Katra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a small town located 50 km from Jammu city and serves as a base camp for pilgrims who wish to undertake the sacred journey to Vaishno Devi temple over the Trikuta mountains. Come and explore this town and find all the exciting things you can do in Katra.
1. Visit Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is a revered Hindu pilgrimage located in the beautiful Trikuta Mountain of Jammu. The temple attracts thousands of devotees each year who undertake the arduous trek to reach the cave shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi. Pilgrims come in search of blessings and seek strength, courage, and prosperity. The shrine consists of three self-emerged natural rock formations known as ‘Char Dhams’ That dazzle with decorations and vibrant hues. Devotees can find holy books, prayer halls, Aarti ritual chanting, and delicious prasad for consecration inside the temple. It’s an unforgettable experience for all who visit this shrine. In addition, the temple provides a great Katra view from the heights of Trikuta Mountain.
2. Go Trekking
Katra in Jammu is the best spot for trekkers to enjoy. It offers challenging treks through lush pine woods, dense forests, and picturesque valleys and presents a beautiful Katra view. The region abounds in sites of religious and historical importance, that as the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi. You can enjoy trekking routes that take you through sprawling meadows flanked with trails of wildflowers, riverside camps, and incredible views from hilltops. The Pilgrimage Trek is another popular trail covering all the major shrines in the Katra district. Trekkers can also explore the mountains for adventure activities like mountaineering, skiing, and many more. Soak up the beauty and serenity of this destination for an unforgettable experience.
3. Have a Rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage
The exquisite Katra in Jammu is the perfect place to refresh, revitalize and reinvigorate yourself. With its beautiful surroundings and a host of rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage treatments, Katra offers an experience like no other. Each massage treatment uses combined massage techniques and authentic ingredients to give lasting relief from the stresses and strains of life. The therapists are highly skilled practitioners trained in age-old practices that will leave you feeling revitalized, relaxed, and refreshed. Visit Katra today to see what a difference an Ayurvedic massage can make.
4. Explore Some Shopping Spots
Katra is a great hub for shopping. It offers several handicraft shops that sell a variety of souvenirs and accessories like Kashmiri Shawls, Wall Hangings, and Stone/Leatherworks. There are also many traditional stores where one can buy local spices, herbal medicines, Pheran (traditional garb for Kashmiris), and other regional specialities. Moreover, the market has several retail outlets for clothes, carpets & handicrafts. Famous things to buy in Katra include antique jewellery, elegant pashmina shawls, and Chinar crafts. Visiting Aapni Dukan Local Market at Kanak Mandi or Rashid Handloom won’t be complete without bargaining to get the best deal from shopkeepers.
5. Visit Raghunath Temple Complex
Raghunath Temple Complex in Katra is one of the best places to visit near Katra. It comprises seven different Hindu temples. These include Rameshwaram, Mahabaleshwar, Paadmanabha, Yugandhar, Venkatachalapathy, Ramanathan, and Hanuman Mandir. The temple lies on top of a hill, close to the holy town of Vaishno Devi. The architectural style of the temple is a perfect blend of Mughal-style latticework and Rajasthani carvings. The interior has the decor of silver plated doors, intricate stone carvings, and glass etching. Each temple has its sanctum along massive courtyards for worshippers to congregate in large numbers. An annual Raghunath festival that combines art forms such as Kathakali dance, mridangam playing, etc., is also held here.
6. Enjoy White water River Rafting
White Water River Rafting in Katra is an exciting and adrenaline-filled adventure. Experience the thrills of high-energy rapids cutting through the majestic Cliff Mountain Range as you take on rapids, up and downstream. The professional rafting guide will help you navigate these rapids easily and ensure a safe journey down the stream. Enjoy a unique Katra view from the Cliff Mountains and do fun making memories with your friends. Do not forget to bring safety gear before hopping onto your inflatable boats for a wild and unforgettable ride.
