Katra is a beautiful town in the India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is better known to be the base camp for the devotees and pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu religious sites in the world and each year tourist and devotees in the counts of thousands and millions flock to the town to worship Maa Vaishno Devi. It is one significant stop-over in the religious journey, and hence is also one of the most visited towns in the nation. The town is located in the Reasi district of the encompassing state and is about 42 km from the Jammu city. Reaching the town is pretty easy. The Katra railway station is one of the most busiest railway stations in the nation, and there are several regular as well as express trains to Katra from all major cities in the nation.
Tourism is big in Katra, and many of the locals are dependent on Katra and Vaishno Devi tourism, directly or indirectly. The spiritual tourism is the most dominant aspect of tourism in the town. There exists a couple of most revered Hindu temples and religious sites in the town and nearby areas. Visiting Vaishno Devi and the other religious sites, Ardh Kuwari and Bhairo Baba temple in particular, is the prime reason attracting tourists and devotees from all across the nation and the world to the town. The temple of Mata Vaishno Devi is located on top of a mountain. It is believed that worshipping the goddess clears of the lifetime of sins. Besides, the temple and the place are believed to have some magical powers to cure some diseases. It is about 14 km from the heart of the town, there exists a mix of stairs and pathways leading towards the temple. Devotees prefer to walk, however ponies are also available.
In addition to the temple of Mata Vaishno Devi, Ardh Kuwari and Bhairo Baba temple are next most revered temples in the town. It is a custom to visit these after visiting Vaishno Devi. It takes about 2hr to reach Bhairo Baba temple from Vaishno Devi and 3hr to reach Ardh Kuwari from Katra on foot. Other than these there are precisely not much to explore in the town. However, if one has some leisure time, strolling at the tranquil streets of the town on a pleasant day is an activity to relish. Besides, one can also go shopping and gusto the appetizing culinary cuisines of the town.
Considering accommodations in the town, the good thing is there exists a good range of hotels options in the town. If one seeks a value for money accommodation, the3 Star hotels in Katramake a fine choice. There are a couple of excellent 3 Star hotels in the town.
Besides, there are also good options available for the luxury seeker, and those who are a bit constrained on their budget. Hotel KC Residency, The Vaishnodevi, Hotel Shree Hari Niwas, Hotel Jagdish Residency, Jai Maa Inn Katra, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, and Hotel Bhargav, Katra Continental are some of the top rated hotels in the town to choose from.
Martin Wynn
