Accommodation
For the comfort of the pilgrims, the Shrine Board delivers Totally free as well as Rented Accommodation at Jammu, Katra and also along the Holy Monitor. At Jammu, accommodation is available at Vaishnavi Dham and Saraswati Dham complexes situated appropriate next to Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
At Katra, accommodation is accessible in the Niharika complicated, situated subsequent to the main Bus Stand. Accommodation is also accessible at Adhkuwari, Sanjhichat and Bhawan.
Shelter Sheds & Vishram Sthals
All along the 12 km monitor, shelter sheds have been created at an approximate distance of 500 meters from each other in order to save the visiting devotees from the vagaries of weather especially...
Bhojanalyas & Refreshment Units
The Shrine Board runs a number of refreshment units and Bhojanalayas. The aim of all these units is to provide wholesome & hygienic snacks and meals to the visiting devotees.
Packed snacks, mini meals and even full meals are made available in these units which are situated all alongside the track and at Adkuwari, Sanjichatt and Bhawan. In addition, hot and cold beverages are offered all alongside the track.
Bhaint Shops
Literally speaking, the term the Bhaint means offering; in the context with the Yatra, Bhaint means something presented as obeisance to the Divine. Bhaints comprising of coconut, fullian and makhana have traditionally been provided by the devotees to the deity. The Shrine Board has opened a no-profit Bhaint Shop very close towards the primary Bhawan for that benefit with the Yatries....
Places to Rest at Bhawan
After reaching the Holy Bhawan, the Yatries have to carry out a number of activities including taking a bath, having some rest and having something to eat and drink. In addition, depending on the prevailing rush, they may have to wait for some time before their turn for Drashans is announced. For all these things, they need some place to rest and relax.
In order to cater to this need, many decent resting places have been created at Bhawan Complex.
Railway Reservation Counters
In view with the fact that a large number of pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine use rail as a means of transport, the Shrine Board has, with all the help with the Indian Railways, facilitated the setting up of a computerised Railway Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex in Katra
Security Arrangements
Adequate security arrangements have been made for the safety of the Yatries. In order to regulate the yatra and strengthen the security within the area, troops of the local police, paramilitary forces and the security wing of Shrine Board are deployed here. Advanced detection and security equipment such as X-Ray Baggage Inspection System, various kinds of metal detectors have also been installed...
Cloak Rooms
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board delivers Totally free cloak room facilities at Vaishnavi Dham, Jammu, Niharika Complex, Katra, Adkawari & Bhawan. Yatries can deposit their extra luggage in these cloak rooms. With the principal Bhawan complex also Free of charge cloak rooms have been provided. There is also a separate cloak room for shoes located proper opposite the gate no. 1 at Bhawan.while on the pilgrimage.
Communication Facilities : Post, Telegraph & Telephones
STD/ISD/PCO booths function all over Katra, alongside the track and appropriate uptill Bhawan. A few of them are open for all 24 hours. Post and telegraph facilities are also accessible at Katra, Adkuwari and Bhawan. Katra also has a Speed Post facility to/from main destinations. A few cyber cafes are also functional
Palki, Ponies & Pithoos
Many pilgrims tend to walk all the way towards the Holy Shrine out of faith and devotion. Yet there are many pilgrims who are overweight or otherwise not fit to walk for long. Many devotees have breathing problems or some other ailments or are old or physically challenged. All or some of them may need the services of ponies and palanquins.
In addition to ponies, porters (popularly called Pithus) may also be required for carrying luggage or for carrying young children who are afraid to or are as well young to ride a horse. Other than carrying luggage, Pithus also can carry small children (who are afraid or cannot manage to ride a horse) or light weighted old people.
Nearest Banks
Many nationalized and private banks have their branches at Katra. The State Bank of India, Bank of Punjab and J&K Bank also provide ATM facilities at Katra. Many more banks including ICICI Bank, UTI Bank are in the process of installing their ATMs here. The J&K Bank and the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) have their branches at Bhawan also.
