Exploring Nature in Vaishno Devi and Jammu City for 3 Days in June 2023

  1. Day 1: Vaishno Devi Temple
    Located in Katra, 40 km from Jammu City.
    Estimated travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.

    The Vaishno Devi Temple is a popular pilgrimage site, nestled amidst the serene surroundings of the Trikuta Mountains. The temple is believed to be the abode of Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is worshipped by millions of devotees every year. The trek up to the temple is a beautiful experience, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trek is around 14 km and can take up to 6-8 hours to complete, so it is recommended to start early in the morning. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter ride to the temple.

  2. Day 2: Manda Zoo and Bahu Fort
    Located in Jammu City, 10 km from Katra.
    Estimated travel time: 45 minutes by car.

    Manda Zoo is a beautiful wildlife park located on the banks of River Tawi. The park is home to a variety of animals, including leopards, lions, and bears. The park also has a beautiful aviary and a reptile house. After visiting the zoo, head over to Bahu Fort, a historic fort located on a hill overlooking the city. The fort has a beautiful temple inside and offers stunning views of the city and the Tawi River. It is recommended to visit the fort during sunset.

  3. Day 3: Mansar Lake and Surinsar Lake
    Located in Jammu City, around 60 km from Katra.
    Estimated travel time: 3 hours by car.

    Mansar Lake and Surinsar Lake are two beautiful lakes located in close vicinity to each other. These twin lakes are surrounded by lush green forests and are a perfect spot for nature lovers. You can take a stroll around the lakes or go boating. There are also several food stalls serving local delicacies. After a relaxing day by the lakes, head back to Jammu City for a delicious dinner.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Vaishno Devi Temple (6-8 hours, free)
  • Manda Zoo (2-3 hours, INR 20)
  • Bahu Fort (1-2 hours, INR 10)
  • Mansar Lake and Surinsar Lake (3-4 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 30

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit other popular tourist attractions in Jammu City, such as Raghunath Temple, Peer Kho Cave Temple, and Amar Mahal Palace Museum. For adventure enthusiasts, there are several trekking routes around Jammu City. If you have less time, you can skip the zoo and fort and spend more time at the lakes. It is important to note that the Vaishno Devi Temple is closed during monsoons (July-September), so plan your trip accordingly.

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