Katra: A Spiritual Town is famous for being the starting point of the Vaishno Devi Temple pilgrimage, where people go to seek blessings. This blend of spirituality and daily life makes Katra a special place.

History of Katra

Katra has a rich history that goes back centuries. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word for “small market”. In the past, Katra was an important stop for travelers and traders on the ancient Silk Route. The British made it a key location for trade, commerce, and governance. Today, Katra is a bustling town that attracts pilgrims, tourists, and traders, while still preserving its history.

Temperature of Katra

Oct- Nov: Peak season for pilgrims, Temparture ranging between 10-25 dgree celsius.

Dec- June: Holy cave yatra season, temperature ranging between -1 to 30 degree celsius.

July – Sep: Peak mansoon season, temperature ranging between 25 to 35 degree celsius

Reaching Katra: Your Gateway to Vaishno Devi

1.1 By Air

The nearest airport to Katra is Jammu Airport, approximately 50 kilometers away. It is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Katra in about an hour and a half.

1.2 By Rail

Katra has its own railway station, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, which connects it directly to cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jaipur. The train journey offers a comfortable and scenic way to reach Katra.

1.3 By Road

Katra is well-connected by road with Jammu, Srinagar, and other nearby cities. Regular bus services and private taxis are available, making road travel a convenient option.

Top Tourist Attractions in Katra

1. Vaishno Devi Shrine

The Vaishno Devi Shrine is the most revered pilgrimage site in Katra, attracting millions of devotees annually. The 13-kilometer trek from Katra to the shrine is a spiritual journey that devotees undertake with great devotion. Pony rides, palanquins, and helicopter services are available for those who prefer not to walk the entire distance.

Read Also: Interesting things to know about Natural Cave of Mata Vaishno Devi

2. Bhairavnath Temple

Located 3 kilometers from the Vaishno Devi Shrine, Bhairavnath Temple is another important religious site. According to legend, the journey to Vaishno Devi is incomplete without visiting Bhairavnath Temple. The trek to the temple offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

3. Ardh Kuwari Cave

Situated midway on the trek to Vaishno Devi, Ardh Kuwari Cave holds significant religious importance. This narrow cave is believed to be the place where Goddess Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months. Pilgrims often stop here to rest and offer prayers.

4. Banganga

Banganga is a sacred river located at the start of the trek to Vaishno Devi. According to mythology, the river was created when Goddess Vaishno Devi shot an arrow into the ground to quench her thirst. Pilgrims often take a dip in the holy water before beginning their journey to the shrine.

5. Nau Devi Temple

The Nau Devi Temple, located around 10 kilometers from Katra, is a cluster of nine small caves dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This serene spot is perfect for meditation and offers a peaceful retreat away from the bustling town.

6. Baba Aghar Jitto

Baba Aghar Jitto a spiritual devotee of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. A farmer sacrified his life for getting due right share of agriculture crop from Jagirdar Bir Singh who denied to give the committed share. This is why he scarified his life for getting his right & became famous among the farmers, have a attraction for yatries also. The statue of Baba Jitto is situate near road side in the lap of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.

7. Baba Dansar, Karua

The holy place of Baba Dhansar islocatedatKaruaJheel(Pond) near village karua, 13 Km for Katra towardsShivKhouri.The approach involves a walk of 200 meters from the road. A large number of devotees visit the place every year on the day of Mahashivratri when an annual fete (mela) is organised.

Things to Do in Katra

1. Trekking and Hiking

Katra offers excellent trekking opportunities, with the most popular trek being the route to Vaishno Devi. The trek is well-maintained, with facilities like food stalls, resting places, and first aid stations available along the way.

2. Shopping in Katra

Katra’s bustling market is a great place to shop for religious souvenirs, dry fruits, Kashmiri handicrafts, and woolen garments. The market is also known for its traditional jewelry and aromatic spices.

3. Enjoy Local Cuisine

Indulge in the local cuisine of Katra, which is predominantly vegetarian due to the town’s religious significance. Savor delicious dishes like Rajma Chawal, Kachalu, and the famous Katra Ka Prasad. Street food lovers can enjoy snacks like Golgappa, Chole Bhature, and Aloo Tikki.

4. Explore Nearby Attractions

Apart from the spiritual sites, Katra serves as a base to explore nearby attractions such as Patnitop, Shiv Khori, and the beautiful landscapes of Kashmir Valley. These destinations offer opportunities for sightseeing, adventure activities, and nature walks.

Read also: All About Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra From Jammu

Travel Tips for Visiting Katra

1. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Katra is between March and October when the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking. The monsoon season from July to September brings heavy rains, which may cause landslides and disruptions. The winter months from November to February can be cold, but they offer a unique experience with snow-covered landscapes.

2. Accommodation in Katra

Katra offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Many pilgrims prefer to stay at the accommodations provided by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which are clean, affordable, and located near the starting point of the trek.

3. Health and Safety

• Hydration: Stay hydrated during the trek to Vaishno Devi, especially in summer. Carry bottled water or use the water stations available along the route.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear suitable for trekking. The path can be steep and uneven in places.
• Weather Precautions: Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Carry warm clothing during winter and rain gear if traveling in the monsoon season.

4. Permits and Passes

Pilgrims need to obtain a Yatra Parchi (travel permit) before starting the trek to Vaishno Devi. The permits are available online or at the Yatra Registration Counter in Katra.

5. Connectivity

Prepaid SIM will not work in Jammu & Kashmir. No problem if one uses a Postpaid sim. Mobile network connectivity is generally good in Katra and on the trek route. However, signal strength may vary in higher altitudes near the shrine. BSNL, Airtel, and Jio are the most reliable networks in the region.

Suggested Itinerary for Katra Trip

Day	Activity
1	Arrival in Katra, explore the local market, and rest.
2	Early morning trek to Vaishno Devi Shrine, visit Ardh Kuwari Cave, Banganga, Bhairavnath Temple, and return to Katra.
3	Visit Nau Devi Temple. Depart from Katra.