People mainly come to Katra so that they may visit the Vaishno Devi temple nearby but there are a number of others attractions as well and lots of other places to visit near the main Katra city. Located in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains,
Katra is a picaresque region in Jammu and Kashmir and it is known for its famed temple of Goddess Vaishno Devi. The temple is highly revered and every year hundreds of tourists travel to this shrine to pay their respects to the Goddess. and it is a real treat for the body, mind, and soul.
Places to Visit Near Katra:
Vaishno Devi
Baba Dhansar
Patnitop
Dalhousie
Mcleodganj
Caves of Shiv Khori
Bhaderwah : Nature Unveils Its Magnificence
Srinagar
Ladakh
1. Vaishno Devi
As mentioned earlier, those who come to Katra mainly come here to visit the temple of Vaishno Devi which is one of the holiest places among the Hindus. Each year, hundreds and thousands of pilgrims visit the temple during the summer months, when the roads are open after snowfall has ceased. There are some other temples here as well like the Mata Rani, Trikuta Bhagwati and the Vaishnavi. There are direct trains to Katra railway station from Dekhi and from other nearby cities.
2. Baba Dhansar
It is another major religious place in Jammu and Kashmir and even here, the Hindu pilgrims come in huge numbers every year. The temple is quite close to Karua Jheel and it is very beautiful and scenic locale. The Karua village is also located close by and the locals come here frequently. It is believed that Baba Dhanesar was the son of Vasudev and with the help of Lord Shiva he had killed a demon that had emerged from the Jheel. The lake is considered very sacred which is why bathing is not allowed here at all. There is also a Nag temple nearby and Shivratri is celebrated in this temple with a lot of pomp. One can easily get here by taking a direct train to the Jammu Tawai station. May to July is the peak season when the pilgrims visit. A similar shrine nearby is Shivkhori. It is one of the best tourist places near Katra.
3. Patnitop
Patnitop is another mesmerizing hill station that is located about 6640 feet above the sea level and one can easily access it through the Jammu Srinagar Highway. The route to the hill station is beautiful and is lined with pine and cedar trees. The Patnitop hill station is the only hill station where snowfall can be seen in the winters in Jammu and hence even the locals from the rest of the Jammu come here during the winters. The valley is a really a treat for the tired souls and one instantly becomes aware of the beauty of nature. The air is fresh and the surroundings so pleasant and you will instantly enjoy peace and joy when you come here. There are also provisions for a number of adventure activities here like paragliding, skiing, trekking and golfing. Some of the key landmarks of Patnitop are Nathatop, and Mantalai. One can reach Patnitop by taking a train till Udhampur railway station which is only 24 km from Patnitop and take a cab rest of the way. It is a very popular hill station near Katra.
4. Dalhousie
Dalhousie is truly and outstanding and amazing hill station and many people come to Himachal Pradesh just to visit this picaresque town. The city has lush greenery all around and you will encounter beautiful English and Scottish homes which were built in the colonial period and they are so wonderful to look at. It is one of the most relaxing places in the entire state and a number of youngsters come here regularly. During the summers, there are a number of camping expeditions here and it is such a joy to sleep beneath the starry sky. The time between April to November is the best time to visit and of course, if you can come during the winters, there would be a winter wonderland waiting for you. The nearest railway station in Dalhousie is Chakki Bank and that is 44 km away. You can also catch a flight till Gaggal Airport. During your stay, you have to visit the Mall, the Moti Tibba hills and of course, the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary. The best time to visit is from April to November. It is one of the best places near Katra to visit.
5. Mcleodganj
Mcleodganj is one of the small yet mesmerizing hill station in Himachal Pradesh and it is mainly a seat of Buddhism ever since the holy Dalai Lama chose to make it his residence. The hill town has a rich Tibetan culture of its own and this place is especially famous among foreign trekkers. Campers and trekkers from various parts of India also come here in huge numbers. There are various trekking trails that start from here and it is a joy to be able to explore them without having to worry about the rush of the busy urban life. During the summers the hills around come alive with beauty and greenery and during festivals like Buddha Purnima, the strets are decorated with prayer flags. You will not find such peaceful and tranquil ambience in any other trekking town but somehow spirituality and adventure come together in this amazing city. It takes about 5 hours to reach Mcleodganj from Katra by road and the Gaggal Airport is about 7 km away and the Kangra railway station is 17 km away. The best time to visit is from February to November. While here, you have to visit the Dal Lake, the Bhagsunath Temple and go for a trek at the Triund.
6. The Mystical Caves of Shiv Khori
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Jammu & Kashmir lies a hidden gem that beckons the adventurous souls and spiritual seekers alike — Shiv Khori, the mystical cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Location: Situated in the Reasi district of Jammu, this sacred site is a scenic 70-kilometer drive from Katra, the base camp for the holy pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi.
7. Bhaderwah : Nature Unveils Its Magnificence
Nestled in the serene beauty of the Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir, Bhaderwah stands as a hidden gem, beckoning travelers with its captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here's a curated guide to some of the most enchanting tourist spots that make Bhaderwah an unforgettable destination.
8. Srinagar
Srinagar is the capital of Kashmir and so when you are traveling to Katra, it only makes sense to stay here for a few days and enjoy a view of the amazing city. You cannot afford to miss the boating in Dal Lake and you have to visit the apple orchards here. The city on the mountains is truly one a kind and there are so many things to look forward to. Shopping in Srinagar is a truly special experience as you get to indulge in authentic Kashmir stitched shawls and pashminas. The rugs and carpets make a great gift for your friends back home. You will love the serenity of the city and its colorful vibe and will be able to recollect your strength before you head to the more rigorous journey to Katra.
9. Ladakh
If you have enough time on your hands once you have finished your pilgrimage at Katra, then you can head towards Leh and Ladakh for a dose of adventure. Leh and Ladakh are popular destinations about adventure lovers but a number of families are visiting there as well. You can stay in guesthouses there and try out some adventure activities like sand dune driving. It is truly a photographer’s delight and you will find mountain eagles soaring in the skies. It is one of the best Jammu tourist places near Katra.
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These are the top places to visit near Katra.
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