Katra

All About Katra – The Gateway to Vaishno Devi Shrine

Introduction
Katra is a small but bustling town located at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It serves as the base camp for the holy pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of the most revered Hindu shrines in the world. Every year, millions of pilgrims from India and abroad visit Katra to embark on the spiritual journey to Mata Vaishno Devi’s Cave Temple, located at an altitude of 5,200 feet above sea level.

Besides being a pilgrimage destination, Katra also offers natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and a variety of shopping options for local handicrafts, dry fruits, and Kashmiri woolen clothes.

Why Visit Katra?

1. Spiritual Significance – Base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
2. Picturesque Landscapes – Surrounded by lush green valleys and snow-clad mountains.
3. Adventure & Trekking – Enjoy trekking to the Vaishno Devi Shrine.
4. Local Markets – Explore markets filled with Kashmiri handicrafts, dry fruits, and winter wear.
5. Affordable Stay – A wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to premium resorts.

How to Reach Katra?

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jammu Airport (IXJ), around 50 km away from Katra. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Katra.
• By Train: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station is directly connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
• By Road: Katra is well connected by road to Jammu, Srinagar, and other neighboring cities through buses, taxis, and private vehicles.

Vaishno Devi Yatra from Katra

The Vaishno Devi Yatra is the most important pilgrimage for Hindus. It involves a trek of 12 km from Katra to the holy cave. Devotees undertake this yatra on foot, while others opt for services like helicopters, ponies, palkis, and battery-operated vehicles.

Key Points of the Yatra

1. Yatra Slip: Pilgrims must obtain a Yatra Parchi (slip), which can be collected at the Yatra Registration Counter in Katra or online from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s official website.
2. Helicopter Service: Helicopter services are available from Katra to Sanjichhat. From Sanjichhat, it is a short 2.5 km walk to the holy shrine.
3. Travel Modes:
   • On Foot: The traditional and most spiritual way to reach the shrine.
   • Battery Cars: Available for senior citizens and those who prefer an easier route.
   • Ponies & Palkis: Available for children, elderly, and those unable to walk.
   • Helicopter: Quickest way to reach Sanjichhat, reducing the trek.

Vaishno Devi Yatra Route (Katra to Bhawan)

1. Katra (Base Camp) – The journey starts from Katra town.
2. Banganga (1.5 km) – Pilgrims dip their feet in the holy Banganga River before starting the trek.
3. Charan Paduka (3.5 km) – The place where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have left her footprints.
4. Adhkuwari (6 km) – A sacred cave where Mata meditated for 9 months. Pilgrims often take a halt here.
5. Himkoti (8 km) – A scenic point offering a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys.
6. Sanjichhat (9.5 km) – This is the last point for those who arrive by helicopter.
7. Bhawan (12 km) – The final destination where the Vaishno Devi Temple is located.

Darshan Tips

• Pilgrims can visit the Bhawan’s locker facility to store their belongings before the darshan.
• Inside the cave, devotees get a glimpse of three natural pindis (rock formations) representing the three goddesses—Maa Saraswati, Maa Lakshmi, and Maa Kali.
• Post-darshan, devotees can visit Bhairon Nath Temple (further uphill) as it is believed that the pilgrimage is incomplete without visiting this shrine.

Top Tourist Attractions in Katra

1. Vaishno Devi Shrine

• Distance from Katra: 12 km trek from Katra.
• Significance: One of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world.
• Best Time to Visit: Navratri (March/April and September/October).

2. Banganga

• Distance from Katra: 1.5 km.
• Significance: This is where pilgrims take a holy dip before starting the trek.
• Highlight: The site is believed to have been created by an arrow shot by Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshman, to provide water to Goddess Vaishno Devi.

3. Adhkuwari Temple

• Distance from Katra: 6 km.
• Significance: A small cave shrine where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for 9 months.
• Highlight: The narrow cave passage, where devotees crawl to seek blessings.

4. Bhairon Nath Temple

• Distance from Vaishno Devi Bhawan: 1.5 km uphill trek.
• Significance: Dedicated to Bhairon Nath, the final stop on the pilgrimage. It is believed that the journey is incomplete without visiting this temple.
• Viewpoint: Offers a scenic view of the Trikuta Mountains.

5. Himkoti Viewpoint

• Distance from Katra: 8 km (on the way to Vaishno Devi).
• Highlight: Offers panoramic views of the Shivalik range. It’s a great place for a short break during the trek.

6. Sira Fort

• Location: 20 km from Katra.
• Significance: An ancient fort that reflects the architectural brilliance of the Dogra dynasty.
• Highlight: Offers scenic views of the Tawi River.

7. Shopping in Katra

• What to Buy:
  • Dry Fruits – Almonds, walnuts, and saffron from Kashmir.
  • Handicrafts – Kashmiri shawls, carpets, papier-mâché products, and woolen clothes.
  • Prasad (Offerings) – Devotees purchase prasad and religious souvenirs from local shops.
  • Medicinal Herbs – Katra is known for selling medicinal herbs used in Ayurvedic treatments.

Hotels and Accommodation in Katra

Katra offers a wide range of accommodations for pilgrims and tourists. Options include budget hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and premium resorts.

• Budget Stay: Yatri Niwas, Railway Retiring Rooms, Shrine Board Accommodation.
• Mid-Range Stay: Hotel Jagdish Residency, Hotel Shree Hari Niwas, Ginger Katra.
• Luxury Stay: The White Hotel, Lemon Tree Hotel, Country Inn & Suites.

Cuisines & Local Food in Katra

Katra has several restaurants and food joints offering both local and multi-cuisine options. The area serves mostly pure vegetarian food due to the spiritual nature of the destination. Some must-try dishes include:

• Rajma Chawal (Kidney beans with rice)
• Kaladi Kulcha (local cheese served with bread)
• Dogra Cuisine – Try the local delicacies like Aloo Dum, Khatta Meat, and Sund Panjeeri.
• Sweets & Desserts – Patisa and Gulab Jamun are popular sweet dishes.

Best Time to Visit Katra

• Summer (March – June): Ideal for trekking, with pleasant weather.
• Monsoon (July – September): Avoid due to slippery trekking paths and landslides.
• Winter (October – February): Snowfall in surrounding areas enhances the charm of the region.

Conclusion

Katra is a town filled with spiritual energy, scenic beauty, and adventure. It is primarily known for its role as the starting point of the Vaishno Devi Yatra, but its beautiful landscapes, local food, and unique Dogra culture make it a memorable destination. Whether you’re a devotee or a nature lover, Katra offers a chance to rediscover faith, peace, and nature’s bliss.