Situated at the base of the Trikuta mountain in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir, Katra has become synonymous with the second most important pilgrimage site of Indians, the Vaishno Devi shrine. Katra serves as the base camp for all devotees who wish to undertake a trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple and this has made Katra one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. This beautiful destination is located about 42 kms from Jammu at an altitude of 2,474 feet above sea level.
The main market of Katra is a good place for buying dry fruits, a specialty of this state, besides woolen garments, leather goods, hosiery etc. Sports fans can buy quality cricket bats and baseball bats.
Tourist Places in Katra
Vaishno Devi
Category : Religious
Vaishno Devi hills, located in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, are famous all over the country for housing the Vaishno Devi Temple. This temple is the primary attraction in Katra. It is one of the holiest Hindu temples in the country. It is dedicated to Vaishno Devi, who is also known as Vaishnavi, Mata Rani and Trikuta Bhagwati. Apart from being the Mother Goddess, Vaishno Devi is said to be the incarnation of Shakti. More...
Dera Baba Banda
Category : Religious, Cultural
Dera Baba Banda is a major pilgrimage centre for Sikhs. It draws visitors belonging to other religions as well. It is a 300 year old complex and has a Gurudwara which was built by Guru Gobind Singh's favoured 'Saint-soldier' Baba Banda Bairaagi on the banks of Chenab river.
Baba Dhansar
Category : Religious, Cultural
Baba Dhansar is a sacred Hindu shrine close to the beautiful Karua Jheel and Karua village in Reasi district. According to a local legend, Baba Dhansar was the son of Vasudeva, the serpent king who helped his people in getting rid of a demon near this pond who had created havoc in their lives. After the demon was killed, the villagers constructed a Nag temple and a Shiva temple in honour of the Gods for answering Baba's prayers to relieve them of the monster.
Tourist Destinations Near Katra
Amarnath
Amarnath is the name of a mountain located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. Mount Amarnath is mainly famous for the Amarnath Caves, which are among the most well-known and holiest shrines of the Hindu religion. This shrine is more than 5,000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This cave of Amarnath is located at an altitude of 3,888 m and is known for the ice lingams or formations situated within the cave. Earlier, the place was even called as 'Amareshwara'. Every year, during the months of July and August, the famous Amarnath Yatra takes place, when the place is visited by around 400,000 people. More...
Gulmarg
Gulmarg, the hill resort with mystifying meadows and mountains, provides every reason for travellers across the globe to come here. The meaning of Gulmarg is 'the meadow of flowers'. With snow-clad peaks and wonderful landscapes, the royal and elegant slopes of Gulmarg are regarded as Asia's only heli-skiing resort. Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 2,730 meters. More...
Srinagar
The summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is one of the most picturesque cities in the Indian subcontinent. Srinagar is not only famous for its places of worship, but also for its lakes, houseboats, dried fruits, Kashmiri handicrafts and landscaped gardens. Lying in the Kashmir Valley, it is the biggest city in Jammu and Kashmir. More...
Leh
The former capital of the Himalayan monarchy of Ladakh, Leh is one of the most enchanting travel destinations in India. It lies at the centre of Leh district. It is famous for architectural wonders such as the Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Leh Mosque and its magnificent landscapes. By area, it is the second biggest district in India after Kutch in Gujarat. More...
Ladakh
Ladakh is a part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh consists of two districts: Leh and Kargil. Leh is at an altitude of around 3,505 m while Kargil is roughly at an altitude of 2,750 m. Due to the strong influence of Tibetan culture, Ladakh is often called 'Little Tibet'. Ladakh has sparse vegetation. Fauna is generally similar to that found in Central Asia, exception being the migratory birds coming from the warmer parts of India during the summer. More...