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When tourists hear the name Katra, they instantly think about the Vaishno Devi Temple. Nestled in the majestic Trikuta Mountains, Katra serves as the base camp for the revered Vaishno Devi shrine. As you explore things to do in Katra, you realise that the quaint town offers more than pilgrimage destinations. We will explore everything you can indulge in while in Katra to provide you with a detailed rundown of the best activities.
10 Best Things To Do In Katra
Katra is home to hidden gems and unforgettable experiences. As you plan your trip, here are the best things to do in Katra on your next trip.
1. Trek To Vaishno Devi Temple
Photo: Bittu Dubeyji / Wikimedia Commons
A spiritual journey to the Vaishno Devi Temple is the best part of any Katra trip. This is one of those experiences that capture the true essence and spirit of the attractive town. One of the best experiences is to watch thousands of pilgrims and devotees go on this 12 kms long trek. As you trek through the picturesque valleys and soak in the atmosphere of devotion, the holy sighting or “darshan” of Mata Vaishno Devi is surely going to fill your heart with contentment.
Location: Trikuta Valley, 6 km from Katra town
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Vaishnodevi Temple
2. Explore The Secrets Of Bhawan
Photo: Mahesh Kumar Rathi / Wikimedia Commons
Once you finish your trek and darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi, descend to the main town of Katra and make your way to Bhawan. When looking at the things to do in Katra, Bhawan is one of those spots that you can’t miss out on. This holy town is located in the middle of the mountains and is known for its captivating natural formations said to embody the various forms of Durga Maa.
Location: End of Vaishno Devi trek
Timings: 24*7
3. Visit Bhairavnath Temple
Photo: Suketdedhia / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
While in Katra, the Bhairavnath Temple is a must-visit spot to experience a spiritual aura and ambience. All devotees returning from the Vaishno Devi trek can visit this stop that is dedicated to the avatar of Lord Shiva. The main temple has several shrines and prayer halls where devotees can offer their blessings. You can enjoy an aerial view of Katra and its surrounding hilly landscapes and snow-clad mountains from this iconic temple.
Distance From Katra Town: 2 KM
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Vaishno Devi
4. Dera Baba Banda Bahadur Gurudwara
Photo: Naresh Gopal Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Katra is one of those towns that is steeped in rich and underrated history. The Dera Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, which is a popular Sikh pilgrimage site, serves as a great stop for your trip. The historical significance, paired with the architectural marvels, make this a site worth stopping at. Baba Banda Bairagi, a revered Sikh warrior, built a 300-year-old complex that houses a Gurdwara. The ambience is peaceful and each wall of the complex showcases the rich Sikh history.
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
5. Serenity At Ardh Kuwari Cave
Photo: ArtHouse Studio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
While exploring the things to do in Katra, tourists should head to Ardh Kuwari Cave, which is the place where Mata Vaishno Devi rested during her pilgrimage. To this day, the cave serves the same role for visitors as it did for Mata Vaishno Devi. It provides tourists with a resting area where they may unwind and relax while enjoying the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM, 10 PM – 5 AM
Suggested Read: Kashmir Temples
6. Explore Bagh-E-Bahu
Photo: Tejan Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
If you’ve finished exploring the main sightseeing spots and are wondering what to do in Katra, it is time to enjoy a laid back day at Bagh-e-Bahu. Find solace in nature at Bagh-e-Bahu, a terraced garden atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the town below. Enjoy stunning views of the Tawi River and surrounding landscape as you stroll through manicured lawns and blooming floral beds. You can also plan and host a picnic at this garden with family and friends.
Location: Bahu Fort, Near Hanuman Mandir
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Cost/Person: ₹10
7. Adventure At Jhajjar Kotli
Photo: SKas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Nestled among mountains, Jhajjar Kotli in Katra is an ideal location for adventure seekers. There are plenty of things to do in Katra while at Jhajjar Kotli, including ziplining, rope climbing, and rappelling that add a dose of adrenaline to your vacation. The best part is that you also get to enjoy scenic views of the surroundings while partaking in these activities. You can also relax and enjoy a picnic by the banks of the river Jhajjar here.
Distance From Katra Town: 8 KM
Timing: 24*7
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kashmir In December
8. Unwind At Himkoti
Photo: Rishi Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Himkoti is one of the most underrated spots to explore in Katra. This cave offers a tranquil ambience with breathtaking views and is located amidst majestic mountains. The views of the Himalayas are sure to give you a chance to reconnect with nature. You can choose to soak in the serenity of the surroundings or you can enjoy a peaceful picnic in the lap of nature. Also, it is a short trek away from the main Katra town.
Distance From Katra Town: 6 KM
Timing: 24*7
9. Shopping At Ardhkuwari Market
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
While looking for things to do in Katra, you should note that this destination has plenty of markets and bazaars where you can shop for souvenirs and knick-knacks. One such market is the Ardh Kuwari Market where tourists can find religious items, artefacts and souvenirs in the small shops. Given the tourist footfall in the area, the prices are usually high here so make sure you bargain at these shops to avail the best prices and deals.
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Katra
10. Indulge In Local Delights
Photo: Kunal Utreja / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The local delicacies available in Katra are a lot different from what you will find in the rest of Jammu and Kashmir. Given that the place holds high religious and pilgrimage value, more priority is placed on vegetarian dishes. Some of the most comforting and tasty dishes you can enjoy here include Rajma Chawal, Kadai Paneer, and the delicious Vaishno Devi Prasad.
Katra offers majestic views of the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir and is renowned as the gateway to the revered Vaishno Devi Temple. Katra offers more than just pilgrimage experiences. The list of things to do in Katra is long, so planning a well-rounded and organised trip is key. As you sit down and plan your journey, book your trip with TripXL to experience all these activities mentioned above.
Cover Photo: Imad Clicks / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
