One of the most sacred shrine for Hindus. The peace & pleasure that you'll get doing Devi Maa Darshans here is unparalleled. This place can get very crowded hence I'm sharing few useful tips for people who'd like to visit here.
Tips:
1. Try and book special darshans in advance on the official website.
2. There is Aarti twice in the day, at 6am in the morning and 7pm in the evening. Timings change a bit during winter months so pls check exact time.
3. There are two kinds of Darshan tickets during Aarti, the booking opens 60 days in advance for both:
i. "Attka aarti" and the charge is Rs.2000/- per person. There are quite a few tickets available so if you book a few weeks in advance you'll get these tickets. In this ticket you first sit in front of the main goofa (entrance) and there is very nice pooja and bhajans for approx 1.5 hrs and then you will be taken inside the main cave for Darshans. This is what you can see on "MH One Shraddha channel" live every day.
ii. "SSVP" (Shradha Suman Vishesh Puja) is the other Darshan where the charge is Rs.26000/- per person. There are only 5 tickets per aarti for this and hence they get booked very fast. In this ticket you attend the above aarti but in between you are taken inside the main cave for Darshans and you are right in front of Devi Maa for approx 35 - 40 min. This is soul satisfying Darshan and I'd recommend everyone who can afford this to do these Darshans. Do remember that the amount you are paying is basically a donation which is being put to good use by the Shrine Board. Also, what is included with this ticket is chopper ride from Katra to Bhawan and back, stay in a very good room at the Bhawan (as well as Katra if you want), meals at Bhawan and special Parshad! Do these Darshans once and you'll be very pleased.
4. Weekdays are definitely less crowded than the weekends.
5. This yatra entails fair bit of walk, approx 10 Kms one way so be aware. You can reduce this to just 2.5 kms by taking the chopper or 5kms by taking a battery operated car. There are pony & palki available too for the old and kids. Pitthu (porters) are available too to carry your luggage.
We have been visiting this place nearly once a year and each time come back with renewed enthusiasm. Shrine Board has been doing an excellent job of continually building / improving and maintaining this place.