Katra Tourism
Katra is an important place in Jammu and Kashmir, located in Reasi district. It serves as one of the base camps for the tourists and pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi, a holy pilgrimage for Hindus.
The number of pilgrims visiting the holy place increased from 13.96 Lakhs (about 1.4 million) in 1986 to 104.95 Lakhs (about 10.5 million) in 2012. Till July 2013, the total number of tourists and pilgrims who had visited Katra was more than 57 Lakhs. As per estimates, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage zone provides employment to 27,000 people and helps to earn revenue to the extent of almost 500 crores annually. Vaishno Devi temple is located 10.5 kms away from Katra. Pilgrims have to register themselves at Katra before starting their trek. In any kind of accidental mishap, the registered pilgrims are entitled to Rs. 1 lakh as accidental coverage.
Till date pilgrims have to walk 25 kms to reach the holy shrine. Keeping in mind the increasing number of pilgrims visiting this place, the government had announced a special railway link from Udhampur to Katra, which was expected to be completed by August 2013. However, for some unforeseen circumstances, it has been delayed till October 2013.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit this place almost throughout the year. Whether it is winter, monsoon or summer, pilgrims don't mind visiting Vaishno Devi temple through Katra. It is most important to point out that the climatic condition of this place is essentially sub tropical. If you are looking for the best possible time to visit it, March to October is the best time.
You should keep certain things in mind while visiting the place:
- During summer, especially between May and July, the temperature varies from 5°C to 40°C.
- In case, you like the winter chill and don't mind, walking through raining snowflakes, December to March is the time for you to visit. During this time, temperature varies from -14°C to 24°C.
- If you visit Vaishno Devi temple during the monsoon, you should take rain gear with you to protect yourself from heavy rainfall. The humidity level also remains very high during this time.
There is a wide range of transports available in Katra. You can use local trains as well as roads to move around. There are many travel agencies in this small town. You can rent a cab for a fixed period of time. You can also take the local buses, as per your convenience.
When it comes to travel to Vaishno Devi from Katra, trekking is the most popular way. Helicopter facilities are there too. This will give you a ride to Sanjichhat, 2.5 kms from the shrine. Railways are in the offing. However, they are scheduled to be launched in the month of October 2013. If you don't prefer walking 10.5 kms, Palkis are there for you. These are availed by the elderly. Local transportation from this place to the temple includes Pony ride, Pitthu (especially for carrying luggage or sometimes even babies), and electric vans.
Hotels
You will find all kinds of hotels in Katra. Whether you want to stay at affordable, budget, or luxurious ones (3 star and 4 star), you will find the desired hotel according to your choice. You will find most of these hotels around certain landmarks such as Ban Ganga, Reasi Road, Adhkunwari, Airport, The Shrine Of Baba Jitto, Amar Cinema, Yoga Ashram, Jammu Tawi, Helipad Road, Kashmir Road, Chintamani, Jammu Road, Hospital Road, Tourist Dak Bungalow, and others.
Here are some price details:
- Room rent of budget and affordable hotels start from Rs. 900 per night.
- Room rent per night of 3 Star hotels start from Rs. 1300.
- Room rent per night of 4 Star hotels start from Rs. 2000.
In Katra you will find all kinds of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian eateries. Near the Vaishno Devi temple, you will not find non-vegetarian eateries. However, delicious snacks along with the delightful and famous Rajma-Rice are available in the road side restaurants (called 'Dhaba' in India). Please keep in mind that near the shrine, vegetarian restaurants will serve 'pure veg. food' that don't even have garlic and onions in them. Don't forget to try the Pakoras and Samosas of the place. In the eateries of Katra, you can try the popular Chole-Bhature and Puri-Bhaaji along with Rajma-Rice. In the famous hotels and restaurants of this small town, you will get all kinds of delicacies and cuisines, right from Indian, Continental, Kashmiri, to Chinese. You can also try the sweets here.
Shopping
Katra has evolved as the shopper's paradise. You will find anything and everything here. Right from offerings to the Goddess, dry food items, special textile products of the place, souvenirs, hand-made wooden articles, to artificial jewelries, you name a product and it is there in the shopping arcade. f the essential tips are given below:
- If you want to reach the shrine fast, you can take a helicopter ride. It will cost you Rs.800 per person, excluding other charges. As the ride is very reasonable, you can take this ride to the holy shrine. However, this should be kept in mind that the helipad is almost 2.5 kms away from the shrine. In fact, most people prefer a helicopter to reach the Vaishno Devi temple and come back to Katra walking.
- When preparing the itinerary, don't forget to visit the Bhairon Temple, Charanpaduka, Himkoti, Adhkunwari, Sanjichhat, Jhajjar Kotli, and Banganga.
- You can visit Mata's shrine by 'Palki' or palanquin, if you don't prefer either a helicopter ride or trekking.
- Ponies or horses are also there for you to ride for visiting the Vaishno Devi temple.
- You should avoid reaching Bhavan between 7pm and 9pm because during this time the shrine remains closed for devotees. So, time your journey accordingly.
If you want to reach Vaishno Devi temple by helicopter, the one way ticket will cost you Rs. 1500 per person. The helicopter charge is Rs. 800. The processing and service charges will cost you another Rs. 700.
The return flight, i.e. Katra to Sanjichhat and back, will cost you Rs. 2700. You will get priority in 'darshan' while producing your return boarding pass. Traveling and staying packages are also there. The most affordable package that includes night stay, breakfast and return helicopter flight is Rs. 8,525.00.
How many days are enough to travel?
It will depend upon your itinerary. You can reach Katra from Jammu within certain hours on road. Night halt facility is available near the shrine. You can stay there for one night with your family. In fact, you can buy tour packages to visit various places in and around Katra. On an average, you will need 4 days and 5 nights to travel and enjoy the beauty of the place.
Tourism Department Contacts
Here are the important contact details:
1. J&K Tourism Development Corporation
Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar Office
Tel: 0194 - 2457927 / 30
2. J&K Tourism Development Corporation
Tourist Reception Centre, Jammu
Tel: 0191 - 2579554 ; 0191-2549065
Mobile: 9419212464 ; 9419212451
3. J&K Tourism Development Corporation
Tourist Shopping Complex, 1st Floor, Main Bazar, Katra
Tel: 01991-234199
Emergency Contact Numbers
1. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Administration
Officer Incharge, Niharika Complex, Shakti Bhawan, Bus Stand, Katra.
Tel: +91-1991-232125 / 281
ice
SDPO, Katra
Tel: 01991-32052
Additional SP, Katra
Places to Visit in Katra
- Vaishno Devi
- Amarnath
Last Updated on : 19/09/2013
