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The Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi: The shrine is located inside a holy Cave, situated at an altitude of 5200 ft in the folds of the three peaked mountain called the Trikuta Hills. Here the Devi is represented in the form of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. These Pindies are said to symbolize the three forms of Shakti or the Mother Goddess- Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, beauty and prosperity; Maha Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, art and learning and; Maha Kali, the destroyer of all evil.

At the mouth of the tunnel leading to the cave are the symbols of Lord Ganesh, Vakra Tunda, Surya Dev and Chandra Dev. One has to crawl their way into the cave, which is 98 ft. long. An image of Lord Hanuman as Launkra Beer is located nearby. Visitors have to cross Launkra Beer through water. After the Launkra Beer point, the cave opens out and on the top can be seen the countless heads of Shesh Nag. Below Shesh Nag are the Shankh, Chakra, Gada and a Lotus Flower. On the roof of the cave are the symbols of the five Pandavas, who are believed to have built the cave. Also, seen is the Sapt Rishi, udders of the divine cow, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Parvati.

Before offering prayers at the shrine, devotees take bath in the holy waters of the Ban Ganga in the bathing chambers at the Bhawan.

Ban Ganga: On the way to the shrine from Katra is Ban Ganga where the goddess reportedly quenched her thirst by shooting an arrow into the earth from which water sprang out. The water of this legendry river is considered sacred and devotees like to bathe in it before proceeding further. There are a couple of Ghats built for this purpose.

Charan Paduka: About 1.5 km from Ban Ganga and at an altitude of 3380 feet is Charan Paduka where the Mata's footprints are imprinted on a rock slab. One pays obeisance at the footprints of Mata engraved on a rock slab and proceeds further.

Ardhkanwari Temple: Located at an altitude of 4800 feet and at a distance of 6 km from the shrine is Ardhkanwari Temple- the place where the goddess as Vaishnavi meditated for nine long months. When during her meditation she realized that Bhairon Nath had approached the cave in Her search, She created an exit at the other end with Her trident and proceeded towards the Holy Cave. The exact spot where she is believed to have meditated is located at the right hand side inside the cave and is shaped like a womb. The darshan of Adkuwari is considered as one of the most important darshans  after the darshan of the Mata. It is generally believed that by merely passing through this cave, a devotee's sins are cleansed and his soul becomes pious again.

Bhairon Nath Temple: This shrine is a must visit when returning from a darshan from Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Legend says that Bhairon was killed by Mata and later upon seeking an apology was granted the boon of being the final link of the Great Pilgrimage. It is believed that the head of Bhairon had fallen at this place while his body remained at the entrance of the Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. The temple also  has a Havan Kund  whose ashes are considered sacred and its is said that mere application or merely keeping them in the house along with a daily Poojan of Bhairon Baba will protects the residents and  small children. The shrine is located 2.5 km from the Bhawan and involves a steep climb. The return path from the shrine joins the main path a Sanji Chhat.

During the course of the trek to the holy shine, one also comes across Himkoti - a picturesque spot situated 2.75 km from Adkuwari from where one can get breathtaking scenic views of the entire valley.

Pindian:  A few miles from Katra, Pindian has a shrine is dedicated to Vaishno Devi.

Deva Mai Temple: Located about 3 km from Katra, devotees visiting Vaishno Devi also visit this temple.

Baba Dhansar: A popular picnic spot 10 km from Katra. The highlight of this place is a huge spring, which cascades into several smaller springs before flowing into Ban Ganga. The place is known for its naturally formed Shivalinga and a fair held here during Shivratri.

The Holy Cave of Shiv Khori: Located about 70 km from Katra, the holy cave is the abode of Lord Shiva. The cave stretches to a length of 1 km and has a naturally formed 4 feet high lingam right in the middle of the sanctum sanctorum. Natural milky water dripping from the top to the Shivling is said to symbolize the eternity of the holy river Ganga.

Batote: 125 km from Jammu, situated at an altitude of 1560 meters on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is the hill station which overlooks the spectacular lie of the Chenab gorge.

Sanasar: 119 km from Jammu and only 17 km from Patnitop, Sanasar is cup shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. A place for a quite holiday, the meadow is now been developed as a golf course. It also provides opportunities for para-gliding.

Patnitop: Located at a distance of 110 km from Jammu, Patni top is an idyllic picnic spot. One can also try out adventure sports here notably-rock climbing, rappelling and trekking.

At Jammu, one can stay at Vaishnavi Dham and Saraswati Dham complexes located next to Jammu Tawi Railway Station.  While at Katra, accommodation is available in the Niharika complex, situated next to the main Bus Stand. A number of halls are provided subject to first come first served basis at Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat & Bhawan. Yatris can stay here while waiting for their turn for the Darshans. Blanket stores, Toilet blocks, Bhojanalayas and a Medical Centre are all located within the vicinity. During days of heavy rush, free accommodation is also made available at Katra in the Niharika complex, the Yatra Parchi counter II (YRC-II), adjacent to the New Bus Stand (Bus Stand No. II ). For enquiry and reservation at Shakti Bhawan, Niharika Complex contact: 01991-232125.

By Air: Nearest airport is Jammu, which is connected by air from major cities in the country.

By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead from where one can take a bus or taxi. The other closest railway station is at Udhampur.

By Road: Jammu and Katra is approximately 50 km and it takes 2 hours to reach there. Regular bus service is available from Jammu Bus Stand. One can also take State Road Transport Buses to Katra from the Railway Station, which have specific timing. Private Taxies  are also available from the Jammu Tawi Railway Station and Jammu Airport. If  driving down, then take National Highway 1 A. En-route at Domel, about 35 km from Jammu, the road bifurcates into two, one leading to Srinagar while the other goes to Katra.

Katra to Vaishno Devi:  The climb to the shrine is 13 km and devotees are required to get passes, which are available at the Tourist Reception Centre at the Katra Bus Stand before starting the trek. Yatris can either take the steep route believed to have been used by the goddess herself or a new one which is shorter and less steep. Both the paths will take you to Sanji Chhat and then downhill to the Bhawan. For those who can't climb, pithoos or porter, pony and palanquins are also available. Battery run autos are also available, which will directly take you to the shrine.