Katra, India: travel guide
The foothill base for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in the Trikuta hills
Pilgrimage base town for the Vaishno Devi shrine in the Trikuta hills.
About Katra
Katra is a small town at the foot of the Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir, and it exists largely to serve pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Its streets are lined with lodges, shops and food stalls geared to that journey.
The route from Katra climbs on foot, by pony or by helicopter service to the Vaishno Devi Bhawan, passing places such as Charan Paduka, Ardhkuwari Cave and Sanji Chhat on the way. Bhairavnath Temple sits higher up, and the Banganga Temple is closer to town. Local shops sell dry fruit, shawls and religious items.
Katra travel is purposeful and best planned around the climb. It suits pilgrims and families, and spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for walking the route, while winters bring cold nights.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Last updated
Top places to visit in Katra
Ardhkuwari Cave
temple · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · free entry
Holy mid-way cave on the yatra route where the Goddess is believed to have meditated.
Darshani Deori
landmark · 4.3 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The grand gateway in Katra town from which pilgrims first glimpse the Trikuta hills.
Vaishno Devi Bhawan
temple · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · free entry
The cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, one of India's most visited pilgrimages.
Bhairavnath Temple
temple · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · free entry
Hilltop temple above the Bhawan, traditionally visited after the main darshan.
Banganga Temple
temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · free entry
Sacred stream-side shrine at the start of the Vaishno Devi trek.
Charan Paduka
temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · free entry
Viewpoint shrine on the trek where the Goddess's footprints are venerated.
Sanji Chhat
viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
High ridge en route to the Bhawan, also the helipad for shrine helicopters.
Himkoti
viewpoint · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Scenic landscaped halt on the new track with gardens and valley views.
Nau Devi Temple
temple · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Cave temple of nine goddesses on a hillside near Katra.
Aghar Jitto
landmark · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Heritage shrine-and-tank complex commemorating the folk hero Baba Jitto.
Salal Dam
landmark · 4.1 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Large hydroelectric dam and reservoir on the Chenab near Reasi.
Dera Baba Banda
landmark · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Riverside Sikh shrine of Banda Singh Bahadur, set amid fields near Reasi.
Things to do
- Vaishno Devi Yatra Trek Cultural · 12 h
- Ardhkuwari Cave Darshan Cultural · 1.5 h
- Bhairavnath Temple Trek Adventure · 2 h
- Bhawan Ropeway Ride Sightseeing · 0.3 h · from INR 100 per person
- Helicopter to Sanjichhat Sightseeing · 0.3 h · from INR 2,000 per person
- Pony & Palki Ride up the Track Adventure · 4 h · from INR 1,500 per person
- Shiv Khori Day Trip Cultural · 6 h · from INR 2,000 per person
- Nau Devi & Aghar Jitto Tour Cultural · 4 h · from INR 1,500 per person
Where to stay in Katra
Hotels
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Katra 4-star · INR 6,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- KC Residency Katra 4-star · INR 5,500 to INR 12,000 per night
- Ramada by Wyndham Katra 4-star · INR 5,000 to INR 11,000 per night
- Hotel Asia Vaishnodevi 4-star · INR 5,000 to INR 11,000 per night
- The White Hotel Katra 4-star · INR 4,500 to INR 10,000 per night
- Hotel Royal Sarovar Portico Katra 4-star · INR 4,500 to INR 10,000 per night
Where to eat
- Shrine Board Bhojanalaya Indian, North Indian · about INR 150 per person
- Jewel's Restaurant Indian, North Indian, Chinese · about INR 450 per person
- Annpurna Restaurant Indian, North Indian · about INR 350 per person
- Hira Sweets & Restaurant Indian, Dessert · about INR 300 per person
- Krishna Dhaba Indian, North Indian · about INR 300 per person
- Madras Cafe Katra Indian, South Indian · about INR 300 per person
- Bikaner Sweets Indian, Dessert · about INR 250 per person
- Sagar Ratna Katra Indian, South Indian · about INR 400 per person
Getting to Katra
Nearest airport: Jammu (IXJ), about 35 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Shared Taxi
- Walking