Katra is a small town in Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir, India. This is famous for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. It is acting as gateway to Vaishno Devi Temple. In India it is second most important temple. It is situated on the national highway 1C. This place is the base camp for the devotees who were going to Vaishno Devi Temple. This is the best place to buy leather goods, garments and dry fruits. Kashmiri Embroidery garments are most famous of this place.
What to see in Katra:
Banganga: This River is associated with miracles of Mata Vaishno Devi. Except in the acute shortage of water, this river has full of water throughout the year. Before going to Vaishno temple, people take a dip in this river to wipe off the sins.
Darshani Darwaza: This is the gateway to Vaishno Devi Temple. People believe that at this place Goddess Vaishno Mata met Pandit Sridhar in the form of a small child. In this place army assistance counter is also situated here.
Himkoti: This is one of the best places for the natural lovers. It offers best scenic view of the valley. Major attractions of this place are a meditation centre, a garden and artificial pond. From Adhkunwari, it is located 3kms away.
What to see around Katra:
Vaishno Devi Temple: It is located 12kms away from Katra. Other names of this temple are Mata Rani and Vaishnavi Temple. Millions of people come to this place every year. Separate board was set up by the government to look after this temple. From katra several means of transport are available to visit this temple such as little ponies, Palkies, etc. From Jammu & Kashmir, helicopters are available to reach this temple.
Jhajjar Kotli: It is located 15kms away from Katra. Main attraction of this place is cold water of Jhajjar. This place is also well known for its natural beauty. It is one of the best picnic spots.
Baba Dhansar Temple: At this temple, waterfalls are the major attraction. It is located 15kms away from Katra. Another attraction of this place is natural formed Shivalingam.
Bhairon Temple: Journey to Vaishno temple will not complete without seeing this temple. It is located 2kms away from Bhawan. It is believed that Bhairon Nath was killed by Vaishno Devi at this place.
Sanjichhat: From this place visitors can have spectacular view of snow peaked Himalayas and beautiful valleys. It is located 3.25Kms away from Adhkunwari. This place is famous for helipad.
Getting to Katra: Only way to reach this place is through road way. Katra is situated between Jammu and Udhampur. Plenty of buses and taxis are available to reach from Jammu to Katra. Nearest railway station is located at Jammu Tawi which is 42kms away from Katra. Jammu is well connected with Jhansi, Gwalior, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai etc. Nearest airport is located at Jammu which is 40kms away from Katra. From these airport private vehicles, buses are available to reach Katra.
Getting around Katra: Main means of transport to visit the place of Katra is mini buses. Buses, autos and trains are available to visit the surrounding places of Katra.
Best time to visit Katra: Best time to visit this place is between March to October.
Where to stay in Katra: Budget and midrange hotels are available to stay in Katra. Best midrange hotels are available on Kashmir road. Only one luxury hotel is situated here. Few Guest houses and lodges are also available here.
Where to eat in Katra: Plenty of restaurants are available here. Rajma Rice, Puri Bhaaji and Chole Bhature are famous here.