12 Best Tourist Places In Katra

Katra is a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, with various hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and Dhabas. Most of Katra's well-known tourist destinations are religious sites, including Charan Paduka, Bhairo Mandir, and Geeta Mandir, since they are connected to the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. However, Katra's popularity as a tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir is more than just the spiritual experience you may have; you can also take advantage of sightseeing opportunities nearby, such as at Ban Ganga and Tiruka Parbat. While on vacation, tourists may also take advantage of Katra's vibrant marketplaces, which offer an intriguing & distinctive shopping experience. Items like Kashmiri patterns, cane baskets, and stoles are only available in this area.

The Top Destinations For Visitors:

Due to its role as the starting point for pilgrims travelling to Mata Vaishno Devi, the holy temple, Katra is one of Jammu's most popular tourist destinations. In Katra, Charan Paduka, Darshan Dwar, Bhairon, and Geeta Mandir are other must-see religious sites. Along with spirituality, there are chances to take in the breathtaking scenery, with Trikuta Parvat, Ban Ganga, and the town ranking as the main tourist destinations. While vacationing in Katra, you may also enjoy shopping for Pashmina shawls, dried apples, dry fruits, and Kashmiri chillies.

1. The Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir in Katra, Jammu:

The Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple is situated in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir's Trikuta Hills and is the second-most popular Hindu pilgrimage site in India. It is said that the Mother Goddess, also known as Mata Vaishno Devi, fulfils the prayers of Hindu pilgrims who come to this respected holy site from all over the world. Given that it is said that the Goddess Sati's skull landed here, this sacred site is regarded as the most significant Shaktipeeth. A five-and-a-half-foot tall, three-headed rock stands as the deity statue in Mata Vaishno Devi Cave. On their pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi, worshippers send the God the traditional presents of chunri, a red cloth, sarees, dried fruits, silver or gold jewellery, Cholas, flowers, etc.

The Vaishno Devi's History:

1. Since the establishment of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in 1986, many Hindu pilgrims have begun to visit Jammu's most revered sacred destination. According to folklore, Pandit Sridhar, a Hindu priest, was the one who discovered Mata Vaishno Devi's holy cave.
2. The goddess Vaishnavi appeared in the priest's dream and instructed him to find her residence in the Trikuta Hills.
3. Following her education, the priest sets off on the trek to find the cave mentioned in the dream. He saw Mata Vaishno Devi, who gave him the blessing of four sons, and she also bestowed to him the benefit of guardianship over the cave.
4. The commitment is still honoured by Pandit Shridhar's descendants today.
5. Both photography and filming are prohibited within the temple.

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Mythology:

1. When Mata Vaishno Devi was born as Vaishnavi, the goddesses who created her wish to spend her life on earth and focus all her energy on rising to a high level of consciousness.
2. Lord Rama later gave her instructions, and she followed them to build an Ashram, practice meditation, and advance her spirituality at the foot of the Trikuta Hills.
3. When the deity moved into Trikuta Hills in Katra, Mahayogi Guru Goraksh Nathji sent his student Bhairon Nath to see if she had achieved a higher spiritual level. But as time went on, Bhairon Nath began to lose his sense of purpose, fall in love with her, and pressure her to wed him.
4. Vaishnavi proceeded to the mountains to continue her meditation (Tapasya) alone, but Bhairon Nath was after her.
5. The goddess killed Bhairon Nath, and as he passed away, he prayed for pardon after realizing his mistake. Not only did Mata Vaishno Devi forgive him, but she also gave him a blessing. The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra cannot be finished until every pilgrim has seen Bhairon after the deity.

The Way To Mata Vaishno Devi Temple:

1. A 13-kilometre journey from Katra town in the Jammu Region will take visitors to the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage site, where the goddess manifests herself in the natural rock formation (holy pindies) in the sanctum sanctorum (cave). Pilgrims must pass through a tunnel to get to the sanctum sanctorum of this important temple in Jammu. Due to its narrowness, two additional tunnels were erected to allow the pilgrims waiting to travel through the area quickly.
2. A helicopter service is also available from Katra to Sanjhichatt, where the temple is only 2.5 kilometres distant.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple?

The best time to visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, open all year, is from March to October. During the sacred Navratras season, pilgrimages are extremely popular among devotees.

Tips For Visiting Mata Vaishno Devi Temple:

• To reach Mata Vaishno Devi, one must travel 13 kilometres; however, horses are also available for those unable to walk.
• Between Mata Vaishno Devi Cave and Bhairon Ghati, a ropeway is being created. In Katra, alcohol is completely prohibited, and the town offers vegetarian cuisine.
• One should leave their cameras in their hotels as they are not permitted on the journey.
• A yatra slip must be collected from the Yatra Registration Counter in Katra, which is close to the bus station. Without a yatra slip, one is not permitted to see Mata Vaishno Devi. Before hiring porters, palanquins, and horses, verify their charges.

