Narmada river pilgrimage! Maheshwar, ancient Mahishmati capital on Narmada banks, offers Maheshwar Fort (Ahilya Bai Holkar palace, temples, ghats), handloom weaving (famous Maheshwari sarees), evening aarti on ghats, boat rides. Omkareshwar, Jyotirlinga pilgrimage site on Om-shaped island formed by Narmada, features Omkareshwar Temple, Mamleshwar Temple, parikrama path, hanging bridge, Siddhanath Temple. Combine MP spiritual heritage with Narmada beauty, authentic ghats atmosphere. Perfect for pilgrims and culture enthusiasts exploring central India rivers and temples.
Day 1:
Arrive Katra - Arrive Jammu, transfer to Katra (48km base town for Vaishno Devi), check-in hotel near Banganga, register for yatra (online www.maavaishnodevi.org or offline, mandatory free slip), evening briefing on yatra route and options, retire early for pre-dawn start, overnight Katra|
Day 2:
Vaishno Devi Darshan - Very early 2-4am start, begin 13km uphill trek from Ban Ganga (holy stream) to Bhawan (6-8 hours uphill), stops: Charan Paduka (2.5km, Mata footprints), Adhkuwari (6km, cave where Mata hid 9 months, narrow cave passage, panjiri prasad), reach Bhawan cave shrine at 5200ft (queue for darshan, three Pindis representing Maha Kali/Lakshmi/Saraswati, few seconds darshan with "Jai Mata Di" chants, tilak and prasad), descend to Katra (4-5 hours down), arrive evening exhausted but blessed, overnight Katra (Options: pony Ôé╣2000-2500 one way uphill, palanquin Ôé╣4000-8000, helicopter Katra-Sanjichhat Ôé╣2200-2800 one way then 2.5km trek remains)|
Day 3:
Bhairon Temple Optional & Departure - Morning optional trek to Bhairon Temple (2.5km uphill from Bhawan at 6619ft, yatra considered incomplete without this as per legend, battery car Ôé╣80 one way, panoramic views), or rest day, afternoon optional Shiv Khori (70km, 4km natural cave with Shiva lingam, Ôé╣40), drive to Jammu for departure, tour ends with divine blessings (Peak rush: Navratri Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct with 50000+ daily, winter Nov-Feb has snow but less crowds, carry walking stick, water, comfortable shoes, avoid leather in temple)