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Planning to visit Mata Vaishno Temple this fall, but want to explore other places to visit in Katra as well? Then, read through this guide. Holding a lot of spiritual significance for Hindus, Katra is not limited to temples but it also boasts immense scenic beauty, tranquillity, lush greenery, historic architecture, adventure, and more. Located in the lap of the famous Trikuta Parvat, Katra is one of the best cities for a pilgrimage. Starting from hills to rivers, temples to gardens, this place has something to offer for every kind of traveller.
10 Places To Visit In Katra
Crammed with picnic spots, lush green gardens, and pilgrim sites, there cannot be a better vacation as you follow this list of places to visit in Katra.
1. Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
Photo: Anirudh Singh Chauhan / Wikimedia Commons
Mata Vaishno Devi temple is one of the holiest sites for a pilgrimage among Hindus. People from various parts of India pay a visit to this shrine every year to seek blessing of Mata Rani. Furthermore, Hindus consider this place to be one of the most significant Shaktipeeths— as Sati’s head dropped down in this specific spot. This place is the house of three different forms of a deity manifested in the form of rocks: Maa Lakshmi, Maa Kali, and Maa Saraswati. As you stroll through this 12 km trek to the temple, the faith and tranquillity will leave you mesmerised.
Distance From Katra: 12 km
Timings: 24*7
2. Bagh-e-Bahu Garden
Photo: Tejan Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Located near the spectacular Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-bahu is a famous garden in Jammu. Situated atop a mountain that faces river Tawi, it offers astonishing views of huge fountains, mesmerising lakes, and ancient sculptures. The moment you enter, a grand sign stating Bagh-e-Bahu carved out of small plants pruned to form those shapes welcomes you. There are also various flowers and trees decorating the walkway of the place. There is one of the country’s biggest underground aquariums in the garden, which makes it one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Katra.
Distance From Katra: 45 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: ₹5
3. Charan Paduka
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located at an elevation of 1030 metres, Charan Paduka is another famous temple that millions of Hindu pilgrims visit every year. As per the legends, people believe that this is the spot where Mata Vaishno Devi took a stop when Bhairon Nath was following her. As you enter the temple, you’ll get to witness the rock engraved with her footprints. This is one of the most significant names in the list of Katra tourist places.
Distance From Katra: 5.1 km
Timings: 5 AM-9 PM
4. Himkoti
Photo: Anubhav Sinha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Himkoti is a very popular tourist destination situated between Katra and Vaishno Devi. Though this place is known for its religious significance, many visitors come here to witness the breathtaking views of the mountains. Considered one of the best tourist places in Katra, you’ll find this place to be extremely well-maintained and hygienic. If you’re in Katra for a pilgrimage, do visit here. With an artificially built lake, a beautiful garden, and a meditation spot, here you can enjoy a picnic with your family amidst the splendid surroundings.
Distance From Katra: 14 km
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
5. Ban Ganga
Photo: Kastubh Nayyar / Wikimedia Commons
While visiting the Vaishno Devi temple, you can take a dip in the holy water of the Ban Ganga river. People believe that it helps them retain their strength as they continue walking towards the cave. This river is also considered to be enshrined. Legends have it that Ban Ganga emerged after Mata Vaishno shot an arrow to the ground. Later, she used the same water to wash her hair, which gave this place the status of one of the holiest places to visit in Katra.
Distance From Katra: 6 km
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
6. Sanasar
Sanasar is one of the lesser-known places in the entire Jammu region. This place gets its name from two locally originated lakes: Sana and Sar. Heaven for adventure freaks, this place offers a wide range of activities like rock climbing, trekking, and abseiling. The area looks similar to a meadow encircled by huge coniferous trees. If you’re looking for places to visit in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India, you must include this name in your itinerary, and grab a chance to enjoy serenity in a calm and composed atmosphere.
Distance From Katra: 104 km
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: N/A
7. Trikuta Parvat
Photo: Devansh Srivastav / Wikimedia Commons
Trikuta Parvat is yet another popular place in Katra, Jammu. In the hills, you can see the magnificent temple of Trikutchal Mahadev. Apart from the temple, what captures everyone’s attention is the wood apple. Not just a pilgrimage site, this place is also known to be a famous spot for picnics. You’ll see a lot of tourists enjoying a sunny afternoon on the hill while having their favourite meals. Presenting a marvellous scenery of the entire landscape around the hills, this place is a must-visit tourist attraction, for it has everything you need on a vacation.
Distance From Katra: 17.6 km
8. Jhajjar Kotli
Photo: Franky Ng / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Jhajjar Kotli is the next important name in the list of Katra tourist places. A crowd-puller, this place is a very popular tourist spot surrounded by the pebbled banks of the Jhajjar River. Pilgrims who visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple often visit this place for relaxation post a long and exhausting journey. If you are seeking some fun after completing your journey to the caves and other nearby temples, then this is the place for you. So, do come here, and snap some pictures while taking a stroll through the emerald-coloured surroundings, and have a remarkable time.
Distance From Katra: 15 km
Timings: 8 AM – 11:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹1800
9. Bhairon Nath Temple
Photo: Abhishek Chandra / Wikipedia
While heading to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, a visit to the Bhairon Nath Temple is a must. This marks the end of your pilgrimage tour to the Vaishno Devi shrine. As narrated by legends, when Bhairon Nath realised his mistake and asked the goddess for forgiveness, she bestowed him with blessings before he died on this spot. And, since then it is believed that your journey to the goddess’ cave cannot be complete without visiting the Bhairon Nath Temple. So, make a visit here before culminating your journey to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.
Distance From Katra: 17.5 km
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM; 4 PM – 9 PM; 8 AM – 5 PM for Ropeway
10. Gita Mandir
Photo: Saumya.purkayastha / Wikimedia Commons
Gita Mandir is another remarkable temple that you’ll come across on your way to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Pilgrims often take a stop here to rest and regain the strength they need to reach the caves. You can also seek blessings from the deity praying for a safe and secure journey to the caves. As you come across this temple while exploring some of the best places on a Katra trip, do stop by here, and cherish some relaxing moments before reaching the top of the mountain.
Distance From Katra: 2 km
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Katra is not just a place but an emotion engraved in every religious soul. Every spot you visit here will leave you with immense spirituality and tranquillity to be cherished forever. As you plan this spiritual journey, make sure the aforementioned places to visit in Katra are included in your itinerary. So, get in touch with TripXL, and grab an opportunity to have a memorable experience with your family in the midst of the serene mountains.
Cover Photo: Ankitshilu / Wikimedia Commons
