Situated at an altitude of 5200 feet, the Vaishno Devi Temple is one of India’s most popular pilgrimage sites. To pay their respects, people trek about 12 kilometers from the Katra base camp. The temple is estimated to receive nearly 10 million visitors annually.
Moreover, during Navratri, the number of tourists visiting the shrine almost doubles as families plan trips with their children and relatives. Previously, those wishing to go to Vaishno Devi had to travel overland from Jammu and Kashmir to the camp at Katra’s base. However, thanks to the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), direct trains to Katra are now available.
And to facilitate the pilgrimage, here is a list of trains that go from Delhi to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station.
There are two super high-speed trains that go directly to Katra Station. Uttar Sampark Kranti (12445) and Shri Shakti Express (22461). These trains run daily and take 12 hours to reach their destination.
Other direct trains to Katra station – Malwa Express (12919), Jammu Mail (14033), Swaraj Express (12471), JBP SVDK Express (11449). Jammu Mail and Malwa Express operate all seven days a week, but JBP SVDK Express only operates on Tuesdays and Swaraj Express only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
If you want to visit the temple this Navratri, you can plan ahead and book a train ticket that will take you straight to your destination.