Cultural Immersion at Vaishno Devi Shrine

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Katra, India on November 15, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Friends Dhaba

Start your day with delicious parathas paired with yogurt and a steaming cup of chai at Friends Dhaba, a popular local eatery.
Located on the main road to the Katra, easily accessible.
INR200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Katra Market

Wander through the vibrant Katra market, picking up local crafts and traditional clothing as you soak in the local culture.
Walk to the market, which is a few minutes away from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Shree Nandani Vaishno Dhaba

Relish a typical North Indian meal with thalis that include rice, dal, sabzi, and more at Shree Nandani.
Located near the market area.
INR400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Banganga

Take a short trip to Banganga, a beautiful water body linked with the Vaishno Devi legends.
Hire a local taxi for a 15-minute ride.
INR300, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Evening at Vaishno Devi Temple

Begin your trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
The starting point is just a short distance from your location.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Vaishno Devi Bhog

Enjoy a simple yet hearty meal at the temple's community kitchen upon arrival.
Dine at the temple premises.
INR100, 1 hour

8:30PM

Return to Katra

After experiencing the evening aarti, trek back to Katra, reflecting on the day's experiences.
Follow the same scenic route back to Katra.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Temple Visit

Vaishno Devi Shrine, India on November 16, 2024

6:00AM

Early Morning Trek to the Shrine

Set off early to catch the sunrise as you trek up to the shrine.
The same route used for the previous day's hike.
Free, 3 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bhawan Prasad

Enjoy breakfast at one of the eateries near the main prayer hall with simple dishes like idli or poha.
Accessible after reaching the shrine.
INR300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Prayer and Exploration

Spend time in prayer and absorbing the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine.
Within the temple complex.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bhawan Langar

Participate in the traditional communal meal served at the langar, a must-do in the pilgrimage experience.
Located inside the shrine premises.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Scenic Viewpoints

Visit nearby viewpoints for breathtaking views over the Trikuta Mountains.
Follow local signboards to viewpoints.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Katra

Trek back down to Katra, enjoying the tranquility of the nature around you.
The same route down to Katra.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Aashirwad Restaurant

Conclude the day at Aashirwad with their specialties in Kashmiri cuisine like Rogan Josh.
Located in Katra.
INR500, 1 hour
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Day 3: Jammu Exploration

Jammu, India on November 17, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kesar Da Dhaba

Discover authentic Jammu morning meals, highlighted by paneer dishes and fresh bread.
Take a 1-hour taxi ride early in the morning.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Raghunath Temple

Visit the grand Raghunath Temple, rich in history and beautifully designed.
Short drive from Kesar Da Dhaba.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Ranbireshwar Temple

Witness one of the tallest Shiva Lingams in India at the Ranbireshwar Temple.
A taxi can take you there within 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Shudh Rasoi

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal featuring local flavors and dishes.
Located in the heart of Jammu.
INR350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Bahu Fort

Explore the ancient Bahu Fort and enjoy the views of the Tawi River.
Take a taxi which will take around 20 minutes.
INR200, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Mubarak Mandi Palace

Dive into the history of Kashmir by visiting this architectural marvel.
A short taxi ride will get you there.
INR250, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Neelkanth Restaurant

Indulge in savory regional dishes that showcase the rich culinary diversity of the Jammu region.
Back in central Jammu.
INR500, 1 hour

8:00PM

Return to Katra

Head back to Katra after a day filled with spiritual and historical exploration.
Take a taxi for the roughly 1.5-hour drive.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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