2. Charan Paduka:

Pilgrims who travel to the Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple keep stopping by the sacred place of Charan Paduka in Katra. It is said that Mata Vaishno Devi/Vaishnavi stopped by this white temple to see if Mahayogi Guru Goraksh Nathji's student Bhairon Nath was still pursuing her. It is possible to see Mata Vaishno Devi's footsteps on a stone surface in the Charan Paduka Temple. The holy temple at Katra is close to the Banganga River and Bridge and is located at 1030 meters. It was initially a little temple, but today it is a beautiful, enormous temple.

The Charan Paduka Mythology:

According to tradition, Mata Vaishno Devi stopped at a destination where her footsteps can still be seen on a rock slab as she escaped from Bhairon Nath and headed into the caves in the Trikuta Hills.

Best Season To Visit Charan Paduka:

The ideal time to visit Charan Paduka Temple is between March and October, but it is open all year long, just like Mata Vaishno Devi. In these months, the weather is pretty good.

3. Banganga River:

Hindu worshippers in Katra enjoy taking a plunge in the sacred river Ban Ganga, a significant religious destination, before starting the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. The Ban Ganga River, which flows from the southern slope of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas, has two ghats where many Hindu devotees take a sacred bath. The river's name, Ganga, which stands for the sacred Ganges River in India, was derived from two words: Ban, which means arrow, and Chenab, which is one of the river's major tributaries. As a result, the river is sometimes referred to as Ganges' twin.

Mythology Of Banganga River:

According to mythology, the monkey Langoor-Veer was thirsty as he travelled with Mata Vaishno Devi/Vaishnavi to her residence in the Trikuta Hills. The goddess then fired an arrow into the earth, and a spring sprang that is now known as Ban Ganga.

The river is also known as Bal Ganga, where Bal is the Hindi word for hair because it is believed that the goddess cleaned her hair in the river's water.

Ideal Season To Visit Banganga River:

The ideal times to visit the Ban Ganga River are generally between March and October. However, the river does not have enough water because the monsoon season is quite dry, and River water levels drop or virtually disappear over the winter.

4. Bhairon Mandir:

Three kilometres distance from the Bhairon Temple in Katra from the Bhawan, or sacred cave, of Mata Vaishno Devi. The pilgrims visit this site as their next stop after Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple. Hindu pilgrims from all over the world travel to Bhairon Mandir because it is necessary for the sacred yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi to be regarded as complete for the devotees to give respect there.

The temple is at a height of 2017 meters on the surrounding Trikuta hill. Attractions such as a havan kund, where sacred ashes are burned, are prominent at the Bhairon Temple.

The Bhairon Temple Mythology:

According to mythology, Bhairon Nath's severed head was thrown to Trikuta's neighbouring hill. Bhairon recognized his mistakes as he approached death and prayed to Mata Vaishno Devi for forgiveness. In addition to pardoning him, the goddess granted him the blessing of being worshipped by the devotees who would visit the Bhawan to seek her blessing.

Where Is The Bhairon Temple?

One must climb a high hill to reach this holy temple in Katra. Thanks to the new ropeway, the pilgrims' challenging trek has been made easier for them. Devotees may travel between Mata Vaishno Devi Cave and Bhairo Mandir via cable car in only five minutes.

Precautions To Take Before Entering The Bhairon Temple:

• A 5-minute cable car ride will get you to Bhairon Temple.
• The ropeway costs INR 100 for each ride.
• The single direction of travel for the cable car is from Mata Vaishno Devi Cave to Bhairo Mandir.

5. Trikuta Parvat:

1. Hindu devotees who travel to Katra for the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra regularly attend the holy site Trikuta Parvat. The sacred hill, which rises to a height of 752 m, is positioned 10 kilometres from Deoghar on the route to Dumka. Tri means three, and Trikutachal refers to the three hills that make up the area.
2. Since Trikuta Parvat is known as the Garden of Shiva and is abundant in fruit, many Lord Shiva worshippers travel there during the Shravan month (July-August) to gather wood apples (bel).
3. Trikutachal Mahadev Temple, another Shiva temple, is located in Trikuta Parvat. Goddess Trishuli is also worshipped at this temple. The temple is also the starting point of the River Mayurkashi.
4. Dayananda's cottage is also located on Trikuta Hill, mostly known as a picnic area. Both tourists and Hindu worshippers go there.

The Trikuta Parvat Mythology:

People Said that Sage Bam Bam Baba would travel to Trikuta Hills to meditate.

When To Go To Trikuta Parvat?

When Shiva devotees are most in attendance between July and August, it is an adequate time to visit Trikuta Parvat. If you wish to go on a family outing, stay away from these months between March and June and September and October.

6. Geeta Mandir:

The holy Geeta Mandir in Katra is one of the places Hindu worshippers may show respect when going to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Near Ban Ganga Bridge, a sacred temple with stunning architecture can be viewed. The temple is renowned for being a destination for pilgrims to rest before continuing their Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. Every year, devotees from all over the world go to the temple to receive the blessings of a trouble-free trip to the holy Bhawan. Nearby this temple is another temple named Pratham Charan Mandir.

