Katra, located in Jammu and Kashmir, is a small town that is mainly known for its tranquil ambience and spiritual atmosphere. Other than this, it is also known for its snow-covered mountains, its historical and religious destinations, and is a nirvana for shopping. Many unexplored hidden gems are perfect for your next trip near the town. Here are the best places to visit near Katra, as mentioned below.
Best Places To Visit Near Katra
- Vaishno Devi
- Patnitop
- Shivkhori
- Tullian Lake
- Jhajjar Kotli
1. Vaishno Devi
As soon as you reach Katra, one of the most popular places that come to mind is the Vaishno Devi Temple. It is one of the holiest places in India and is visited by pilgrims from all over the country and the world. If you are looking for some spirituality and peace of mind, then this is the place for you. Situated 5,200 feet above sea level in the Trikuta mountains, Vaishno Devi is nestled away in a cave. You can take a whole tour from Banganga to this holy cave, which is about 16 km away. It is a difficult journey, but it is worthwhile.
Winter isn’t the best season to explore Vaishno Devi. The summer season is highly recommended since traveling in the area is much easier during this time. It is entirely up to the individual to walk, climb, or ride a horse to reach the temple. In the cave where the shrine is located, the goddess Mata is said to have appeared in the form of three rocks. These rock formations are known as Pindies. Vaishno Devi is a peaceful and serene place to unwind from the chaos.
Location: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu, and Kashmir.
Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.
2. Patnitop
You can’t miss this amazing spot which is great for adventure activities. Patnitop is one of the most popular hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, making it one of the best places to visit in Katra. This place soothes your eyes with an alluring view of the snow-clad Himalayan mountains. Make sure to participate in some adventurous activities like skiing, golfing, paragliding, and trekking. All these adventure activities will surely give you an unforgettable experience.
To add more to this, you can enjoy the fascinating view from the Nathatop valley, which is a short trek from the destination point of Patnitop. Overall, this place is known for its peaceful atmosphere and fresh, pure air, which leaves one relaxed and rejuvenated.
Location: Patnitop, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Timings: Patnitop is open for visits anytime during the week, but we recommend going during the daytime so that you can indulge in some adventurous activities.
3. Shivkhori
Another beautiful spot for pilgrims and travelers is Shivkhori. The cave is tucked away in Reasi, much ahead of the small town of Katra. Devotees come here in large numbers to worship Lord Shiva. It is to be believed that the devotees never go empty-handed as their prayers and wishes are fulfilled. The speciality of this place is the naturally formed 4-foot lingam, which is considered auspicious in Hinduism.
Reaching Shivkhori cave is not an easy task, you have to put in the extra effort by going on a 3 km hike barefoot. Inside the cave, you get to see various rock formations, that have been turned into idols of Hindu gods. After entering the cave, a spiritual feeling overtakes you and leaves the devotees with positive energies as they exit the cave. Since the cave is small, only a limited number of people can enter at a time.
Location: Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir.
Timings: 5:00 am to 7:00 pm during winter and 6:00 am to 6:00 pm in the summer season.
4. Tulian Lake
Snuggled away in the center of the Pir Panjal Mountain Range and Zanskar River, Tulian Lake is another beautiful place to stop and gaze at. Tulian Lake is considered a prime vacation destination. A gorgeous, crystal-clear lake with still waters, reflecting the beautiful mountains is a sight to behold. Not only is the scenery stunning, but if you’re looking for some adventure, you’ve come to the right place. If you want to see a more stunning sight up close, a fun trek from Baisaran is all you need.
Location: Pahalgam, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Timings: The lake is open 24/7, but we recommend visiting during the day to make the most of the trip.
5. Jhajjar Kotli
Led by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, the Jhajjar Kotli is nestled away at a distance of about 16 km from Katra. It comes along the highway on the way toward Srinagar. Jhajjar Kotli boasts a breathtaking view with gurgling streams and lofty hills. The great thing about this place is that the Kotli is the perfect picnic spot to spend time just gazing at the view.
The water is so clear that you can see the beautiful pebbles on the riverbed. So next time you are planning to spend your time with nature, this is the place for you. Surrounded by numerous Pahadi-style bungalows and homestays, you will have a chill and comfortable holiday here.
Location: Jhajjar Kotli village, Dansal block, Jammu district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Timings: You can visit the village any time of the day.
Summing Up
Katra is so much more than a small, religious town in Jammu and Kashmir. The town is laden with lofty, snow-covered hills, gushing streams and waterfalls, clear, blue skies, and some of the most stunning sceneries you’d ever come across. If you don’t know where to begin your Katra vacation, we’ve got you covered with some amazing places to visit near Katra.
FAQs
Is Patnitop Worth A Visit?
Yes, Patnitop offers breathtaking scenarios and is considered a top-notch destination in Kashmir for first-time visitors.
How Many Days Are Sufficient For Vaishno Devi?
A 3- to 4-day trip to Vaishno Devi is enough for a relaxing vacation.
Where Can We Find Snow Near Katra?
Gulmarg is the place to go if you want to see snowfall. It is surrounded by mountains covered with snow, which is a treat for travelers.
Why Is Patnitop Famous?
Having an altitude of 2,711 meters, Patnitop is popularly known for paragliding. The reason behind this is to get to see the panoramic view of the Himalayas.
How Far Is Gulmarg From Katra?
The distance from Gulmarg to Katra is 273 km.
How Far Is Kashmir From Katra?
Kashmir is at a distance of 111 kilometers from Katra.
Where Should I Go After Katra?
Srinagar, Ladakh, and Dalhousie are a few amazing places beyond Katra for a relaxing vacation.
