Katra city in Jammu is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. It serves as the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi temple. It is home to many ancient monuments and offers visitors fantastic landscape views. Lets us explore this ancient & Historic city together;
1. Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
Vaishno devi temple in Katra is a famous pilgrimage at the top of Trikuta hills. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi. There are three pindies devoted to Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. During the auspicious months of Navratri, pilgrims from all over India visit this temple to seek blessings and take part in various rituals and activities held during the time. The view from the shrine is breathtaking, where you can witness a vast open expanse of mountains on one side and lush green valleys on the other. This magnificent shrine indeed leaves its visitors with peace and tranquillity.
2. Shiv Khori
Shiv Khori is a holy cave in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, as it is the home of Shiva lingam. The temple complex around Shiv Khori includes several shrines of other Hindu gods and goddesses, including Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Ganesha. Several festivals are celebrated at this sacred site throughout the year, such as Mahashivaratri and Navratri. Tourists will be captivated by learning about this ancient culture while enjoying majestic views of mountainous terrain during their journey to Shiv Khori.
3. Ranbireshwar Temple
Ranbireshwar Temple in Katra is a popular pilgrimage destination. This temple was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh of the Dogras dynasty in 1883 AD and had great historical significance. It houses one large crystal Shivlinga amidst eight smaller ones enclosed around it. Pilgrims flock here yearly to attend special prayers on Shivratri and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple complex is adorned with beautiful frescoes and has a healthy spiritual energy, making it worth visiting.
4. Baba Dhansar
In Jammu and Kashmir, Katra is known for its holy site, Baba Dhansar. This black stone temple is the abode of Lord Shiva and is surrounded by alluring hills and greenery. Magnificent views from atop a hill make this spot a favourite among pilgrims and tourists. One can take camel rides amidst nature to savour the serene atmosphere. Every day hundreds of devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers. It’s a beautiful experience to explore Baba Dhansar, combining both spiritual pleasures and visual delight.
5. Ardhkuwari Cave
Ardhkuwari Cave is a sacred cave in Katra, Jammu, and Kashmir. The Ardhkuwari Cave is small, measuring only 20 feet long and 15 feet wide. Inside the cave are two Shivalingas which Adi Guru Shankaracharya himself installed. There are also several other sculptures of various Hindu gods inside the cave. Ardhkuwari Cave is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus, and devotees flock here from all over India throughout the year to experience its peace and serenity.
6. Baba Jitto’s Shrine
Baba Jitto’s Shrine in Katra is an essential attraction for thousands of pilgrims annually. It is believed that Baba Jitto emerged from the Karua tree to serve humanity and devote himself entirely to God. Millions of devotees pay their respects to seek spiritual blessings and attain inner peace daily. One can enjoy picture-perfect views of majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and nearby Hindu temples. The shrine is also a protected sanctuary for sloth bears, so visitors can spot them playing around fearlessly in their natural habitat.
7. Ban Ganga river Ghat
Ban Ganga river Ghat is a sacred water body located in Katra. The river is the confluence of river Chenab and Ban Ganga springs from the hillside of Trikuta Mountain in Katra. This holy place serves as a Picnic spot for people visiting the Vaishnodevi temple for spiritual enlightenment. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant experience on a boat ride on this sapphire river and witness the beautiful views of nature around it. Believe it or not, one can attain true inner peace while being there.
8. Charan Paduka Temple
Footprints of the Hindu Goddess, Durga, Decorated with flowers. Image: Tour My India
Charan Paduka Temple in Katra is a famous Hindu temple of the goddess Durga. It is said to be the spot where the footprints of Goddess Durga are imprinted on a boulder. People from all over India come here for pilgrimage. The temple provides visitors with a fantastic view of the city and contains intricate carvings and unique patterns that add to its beauty. Charan Paduka temple is also home to many other small shrines dedicated to various Hindu gods. The spiritual aura of the place relaxes even the most stressed minds and energizes them.
9. Shopping Bazaar, Katra
Katra town boasts many unique shopping destinations for all budget types. Shopping places in Katra include the local bazaars, such as Vaishnavi Bazaar, consisting of small stands selling traditional food items, handicrafts, and Kashmiri shawls. The larger stores of the Raghunath Bazaar offer quality garments, woollens, spices, dry fruits, and many souvenirs. One can also find leather goods and antique items at shops like Swarup Singh & Sons near the bus stand. For those looking for the best quality clothing at reasonable prices, then Lower Bazaar is the place to head straight.
10. Bhairav Baba Temple
Bhairo Baba Temple is in Katr, is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts thousands of devotees in the yearly festive season. Visitors can find the temple’s idols of Shiva and his wife, Parvati, and several statues of various Hindu gods. A small pond at the entrance has holy water that pilgrims often bathe in before proceeding towards the temple’s inner sanctum. Devotees also flock to this sacred site to perform pooja ceremonies with offerings of fruits, flowers, incense, and lighted diyas. Bhairo Baba Temple provides a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
11. Sunset Point at Ardhkunwari
Sunset Point in Adhkunwari, Katra, is a paradise for all nature lovers. The scenic view of the valleys makes you feel like you’re in Heaven. The sun’s orange glow as it sets into the horizon mesmerizes everyone visiting here. It is quite an experience to witness the sunset from here and its changing hues. For a perfect end to the day, visitors can also visit Thandi Khui after sunset. The milky white smoke enveloping this location further adds to its beauty and should be an experience that one shouldn’t miss while in Katra.
12. Heli Tour of Trikuta Hills
Trikuta Hills, home to the famous Mata Vaishno Devi temple, is a must-visit place for tourists. For those looking for an incredible experience and amazing views, try the heli tour of these hills. Impressive aerial views of these picturesque mountains, the panoramic beauty of this spiritual destination, and witness the powerful shrines of Mata Vaishno Devi and Bhairon Nath Ji nestled in the caves along the way. Enjoy breathtaking scenes during memorable moments spent in the air while experiencing the beauty, culture and heritage of Trikuta Hills all wrapped into one.
13. Naag Temple
Nag Temple, also known as Nagnath temple, is a popular tourist spot near Katra. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in India and was built during the era of Mahabharata. The temple’s main deity is the ‘Snake God’ or Lord Shiva, and several small shrines dedicated to various other gods and goddesses can also be seen within its premises. Every year thousands of devotees come here to seek blessings from the Nag Devata in special ceremonies like Nag Panchami and Shivaratri. Tourists visiting this place can opt for a heritage walk tour that lets them explore every inch of this holy place and understand its history better.
14. Raghunath Temple
Raghunath temple is one of Katra, Jammu’s most famous Hindu pilgrimage destinations. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, and was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1835. The compound of this ancient temple enshrines seven shrines, twelve small temples, and a beautiful marble statue of Rama. People come here to offer their prayers at the temple and seek blessings from Lord Rama. This holy shrine also has an earthen pot with an open flame that brings more faith among the devotees when they behold its eternal solemnity. One should not miss visiting this sacred adobe to experience tranquillity and holiness during their visit to Katra.
15. Shalimar Park
Shalimar Park in Katra is one of the best tourist destinations in the city. Beautiful gardens, well infrastructure, and entertainment options will delight every visitor. Nature enthusiasts can explore the majestic landscapes of this park by indulging in activities like nature walks and sunbathing under the hot sun. Additionally, for a family fun day out packed with adventure, visitors can go on camel rides or participate in other exciting activities throughout the area. Kids can have a great time at its fun rides, food stalls, water plays, and more – making it an ideal place for relaxation and recreation for people of all ages.
