Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is a revered Hindu cave temple dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, located on the Trikuta Hills at about 5,200 feet near Katra in Reasi District, Jammu and Kashmir. The deity is worshipped inside a natural cave in the form of three natural rock formations called Pindies representing Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. One of India's most visited pilgrimage centres, it attracts millions of devotees annually and is managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

Visitors can expect a 12 km uphill trek from Katra to Bhawan along a paved, well-lit track through the Trikuta Hills, with views of valleys and forested slopes. The shrine is housed in a natural cave where pilgrims have darshan of the three Pindies. The route includes checkpoints, resting shelters, food stalls, and viewpoints such as Ardhkuwari and Sanjichhat. Facilities include battery-operated vehicles, pony and palki services, helicopter and ropeway options, and a bustling base town of Katra with shops and eateries.