Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the oldest shrine of India, located at a height of  5300 feet on the holy Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Hill Range. The Town Katra is 50 Kms away from Jammu and 35 Kms from District HQ Udhampur. In early 80's the number of pilgrims was just more than 10 lakhs annually but their number increased steeply after the historic reforms initiated with taking over the shrines by the statutory independent Board under the Chairmanship of the then Governor, Sh Jagmohan, on August 30, 1986. These reforms were carried forward with equal zeal by the successive Governors.

The Bhawan, the Sacred Sanctum of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is about 13 Kms away from the Base Camp Katra and is linked with a hilly track. Mostly the journeys are made during night, so the entire route has ample illumination. Number of basic facilities such as Drinking Water, Toilets, Medical Dispensaries etc are made available throughout the track. Apart from these facilities the entire track contains number of shops providing the refreshments and other local products.

The Goddess Vaishno Devi's abode is in 100 feet long cave with a narrow opening. The holy cold and crystal clear water washes the lotus feet of the Mata's "Pindian". There are three natural pindies representing Maha Sarswati, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Kali which represent creative, preservative, and destructive aspects of the Super Power. It is an ancient shrine whose reference is found in the Vedas and ancient scriptures.