7. Eat Mouth watering Savouries
Several restaurants in Katra cater to the needs of the thousands of visitors who come to the town every year. The best places to eat in Katra include Café Coffee Day, Dana Pani Restaurant, Madhuban Restaurant, and Vaishno Punjabi Dhaba. These eateries offer a variety of Indian and international cuisine, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Several street food stalls serve local delicacies like chaat, samosas, and chole bhature.
8. Witness Majestic Views at Sanji Chhatt
Sanjhi Chhat Helipad in Katra is a famous helipad located close to the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi. It provides a convenient way for pilgrims to reach the shrine by helicopter. The helipad equips all essential facilities like easy take-off and landing sites, night lighting, modern navigational support systems, and security barriers for safety. The Panoramic aerial Katra view from the helipad gives you a mind-blowing experience. A uniform platform lets the chopper land safely without causing any inconvenience to the pilgrims visiting the area. Moreover, air communication facilities are also provided at this helipad, giving great convenience to helicopter flights to this region.
9. Ban Ganga Ghat
The Ban Ganga Ghat is situated at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains and is considered the starting point for the trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple. The ghat is a sacred site for Hindus, believed to be made by Goddess Vaishno Devi herself. Visitors to the ghat can take a dip in the holy Ban Ganga river, which is said to have healing properties. The Katra ghat has several temples and shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities.
10. Get Adventurous with Horse Riding
Horse riding in Katra is a great way to explore the region. For adventure seekers، horse riding around this scenic mountain town is a must-do. Local guides will take you on rides through lush forests and open plains, past traditional villages, and up winding valley roads for a panoramic Katra view. Plus, experience unique cuisine and interact with the locals as you explore this ancient spiritual land on four legs. It’s an unforgettable experience for any nature lover.
11. Go Paragliding
Paragliding in Katra is a popular adventure sport that offers breathtaking Katra views of the landscape. The town is situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains and is surrounded by lush green forests, making it an ideal location for paragliding. The best time to experience this thrilling activity is from September to June when the weather is pleasant and suitable for flying. Visitors can choose from many options, including tandem flights, solo flights, and training courses. Trained instructors and professional equipment ensure the safety of the paragliders.
12. Visit nearby Religious Places
Apart from Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra has various religious places, such as the Bhairavnath Temple, the Ardh Kuwari Cave, and the Baba Dhansar Temple. These places attract numerous tourists and devotees seeking spiritual experiences. Visitors can also explore other temples in nearby Jammu, such as the Raghunath Temple and Ranbireshwar Temple, or visit the Shiv Khori Cave Temple and Krimchi Temples. Blessed with divine light artificial structures, this tourist attraction for kids and adults alike offers mesmerizing beauty and a soulful ambience to enthral visitors.
13. Experience Baba Jitto Mela
It is an annual fair held in Katra. It is a three-day event that takes,s place in May to celebrate the courage of a legendary Dogra hero Baba Jitto Mal. The fair is known for its colourful processions, cultural performances, and various stalls selling local handicrafts and food. Visitors can also witness the traditional sports and games organized during the fair, such as wrestling and archery. It is a popular event among locals and tourists, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Katra market, Jammu.
14. Try out Adventure Sports like Rock climbing, Rappelling, and Bungee Jumping
The surrounding mountains of Katra provide ideal terrain for rock climbing and rappelling, with various cliffs and peaks that cater to all levels of expertise. Bungee jumping is a thrilling experience offered by several operators in the area, giving visitors an adrenaline rush as they jump off a platform and freefall toward the ground. These activities provide a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Katra and challenge oneself physically and mentally. Safety precautions are strictly adhered to by trained professionals.
15. Watch Local Folk Performances
Katra has a rich cultural heritage, and local folk performance is integral to this region. One such performance is the Bhaint dance, performed by women during the Navratri festival. The Kud dance is another popular dance performed by men with traditional music. The Hiran Dance is another dance performed by men dressed as deer. The Baba Jitto play depicts the life of a local farmer and his struggle against oppression. These performances entertain visitors and preserve the region’s cultural identity, and heritage, making Katra a must-visit destination for art and culture enthusiasts.
