Katra Vaishno Devi

Katra is one of the most spiritual places in Jammu Kashmir, known to be the home of the revered Vaishno Devi Temple. Set at an elevation of 875 m, there are plenty of tourist sites in the city that truly make it a popular tourist destination for families looking for a good time in the lap of nature. From the verdant mountains to swaying trees and lush greenery all around, the tourist sites in the city will mesmerise you with their beauty, allowing you to slow down and unwind.

Set in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra place is easily accessible from Delhi which is about 630 km away via NH 44. Well-connected with other parts of the country via different modes of transport, Katra Jammu and Kashmir attract millions of tourists every single year who are on their journey to reach the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi. Also, other scenic tourist sites in the city continue mesmerising the tourists who can find affordable accommodation options here and enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

Katra Vaishno Devi Overview

Best Time to Visit Katra

If you would like to explore the tourist sites in the city at a good time, then you must plan your trip during the winter season. The season starts in the month of November and lasts till March is the best time to visit Katra. During this period, the weather in Katra becomes cold, allowing you to fully enjoy the chilly winds of the Himalayas and make your way to this city. Though plenty of families also plan their travel in the months of May and June due to their kids, during this period, the Katra weather is on the hotter side. During the winter season, the Katra temperature ranges between 8 and 25 degrees celsius with the nights being especially cold.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Katra

If you would like to travel to tourist sites in the city with ease, then you can board a flight to Jammu Airport which is about 50 km away via NH 44 and NH 144. From there, you can hire a cab at affordable rates to head to the tourist places in Katra. You can also avail of the service of a helicopter to reach this city, the city in Jammu and Kashmir, as there are several well-maintained helipads in this region.

You can also enjoy a comfortable ride in an AC or non-AC bus to tourist sites in the city, thanks to the well-connected road network that stretches between the Katra place and other parts of the country including Delhi, Jalandhar and Lucknow.

The tourist sites in the city are also connected to the rest of the country via railways. It features Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station that receives trains every day from different cities such as Delhi, Jabalpur, Gandhidham, Kalka and Rishikesh.

What are the Things to See and Do in Katra

If you are wondering which tourist sites in the city you should include in your itinerary, then you must start with Vaishno Devi Temple. This awe-inspiring pilgrimage site is responsible for the majority of Indians that come to this city. You can also include other temples and scenic spots of this city in your list. All in all, the tourist sites in the city will make sure that you have a good time holidaying in this breathtaking tourist site as well as get to know its spiritual side. In fact, during Indian festivals such as Diwali and Navratras, there is a huge number of tourists who come here to seek the blessings of the Goddess.

Places to Visit in Katra

You can plan your trip to various tourist sites in the city and enjoy an unforgettable time with your loved ones. Whether you would like to enjoy a spiritual time here or are interested in the scenic beauty of this city, there are plenty of tourist sites in the city to explore.

Vaishno Devi

The holy shrine of Vaishno Devi attracts millions of pilgrims every year, making it one of the top tourist sites in the city. Perched atop a hill, the sacred Vaishno Devi Temple is dedicated to Vaishnavi.

Bhairavnath Temple

Located a few kilometres away from Vaishno Devi Temple, Bhairavnath Temple holds extreme importance for Hindus and is among the most popular tourist sites in the city. 

Shalimar Park

The sprawling Shalimar Park of this city is known to be one of the most scenic tourist sites in the city. Besides the landscaped gardens, the park also features a number of swings for kids and a small pond.

Banganga Temple

Counted among the sacred tourist sites in the city, Banganga Temple is nestled on the way to Vaishno Devi. The revered Banganga River offers a mesmerising spiritual experience, as several devotees take a halt here in order to take a bath in the river and repent of their sins.

Raghunath Temple

One of the most popular tourist sites in the city, Raghunath Temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in North India and features 7 shrines.

Himkoti

Himkoti is one of the most beautiful tourist sites in the city, all to the picturesque views available from this tourist site. This viewpoint offers an unobstructed view of the Katra Valley and is also designed for tourists to spend some leisure time here.

Dera Baba Banda

One of the most popular Sikh tourist sites in the city is the Gurudwara of the Sikh Warrior, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Set on the banks of Chenab, Baba Banda spent part of his life here.

