Katra is a picaresque region in Jammu and Kashmir and it is known for its famed temple of Goddess Vaishno Devi. The temple is highly revered and every year hundreds of tourists travel to this shrine to pay their respects to the Goddess. It is said that one can only go to this temple if the Goddess herself calls out to the individual. There is great solidarity to be seen among the pilgrims and the journey is almost like a trek itself. Many elderly people also come here, not worrying about the perils or the stress of a mountain journey, believing that the Goddess herself will be watching them and keep them safe.
Apart from visiting the Vaishno Devi temple, there are number of places near katra that you can visit.
It is said that the Goddess Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of the Goddess Mahalaxmi. The temple is located in the Trikuta Mountains in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple itself has located about 13.5 km from the city center of Katra and one can travel to the temple on foot, or hire ponies, electric vehicles and even palanquins which carry two to four people. They will take you as far as Bhawan. It is one of the best experiences you will ever have and the scenic beauty en route is truly mesmerizing. For those who cannot or do not want to go through the road can also hire the helicopter services with a drop off at Sanjhichhat, which is 9.5 km higher than Katra. For those who wish to travel on foot, the pilgrimage is said to be one of the most grueling ones and it is believed that the hardship is a sign of spiritual cleansing. The shrine itself is located at a height of 5300 feet and one has to climb up steep hills and cliffs which require a lot of endurance. Pilgrims believe that all wishes are granted when one offers their prayers at the shrine and pay their respects to the Goddess.
The Nau Devi Cave Temple, or the temple of the nine goddesses is located about 10 km away from Katra and is on the route to Shivkhori. There are none naturally carved idols of goddesses, all of them donning silver crowns. The cave itself is not very large but it is said that it is over 200 years old. The temple is also encircled by a river and there is a very mystical feeling around the temple that can only be experienced once you reach it. It takes on an even dreamier appearance when the sun is about to set and the mountains around throw and unearthly glow on the temple and the surroundings. In fact, it can be quite overwhelming to watch how nature itself seems to pay respect to the goddesses. One of the things to bear in mind is to wear comfortable and strongly spun clothes as some crawling is involved to get inside the temple.
About 17 km away from Katra lies the Karua Village and located by the Karua Jheel, is the shrine of Baba Dhansar. One has to trek about 200 km from the main road to reach this site and so it is best to start early in the day, have warm clothes on and good shoes as well. The temple, along with a cave beside it that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is where many people go to have their wishes fulfilled and they gladly take on the arduous journey. The Jheel, or the lake, is considered very sacred and bathing is not allowed. However, one can take a dip in the stream downstream. The biggest gathering of devotees take place around Shivaratri and mountains resonates with chanting and hymns and light from the lamps. It is an amazing Katra tourist place.
Shivkhori is a natural cave that is about 200 meters long and only a meter in width, with a ceiling on 2 to 3 meters in height. Only one or two people can walk in a file in this cave and at the end of it there is a Shiva Linga which is also naturally formed. It is located in the Reasi district and is about 80 km from Katra. There are a number of other shrines in the district but somehow people are drawn to the Shiva linga at the end of this ancient cave. The last three kilometers have to be traversed on foot to reach this cave and pilgrims take to the task with reverence in their hearts. The first entrance of the cave can accommodate about 300 devotees at the time but as it starts to get narrower, the numbers start to dwindle. It is said that one of the inner caves of this temple is connected to the cave of Amarnath temple in Kashmir but it is currently closed to all people because some men who went into the cave never returned.
Jhajjar Kotli is touted as a famous tourist center in Jammu and Kashmir and it is a phenomenal place to be in. The surroundings are stunning and you will have all the modern facilities here. The Jujjar River runs close by and you can simply spend some relaxing time on the banks and have a wonderful day by the river, gazing at the mountains around you. Jujjar Kotli has been converted into a tourist complex with a good structure and seating arrangements. You will find this place along the National Highway as you go towards Srinagar. The stream at Jhajjar falls through many gorges and creates a very pleasant sight. Foreign travelers often stop here and so do others who simply want to enjoy the natural beauty of the place as much as possible without always rushing off to the conventional tourist spots. Even if you do not have enough time to go all the way to Srinagar for a weekend, you can get as much relaxation here as well. It is one of the best Katra sightseeing places.
The best time to visit Katra, and of course, to travel to Vaishno Devi is in the months between March to October. After this, the temperatures start to fall drastically and the winters set in. Almost all the routes are shut down because of snow and the temperatures go well below zero. March onwards, the snow starts to melt and it is warmer during the day but the nights are still cold, with the cold winds from the Himalayas never failing to keep you company. You can, of course, visit Katra during the winters even if the route to the temple is closed, just to enjoy the snow but unless you have great physical stamina to bear the cold, it is not recommended. However, you will catch a wonderful sight of the mountains deep under snow as it creates a winter wonderland.
Even if you are not a pilgrim or a religion person, there is much to be seen and done in Katra. While the pilgrims come here to visit the temples, you could go for exciting treks and thrilling adventures. There are a number of smaller and easier trails close to the city which are great for a daytrip and to enjoy a picnic. You can also camp under the stars in the summer and have a pleasant time with your friends around a bonfire. The Sulla Park in Katra is quite popular for such tourists and you will be able to enjoy a pleasant time by the Anji River. There is a water park nearby where you can go boating and you will be able to see a number of interesting flaura and fauna. White water rafting can also be tried on the gorges here and that is mostly done in the River Chenab, a few kilometers away from Katra. You will have an amazing and thrilling time in a town which is mostly known as a pilgrimage center.
Katra is located about 42 km from Jammu and can be accessed by train, road or by flight.
If you are taking a flight, then you have to get down at Jammu Airport, which is the nearest airport to Katra. From there you may either hire a cab, or get a transport from the hotel to take you to Katra which is about 40 km away from the airport.
If you are traveling by road, then Katra is easy to reach as it is connected to many state and national highways. You can take a bus from Jammu and buses leave at regular intervals. Or else, you may avail a bus directly from Delhi, Chandigarh or Dehradun, and also from Patiala, Dharamshala and Pathankot. This a really affordable way to reach Katra and the buses are comfortable and stop at regular intervals for breaks.
If you are traveling by train then you can get trains till Jammu Tawai Railway Station from all major metropolitans like Kolkata, Delhi, Amritsar and others. It is one of the oldest railway stations in the state. Or else, you may take a train directly to the newly- opened Katra Railway Station where direct trains from Delhi are available. The station lies in the Jammu Udhampur, Srinagar Baramulla Link.
With tourism in Katra flourishing, more and more people are coming here each year. So, if you are thinking of visiting Katra, whether for a pilgrimage or just to enjoy the beauty of nature, you are sure to come back with lots of memories and the experience of a great adventure.
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