Vaishno Devi Temple, nestled on top of the Trikuta Hills at a height of 1,700 mt is the sacred cave shrine of the goddess Durga. Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered places of worship and every stanch Hindu desires to pay their obeisance once in a lifetime here. The shrine is at a distance of 61 kms from Jammu, and the cave is 30 mt long and just one-and-a-half mt above the ground. The cave houses the shrines dedicated to the three forms of the goddess Durga - Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati.

The date of its foundation is not known. Katra in Jammu, about 13 km from the shrine is the base point for the pilgrimage. From Katra, pilgrims have to trek through Banganga, Ardhkunwari and Bhawan, before reaching the final destination. At Bhawan there are arrangements for accommodation and for putting down your luggage and valuables. You can also refresh yourself at this place.

The best time to visit the shrine is from March till July. The temperature is very pleasant throughout the year, however during the winters, it is advisable that you take along heavy woolens.

Jammu just over 60 kms away would be the most convenient place for accommodation with good hotels, guest houses and inns, both private and government-owned. Even Katra has a number of guesthouses.

Amarnath Caves house the image of Lord Shiva in the form of an ice-lingam, is formed naturally of an ice-stalagmite. By its side are two more fascinating ice-lingams, of Parvati, and of their son, Ganesha.

The trek to Amarnath, in the month of Shravan (July-August) is considered to be the most auspicious one, when the devout flock to this most consecrated shrine to pay their obeisance to Lord Shiva. Doting Amarnath stands at 3,888 mts and is 44.8 kms from Pahalgam and 141 kms from Srinagar in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Amarnath is situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley.

Generally the yatra (the pilgrimage journey) starts from Pahalgam, and covers the distance to Amarnath and back in five days. Pahalgam, 96 kms from Srinagar is about 45 kms from the Amarnath Caves. The 45 kms distance is covered in four days, with night halts at Chandanwari, Sheshnag (Wawjan) and Panchtarni. All the three halts are major places of attraction, and have spectacular surroundings, which are a treat to the eyes.

The entire ambience of the area is awesome; where devotees sing bhajans, chant incantations, and priests perform aarti and puja, invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva, destroyer, healer and the greatest of the Hindu deities. For a devout the journey to the Amarnath Caves is a rewarding experience.