The Ideal Time To Visit Geeta Mandir:

The pleasant weather makes the ideal time to visit Geeta Mandir between March and October. Travelling might be a little uncomfortable during the winter due to the cold it can get.

Important Information Before Visiting Geeta Mandir:

Both photography and filming are prohibited within the shrine.

7. Raghunath Temple:

Raghunath Temple, one of Katra's most popular attractions, was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and is located 8 kilometres from Jammu. One of the most incredible temples in Northern India is the one devoted to Lord Rama. Other Hindu deities such as Ganesh Ji and Lord Krishna are also portrayed as temple idols. The temple is designed in the Mughal and Sikh architectural styles, with the main structure reflecting the Mughal style. Visitors may also look at artworks illustrating passages from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Holy Gita.

8. Baba Dhansar:

Another important religious site in Katra is Baba Dhansar. It is less than 13 kilometres from Katra and is closer to a variety of wonderful homestays and guestrooms. There are around 100 stairs that must be climbed. There is a Lord Shiva temple nearby that has fascinating mythology associated with it. Tourists are inspired by this location not only for the stunning temple but also for the impressive waterfalls and beautiful green surroundings.

9. Himkoti:

While on vacation, take time to unwind and take in Himkoti's natural beauty. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the hill towns close to Katra, the fascinating flora, and the tranquil setting. It's a terrific spot for family picnics and relaxation as well. Himkoti, one of the top tourist destinations in Katra, is home to breathtaking natural wonders.

10. Baag-e-Bahu:

Baag-e-Bahu, which is around 45 kilometres from Katra, is one of Katra's distinctive locations. After touring the different holy locations, it is the perfect spot to relax.

Visit the famous Bahu Fort nearby if you appreciate history and your body isn't too worn out after the trek. The relationship between the fort and Jammu's establishment is an intriguing one. There is a Maa Kali temple located inside the fort.

11. Sanasar:

Sanasar, often known as "Mini Gulmarg," is around 17 km from Patnitop and is a short way from Katra; the trip there by car will take about three hours. The area is a magnificent home to fascinating hills, forests, and lakes. Visitors may participate in exhilarating activities like hot air ballooning, paragliding, and horseback riding during Kashmir's summer. Like that several activities are available that will keep you busy all day. Do not miss out on seeing the waterfalls and visiting Nag Temple, Hidden Creek, and Sanasar Lake.

12. Jhajjar Kotli:

One of Katra's most well-known tourist spots is Jhajjar Kotli. Visitors may have the picnic of their dreams in Jhajjar Kotli. This place is the best choice when travelling with children to the Katra region. Being here is like treating your senses to a relaxing spa. This is one of the most favoured locations close to Katra because of the surroundings and tranquil emotions. This peaceful location is 15 kilometres from Katra.

Travel information for Katra:

Here is comprehensive information on how to go to Katra via road, train, and air.

1. By Air:

The airport closest to Katra is in Jammu, the Satwari Airport, which is connected to all the leading Indian cities and is 51 kilometres from Katra. Katra may be reached by hiring a taxi outside the airport.

2. Via train:

On the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link is where the newly erected Katra Railway Station is situated. There are trains running from Delhi to Katra, which is connected to Delhi. The following closest railway station is at Jammu Tawi, 53 kilometres away, and it is Jammu & Kashmir's most significant and oldest railway station. All of the country's main cities are easily accessible from there.

3. Via Road:

State and national highways provide excellent access between Katra and Jammu. There are direct buses to Katra from Jammu, Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Dharamshala, Pathankot, and many more Indian cities.

Katra's distance from India's most prominent cities:

• 635 kilometres from Delhi to Katra.
• 1196 kilometres from Lucknow to Katra.
• 1140 kilometres from Kanpur to Katra.
• 2813 kilometres from Bangalore to Katra.
• 678 kilometers from Leh to Katra .
• 265 kilometres from Srinagar to Katra.

Prescribed Time To Visit:

March to October.

Perfect Duration To Spend In Katra:

5 to 8 Days

When Should Visitors Travel To Katra During The Holidays?

Katra is a popular place for pilgrimage tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Katra may be visited every day of the year, but November to March is the ideal time to go. The Katra season can be described as follows:

Weather In Katra:

1. Season Of Summer (April to June):

Katra has warm to hot summers with temperatures reaching 40°C, which might be a little uncomfortable. But many Hindu tourists ready to make the journey to the prestigious Vaishno Devi Temple travel to Katra.

2. Rainy Season (July to August):

In August and September, Katra has relatively little rainfall. However, the humidity levels are still high, making visiting rather uncomfortable. The worshippers continue to arrange their journey to Katra.

3. Season Of Winter (September to March):

The winter season in Katra begins in October and lasts until March. It is one of the most excellent places to visit in India during the winter, but if someone go to Katra during this time; they need to bring lots of heavy wool clothing.