Restaurants in Katra

Madhuban

This restaurant is known for its excellent service and wide selection of cuisines, including North Indian, Chinese, Italian, and regional Asian.

Prem Vaishno Dhaba

This citys main bazaar is home to Prem Vaishno Dhaba, where you can get delicious food at a reasonable price. Dine in tranquillity on North Indian and Chinese fare.

Dhaba Pooja Vaishno

There are several great vegetarian restaurants in this city, but Pooja Vaishno Dhaba is well-known for its simple preparations and inexpensive costs. It costs only INR 150 for two individuals to enjoy the restaurant's North Indian, South Indian, or Chinese dishes.

Punjab Haveli

This restaurant in this city is situated on the Katra-Jammu highway and serves authentic Punjabi cuisine. In addition to the delicious food, the relaxing atmosphere of this restaurant will have you coming back for more.

Manoranjan Dhaba

This dhaba in this citys central market area is known for its delicious meals and friendly service. The cost of dinner for two at this restaurant is around INR 100.

Places to Stay in Katra

Hotel Continent Panchvati

Hotel Continent Panchvati is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of this city and is known for its exceptional services and kind hospitality. The hotel is conveniently located about four minutes from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra train station.

Fortune Park Katra-Member ITC Hotel Group

The exquisite Fortune Park Katra-Member ITC Hotel Group is conveniently located in the heart of town and features distinctive architecture and peaceful, lush green surroundings. Relax and unwind in the hotel's spa after a long day of sightseeing.

White Hotel Katra

The White Hotel Katra is a high-end resort with plush accommodations, many restaurants, a spa, and other conveniences.

Hotel K.C. Residency

The Hotel K.C. Residency offers the best of both worlds, with its convenient location, high-end amenities, and imaginative restaurants and bars complemented by impeccable service. Raghunath Mandir, a popular temple, is located within walking distance of the hotel.

Hotel Asia

Visit the holy Vaishno Devi Temple and then retreat to the peace and quiet of the Himalayas at Hotel Asia. The year-round comfort provided by the property's central heating system makes it an attractive investment.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Katra

Once you have discovered all the tourist sites in the city, you must satisfy your hunger pangs by relishing the local delicacies of the city. Mainly, vegetarian food is served here due to the spiritual significance that this city holds. You can find an extensive range of North Indian delicacies here, ranging from aloo paranthas to rajma chawal and rice. There is no dearth of culinary options you can find here.

This city also features a range of delicious sweets for those who have a sweet tooth. Some of the popular desserts in tourist sites in the city include angoori petha, mewe ke laddoo, Kanha ka patisa and imarti.

In addition to the various tourist places in Katra, the city is also known for its delicious and savoury streetside delicacies including Chinese choupsey, noodle rolls, omelette toasts and vegetarian nuggets.

If you are in the mood for a lavish full-course meal, you can also plan a trip to one of the popular restaurants in Katra. Some of the popular options include Chilly to Vanilla Restaurant, Sagar Ratna, Moti Mahal Delux, WelcomCafe and Madhuban.

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Katra

You must take some souvenirs back home from the tourist sites in the city. This city is known for its warm winter clothes that include intricately designed Kashmiri Shawls, sweaters and gloves. You can also buy handicraft items and support the local artisans of the city.

You can find high-quality bangles from Ardh Kuwari Market, one of the most exciting tourist sites in the city. Meanwhile, Lavanya Shopping Complex is known for its Pashmina Shawls. If you would like to buy everyday items including dry fruits, then you must head to Katra Main Bazaar.

Raghunath Bazaar

From intricately embroidered traditional attire to cutting-edge technologies, this shop has it all, even down to the last pair of exquisite shoes. You may enjoy evening window shopping here and be distracted by all the beautiful things.

Kashmir Government Arts Emporium

This store is a great destination for those in search of shawls, carpets, and other handmade goods. These are readily available for purchase, as they come in a wide range of colours and designs. In addition, the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium sells saffron and papier-mache works.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour's are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren't just "local" tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn't normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn't get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what's going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

Conclusion

Plan your trip to the scenic tourist sites in the city for a memorable time with your loved ones. This tourist destination is perfect for families as well as honeymoon couples looking to start a new chapter of their life with a spiritual excursion. From the breathtaking temples to the picturesque viewpoints, the tourist sites in the city will captivate your senses.