Top 6 Places to Visit in Katra is a small village in the Trikuta Mountains’ foothills that is well-known as the starting point for pilgrimages to Vaishno Devi’s temple. One of the top places to visit in Katra is Vaishno Devi Temple, which is located in the Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir. It is known as Katra Vaishno Devi because of this. According to Indian spiritual legend, individuals who pay a visit to Mata Vaishno Devi’s holy cave temple would have their righteous wishes accomplished.
After an eight-mile hike, you’ll arrive at the shrine, which is located at 5,300 feet. People now have access to helicopters and environmentally friendly cars as the area is growing as a tourist attraction spot. Even if you are not on a pilgrimage, Katra is worth visiting since sights such as the Banganga, the Chenab river, and a vast number of nearby peaks provide excellent opportunities for mountain climbing and family trips.
Lip-smacking and popular delicacies from many cuisines are found in Katra. Kashmiri, Indian, and Continental cuisines are available. Rajma Rice, Chole Bhature, Poori Aloo, and other regional favorites can be found, particularly in local dhabas and cafes. Jammu has the closest airport near Katra. You may simply get road transportation from here. The town is served by the Katra railway station of the northern railways. There are also direct buses and cabs available from Jammu to Katra.
Maa Vaishno Devi Temple – Seek Blessings
When we think of Katra, the only place that immediately comes to mind is the Vaishno Devi temple. The temple is situated amidst Trikuta mountains. The shrine has a cave where Mata appeared in three rock forms, known as Pindies. The entry gate to the yatra is called Darshani Darwaza and is located 1 km from the bus stand.
To reach the holy shrine, you have to trek 13-kilometers uphill from Katra. There are horse and palanquin services for the elderly and weak. There is also the option of taking a helicopter ride till Sanjichhat and walking 2.5 km from there to reach the shrine. Sanjichhat is a beautiful spot from where you can enjoy splendid view of the Himalayas.
Location: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301
Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM
Charan Paduka – See Vaishnavi Maa’s Footprints
This is among the most auspicious places to see in Katra that lies on the way to the cave or bhawan of Maa Vaishno Devi. Charan Paduka is where the foot imprints of Maa can be seen on a rock slab. Mata Vaishno Devi or Vaishnavi was being chased by Bhairavnath, the saint turned demon. She was moving towards her cave when she decided to rest here for a while. That is when her footprints got lodged in the rocks. Visit Charan Paduka to seek the blessings of Mata before continuing your ascend to her cave.
Location: Katra, Jammu
Timings: NA
Ban Ganga – Take A Refreshing Dip
Another holy stop when moving towards Vaishno Devi is Ban Ganga. It is one of the best places to visit in Katra. The Shivalik Range of Himalayas is where this Ganga originates from and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Kahsmir in June. Once Mata Vaishanvi was going towards her abode in the cave when the monkey accompanying her felt thirsty. With no water around, Maa shot an arrow in the earth, out of which the Ganga sprang up. That gave it the name Ban (arrow) Ganga.
Interestingly, it is also called Bal (hair) Ganga, as it is believed that Maa washed her hair in it. Ban or Bal Ganga offers relaxation to devotees while on the trek to the Devi’s temple. Take a dip and feel fresh and blissful before continuing the journey to other tourist places in Katra.
Location: Katra, Jammu
Timings: NA
Bhairavnath Temple – Take In The Majestic Views
After drenching in the spirit and energy of Maa in Vaishno Devi temple, move up a bit to pay Baba Bhairavnath a visit, one of the best Katra sightseeing places. You just have to walk 2 to 3 km upwards from Vaishno Devi to reach Bhairavnath temple. The view up here is more majestic and mesmerizing.
This temple is dedicated to saint Bhairav who later turned demonic. He was killed by Maa Vaishno Devi here. Since he resented his sins, he was forgiven. This place is termed as important as Vaishno Devi because it was Maa herself who proclaimed the pilgrimage to my shrine will be incomplete without visiting Bhairavnath temple.
Location: Trikuta parvat, Reasi District, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301, India
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Jhajjar Kotli – Get A Spa Therapy
Jhajjar Kotli is listed among the famous places to visit in Katra. Your idea of a perfect picnic will come true here at Jhajjar Kotli. This is the ideal place to visit around the town of Katra when you are traveling with your family. Being here feels like giving a rejuvenating spa to your senses. Due to its surroundings and soothing vibes, this is one of the most-visited places near Katra. This relaxing spot is located 15 kilometers away from Top 6 Places to Visit in Katra.
Location: Kotli Jhajjar181221
Timings: NA
Himkoti – Have A Picnic
Take some time out from your pilgrimage to holy shrines to rest and admire the natural beauty of Himkoti. Bask in the splendid view of the hill stations near Katra, dense and magnetic greenery, and the calming environment. It is also a great place to relax and have a picnic with family. Home to awe-striking natural gifts, Himkoti can be easily counted as one of the Top 6 Places to Visit in Katra.
Location: Himkoti, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: NA
