from Bahu Fort

   Visit the Dogra Art Museum where the rich history and culture of the Dogra region is displayed in intricate detail.

7. Day 7: Bhimgarh Fort
   1.5 hrs (55 km) from Dogra Art Museum by cab

   Experience the grand Bhimgarh Fort that is intact since 27AD with many stories to unfold to its visitors.

8. Day 8: Akhnoor Fort
   40 mins (30 km) from Bhimgarh Fort by cab

   Visit the Akhnoor Fort, located at the banks of Chenab, which stands as a witness to many historic events.

9. Day 9: Naag Mandir Jammu
   50 mins (20 km) from Akhnoor Fort by cab

   Visit the Naag Mandir, situated alongside the beautiful river Tawi, with the serene environment that offers a refreshing break from the city life.

10. Day 10: Bagh-e-Bahu
    20 mins (5 km) from Naag Mandir Jammu

    Enjoy the last day of the trip at Bagh-e-Bahu, the beautifully maintained garden located near Bahu Fort and overlooking the city of Jammu.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Vaishno Devi Temple (1 day, no cost)
• Shivkhori (1 day, no cost)
• Jammu Raghunath Temple (1 day, no cost)
• Amar Mahal Museum (0.5 day, INR 100 per person)
• Bahu Fort (0.25 day, INR 10 per person)
• Dogra Art Museum (0.5 day, INR 10 per person)
• Bhimgarh Fort (0.5 day, no cost)
• Akhnoor Fort (0.5 day, no cost)
• Naag Mandir Jammu (0.5 day, INR 10 per person)
• Bagh-e-Bahu (0.5 day, INR 10 per person)
Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 150

Useful Tips

For those with additional time, visit the Patnitop mountain town and enjoy paragliding and skiing activities.

If visiting in May, attend the Mela Kheer Bhawani festival to witness the celebrations and religious rituals.