Katra is a small town in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. It is located at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains and is well-known as the pilgrimage base camp for Mata Vaishno Devi's holy shrine. Katra is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Jammu Airport, about 50 kilometers away from Katra, is the nearest airport.
The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of India's most visited pilgrimage sites, is the main attraction in Katra. It is located in the Trikuta Mountains and can be reached via a 13-kilometer trek from Katra's base camp. The journey is considered difficult, and many pilgrims prefer to arrive at the shrine via ponies, palanquins, or helicopter services.
Best Time to Visit Of Katra
The months of March to May and September to November are ideal for visiting Katra. The weather in Katra is pleasant during these months, with moderate temperatures and low humidity. This makes it ideal for the difficult trek to the Vaishno Devi temple.
The weather in Katra can be hot and humid during the summer months of June to August, with occasional rain. The trek to the temple may become difficult as a result of this, as the trail may become slippery and difficult to navigate.
The weather in Katra can be quite cold during the winter months of December to February, with temperatures dropping below freezing. While the temple is open during these months, the journey can be difficult due to the cold.
How to Reach Katra:
Katra is a popular destination in India, located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Here are some common ways to reach Katra:
1. By air: The nearest airport to Katra is Jammu Airport, which is approximately 50 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Katra.
2. By train: Katra has its own railway station called Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. You can take a taxi or a shared cab from the railway station to reach your hotel or other destinations in Katra.
3. By road: Katra has good road access to major cities in Jammu and Kashmir and neighboring states. You can take a taxi or bus from Jammu or other nearby cities to get to Katra. The National Highway 44 runs through Katra, making it accessible by car.
4. By helicopter: Another option for getting to Katra is to take a helicopter from Jammu. There are helicopter services available from Jammu to Sanjichhat, the closest helipad to Katra. To get to the temple from Sanjichhat, you can either walk or take a pony or a palanquin.
Places to Visit Katra
Katra is a well-known tourist destination in India due to its scenic beauty and religious significance. The place is mainly famous for its best tourism in Katra. The following are some of the best tourist places in Katra:
- Vaishno Devi Temple: The most popular attraction in Katra is the Vaishno Devi Temple. It is a well-known Hindu temple honoring the goddess Vaishno Devi. The temple is located at an elevation of 5,300 feet and is accessible via a 13-kilometer hike or a helicopter ride.
- Bhairavnath Temple: This temple is on the way to Vaishno Devi Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, who is revered as the Vaishno Devi Shrine's protector. The temple is surrounded by beautiful mountains and provides a beautiful view of the landscape.
- Baba Dhansar: Baba Dhansar is a lovely waterfall about 12 kilometers from Katra. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a tranquil setting for visitors to unwind.
- Nau Devi Temple: It is about 15 kilometers from Katra and is dedicated to nine goddesses. The temple is built on a hilltop and provides a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding area.
- Himkoti: Himkoti is located about 2.5 km from Katra and offers a scenic view of the Trikuta Hills. There is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Himkoti, and visitors can also enjoy a beautiful sunset view from here.
Things to Do Katra
Apart from exploring the tourism of Katra, there are several other things to do in Katra besides visiting the famous Vaishno Devi Temple. Here are a few ideas:
- Trek to Vaishno Devi Temple: One of the most popular activities in Katra is the trek to Vaishno Devi Temple. The trek is approximately 13 kilometers long and takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. You can hire a guide to assist you on your journey.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty: Katra is surrounded by beautiful mountains and provides several scenic views. One can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings by taking a walk around town or going on a short walk.
- Visit local markets: Katra has several local markets where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items. The markets are also great places to taste local delicacies.
- Attend the Aarti ceremony: The Aarti ceremony is held at the Vaishno Devi Temple twice a day, in the morning and evening. The ceremony is a beautiful spiritual experience and is attended by hundreds of devotees.
- Visit Baba Dhansar: Baba Dhansar is a beautiful waterfall located about 12 km from Katra. You can take a dip in the cool waters of the waterfall or enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
- Enjoy local cuisine: Katra offers several local delicacies such as rajma chawal, khatta meat, and rogan josh. You can visit local restaurants and try these dishes.
Katra Weather
Language Spoken
Hindi, English
JUN-AUG
30-45 °C
SEP-OCT
30-45 °C
APR-MAY
30-45 °C
NOV-MAR
30-45 °C
INR - ₹
USD - $
EUR - €
SGD - $
AUD - $
GBP - £
AED - د.إ
ZAR - R
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