6-Day Family-Friendly Budget Itinerary in Vaishno Devi

Day 1: Exploring Katra

Katra, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Pahalwan Dhaba

Start your morning with delicious aloo parathas and curd at this popular local eatery.
Walk or take a rickshaw to your first location.
INR150, 1 Hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Ardh Kuwari Cave

Explore this ancient cave dedicated to Goddess Durga; a perfect spot for the family to appreciate nature.
Take a 2 km walk from Katra.
INR100, 2 Hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Baby Lion Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal of local Kashmiri cuisine, especially the famous Rajma and rice.
Return to Katra by foot or rickshaw.
INR300, 1.5 Hours

3:00 PM

Shopping at Katra Market

Spend some time shopping for beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs; don't forget to bargain.
Walk to the market area.
Free (based on purchases), 2 Hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Shudh Veg Restaurant

Finish the day with a simple meal of dal fry and chapati.
Walk to the restaurant which is located in Katra.
INR250, 1 Hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Pilgrimage Day

Vaishno Devi Shrine, India

5:00 AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with bread, butter, and tea as you prepare for the trek.
At your hotel or nearby.
INR100, 30 Minutes

6:00 AM

Trek to Vaishno Devi Temple

Begin your spiritual journey to the holy shrine; the 13 km trek is refreshing and offers beautiful views.
Follow the well-marked trail, it's easy to navigate.
Free, 4 Hours

11:00 AM

Visit the Shrine

Spend time at the temple, taking in the serene atmosphere.
Located at the end of the trek.
Free (optional donations), 2 Hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bhairon Ghati

Refuel with some local vegetarian food that is sure to keep you energized.
Eat at vendors around the shrine area.
INR300, 1 Hour

3:00 PM

Return Trek to Katra

Retrace your steps back down, enjoying the path at a more leisurely pace.
Follow the return path; you may also take a pony for a nominal fee.
Free (pony fee if chosen), 4 Hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Gagan Restaurant

Treat yourselves to some warm chai and a plate of chole bhature after a long day.
Located back in Katra.
INR250, 1 Hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature Day at Patnitop

Patnitop, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Katra

Grab a quick breakfast of idli and sambhar before departing for Patnitop.
Katra to Patnitop by taxi, approximately 2 hours.
INR200, 1 Hour

10:00 AM

Visit Patnitop Meadows

Explore the lush meadows ideal for picnics and outdoor games with stunning views of the Himalayan range.
Head to the meadows via a short walk.
Free, 2 Hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Patnitop Restaurant

Enjoy some hot dal makhani and roti, soaking in the serene environment.
Located close to the meadows.
INR300, 1 Hour

3:00 PM

Visit Naag Mandir

A short visit to this ancient temple dedicated to the serpent god adds cultural interest to your trip.
Taxi or local transport to reach the temple.
Free, 1 Hour

5:00 PM

Evening Walk

Take a leisurely walk around the serene hills and appreciate the sunset.
Walk around Patnitop; the paths are accessible.
Free, 1 Hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Patnitop

Wrap up your day with a simple meal enjoying the mountainous views.
At the hotel located in Patnitop.
INR350, 1 Hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventure Day in Sanasar

Sanasar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of omelet and toast packed with energy for your adventure today.
At your hotel.
INR200, 1 Hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Sanasar

Drive approximately 1.5 hours to the beautiful Sanasar lake known for its adventure activities.
Hire a local taxi.
INR500, 1.5 Hours

11:00 AM

Visit Sanasar Lake

Enjoy boating activities and the serenity of this stunning lake surrounded by lush greenery.
Easily accessible by walking.
INR100 (for boating), 2 Hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Local Dhabas

Savor some local cuisines like aloo-gobhi with rice at one of the roadside dhabas.
Located by the lake.
INR250, 1 Hour

3:00 PM

Paragliding Experience

Get your adrenaline pumping with a paragliding session over the beautiful valley.
Booking in advance is recommended for best rates.
INR3000 (for the family), 1 Hour

6:00 PM

Return to Patnitop

Head back and relax after a fun-filled day.
Taxi back to Patnitop.
INR500, 1.5 Hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Round off your adventure with hot naans and rich paneer butter masala.
Nearby your stay.
INR300, 1 Hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relax and Unwind

Katra, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a relaxed start with a hearty breakfast of dosa and chutney.
Café located in Katra.
INR200, 1 Hour

10:30 AM

Visit the local gardens

Explore the beautiful local parks and gardens to enjoy some quiet time with the family.
Entry point is near Katra Market.
Free, 1.5 Hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Non-Veg Restaurant

Try tasty chicken curry and rice at this cozy restaurant nearby.
Walking distance from the parks.
INR350, 1 Hour

3:00 PM

Relaxing at the Hotel

Spend the afternoon resting or enjoying the amenities at your accommodation.
At your hotel.
Free, 2 Hours

5:30 PM

Evening Aarti at Katra

Join the locals in finishing your day with a spiritual evening prayer at the local temple.
Walk to the temple in Katra.
Free, 1 Hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Lassi Shop

Refresh with sweet lassi and a plate of biryani, a great way to top off the day.
Located in Katra market.
INR300, 1 Hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Day in Jammu

Jammu, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Katra

Enjoy a light breakfast of toast and eggs before traveling to Jammu.
At your hotel.
INR200, 1 Hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Jammu

It's a scenic drive of about 1 hour to Jammu.
Taxi from Katra to Jammu.
INR500, 1 Hour

11:00 AM

Visit Ranbireshwar Temple

Explore this ancient temple with intricate carvings; it’s a cultural delight.
Located in Jammu city.
Free, 1.5 Hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Krishna Dhaba

Savor delicious vegetarian thali featuring various local dishes.
Close to the temple.
INR350, 1 Hour

2:30 PM

Explore Bahu Fort

Immerse yourself in history as you walk around this ancient fort, enjoying panoramic views of Jammu.
Short taxi ride to Bahu Fort.
INR100, 1.5 Hours

5:00 PM

Visit Raghunath Temple

Complete your cultural day by experiencing the tranquility at this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
Within walking distance from the fort.
Free, 1 Hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy street food like chaat and samosas as you wrap up your trip with a flavorful ending.
Around the city center.
INR200, 1 Hour
View Hotel Availability