The temple of Mata Vaishno Devi situated on the Trikut hill is the biggest center of religious faith in the world. It is a famous religious pilgrimage site situated on the hills at a distance of 15 kilometers from Katra in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Lakhs of devotees and tourists reach here every year. The temple of Vaishno Devi holds its special place in the tourism sector along with its religious faith. There are 9 such tourist places around Vaishno Devi Temple where lakhs of tourists reach every year. Many such tourists are also seen who come only to see these places. Vaishno Devi Temple has nearby tourist places which include many other temples, rivers, and other beautiful places where apart from visiting Vaishno Devi Temple, tourists also come to visit. Let's have a look at those places-
Patnitop
If the temple of Mata Vaishno is a spiritual heaven, then Patnitop, situated at a distance of about 80 km from Katra, is a natural paradise situated in the lap of the Himalayas. Patnitop's natural beauty, dense deodar forests, and flourishing green landscapes are such that both tourists and devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi temple are forced to keep coming towards it. Beautiful snowfall is also seen here during the winter season, during which tourists enjoy snow sports like skiing, paragliding, and parasailing. That is why all the tourists who are searching for places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple must visit Patnitop during their trip.
Jhajjar Kotli
Jhajjar Kotli, one of the famous tourist places located near Vaishno Mata Temple, is a very beautiful place in Katra, which is known for its serene environment and mesmerizing beauty. If you want to relax with your family or friends after an arduous journey to Maa Vaishno, Jhajjar Kotli is the perfect place to unwind. Tell that Jhajjar is also a famous picnic spot of Kotli Katra where you can enjoy a picnic with your family. Apart from this, if you are coming to visit Vaishno Mata Temple with your friends, then you can also come for Jhajjar Kotli Camping and add some exciting moments to your spiritual trip.
Sanasar
Sanasar is a beautiful hill station located at a distance of about 2 hours from Katra, which is famous for its beautiful scenery and adventure activities. If you are going to visit Maa Vaishno Devi Temple with your friends and want to make your trip a bit exciting then you must visit Sanasar. Where you can enjoy many other thrill activities like paragliding, boat riding, and rock climbing. If seen, Sanasar is the perfect tourist destination to experience the Kashmiri culture and enjoy adventure activities with the darshan of Vaishno Mata.
Trikuta mountain
Trikuta Mountain is a sacred place and tourist spot in Katra, which is visited by Hindu pilgrims and tourists coming to visit Mata Vaishno Devi. Trikuta Mountain is 10 km from Deoghar on the way to Dumka. away and is situated at an altitude of 752 meters, which is also known as Trikutachal. A Shiva temple named Trikutachal Mahadev Temple is also situated at this holy place, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Trishuli are worshipped. Trikuta Hill is one of the most attractive places to visit in Katra, and this place is mostly famous as a picnic spot.
Bhairon Temple
Bhairon Temple is a famous temple located at a height of 2017 meters on a hill near Trikuta. This temple serves as the next pilgrimage center after the Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple that pilgrims visit. It is believed that the holy journey of Mata Vaishno Devi is complete only when devotees pay obeisance at the Bhairon Temple. That's why whenever you come on a trip to the tourist places near Vaishno Mata Temple and Vaishno Devi Temple, you must also visit Bhairon Temple. Among the places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple, a Havan Kund of the Bhairav Temple is also marked as an important attraction, the ashes of which are considered sacred.
Baan Ganga River
Baan Ganga is a holy river located in Katra, where devotees often take a dip before going on Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra while some devotees come here for sightseeing after visiting Vaishno Devi. Originating from the southern slope of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, the Baan Ganga River derives its name from two words Baan and Ganga which stand for the holy river Ganga of India. Thus, this river is also called the twin of the river Ganges. One of the best places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple are the two ghats in the Ban Ganga River where a large number of Hindu devotees take a holy dip.
Geeta Mandir
Geeta Mandir is another famous temple to visit in the journey of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. This sacred temple is situated close to the Ban Ganga Bridge and boasts beautiful architecture. The temple is also known as a place for pilgrims to take some rest before proceeding on their journey to Mata Vaishno Devi. Please tell me that there is another temple near this temple which is called the first phase temple.
Ardhkunwari cave
Ardhkunwari Gufa is one of the most popular places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple. Please tell us that this cave is located on the way to Vaishno Devi temple, which also works as a rest house for pilgrims. This 52 feet long cave is also known as Garbajoon cave because the shape of the cave is like the mother's womb. A legend associated with this cave is also very famous, according to which it is believed that when Mata Vaishno killed Bhairav, his head flew into the valley, while his body remained half-virgin in the cave.
Charan Paduka Temple
Situated at an altitude of 1030 meters in Katra, Charan Paduka Temple is one of the best places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple. The major attraction of Charan Paduka Temple is the footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi, which can be seen on a rock. Earlier it was a small temple but now it has been transformed into a beautiful and big temple and now the number of tourists and devotees coming here continuously during the visit of Vaishno Devi temple is increasing. That's why whenever you come to the court of Maa Vaishno Devi, take out some of your time and visit the Charan Paduka temple.
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