Maheep Kapoor shared photos from her first trip to Vaishno Devi with friends. The pilgrimage site in Jammu and Kashmir is popular for its temple, scenic views, and peaceful trek, accessible by air, train, road, or helicopter.
The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives star has shared a bunch of pictures and videos from her “first trip to Vaishnodevi.” The jewellery designer was accompanied by her friend Bhavana Pandey, along with producer Ritesh Sidhwani and his wife Dolly Sidhwani. In the opening frame, Maheep is seen posing solo with lush greenery in the backdrop. Next, she is joined by the entire squad. This is followed by a video captured from inside a cable car. Maheep also shared a selfie with a teeka on her forehead.
Another night shot shows Bhavana and Maheep posing for the camera, with the lit-up houses on the mountains and the moon in the background. One of the videos features Maheep inside the temple premises, while a few pictures highlight the temple itself. The carousel wraps up with a heartwarming video of a monkey with its baby.
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“My first trip to Vaishnodevi & it was as magical as I expected, come home with deep gratitude #Blessed Jai Mata Di,” read the text attached to the post.
A Complete Travel Guide To Vaishno Devi
If Maheep Kapoor's trip to Vaishno Devi has got you thinking about planning your own, you are not alone. Nestled in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi is one of India's most visited pilgrimage sites. People come here from all over the country to seek blessings, enjoy the scenic views, and experience the peaceful vibes of the hills.
Where Is Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is located near Katra town in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Durga. The shrine sits inside a cave, about 5,200 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and pine trees.
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How To Reach Vaishno Devi
By Air:
The nearest airport is Jammu Airport, also known as Satwari Airport, which is around 50 km from Katra. You can get direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and other major cities. From the airport, taxis and buses are easily available to reach Katra.
By Train:
Katra has its own railway station, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK). Several trains connect it to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities.
By Road:
You can also reach Katra by bus or car. The Jammu-Katra highway is well-maintained, and you will find regular buses from Jammu, Delhi, Amritsar and Chandigarh.
The Trek To The Temple
The main temple is located around 13 km uphill from Katra. You can walk, take a pony, hire a palki, or hop on an electric vehicle for part of the route. The trek is comfortable for most people and has plenty of resting points, food stalls, and washrooms along the way.
If you want to save time or energy, you can also take a helicopter ride from Katra to Sanjichhat. The chopper takes just about 8 minutes, and from there, it is a short 2.5 km walk to the
temple. Helicopter tickets can be booked online in advance.
Best Time To Visit
Vaishno Devi is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between March and October. The weather is pleasant, and the trek is easier. If you prefer fewer crowds, plan your trip during weekdays or off-season months like February and November. During winter, the hills are covered in mist, which looks beautiful, but it can get quite cold.
Where To Stay
Katra has many stay options for all kinds of travellers. You'll find budget hotels, guesthouses and luxury stays near the base camp. The Shrine Board also runs clean and affordable accommodations for devotees. You can book rooms online through the official website.
Things To Remember
- Always carry a valid ID card for registration at Katra.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, especially if you are trekking.
- Carry some cash since network connectivity can be patchy on the way.
- Avoid littering. The area is kept clean for a reason.
- If you are going during winter, pack warm clothes.
Even if you are not particularly religious, visiting Vaishno Devi is an experience you will not forget. The mix of faith, nature and calmness makes it special.
