Katra is an unforgettable hill station retreat in India, mostly because it serves as the base camp that leads to the world famous Mata Vaishno Devi temple. This is the perfect town where pilgrims reside, eat and even hire ponies or helicopters to make their spiritual experience possible. but true pilgrims know that Katra is not just the foundation for Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra; in fact, unending other spiritual things to do in Katra that pilgrims will definitely enjoy.
To make sure your journey to Katra includes all necessary destinations so that you can gather many, many blessings throughout your trip – we have brought to you our ultimate list of five things to do in Katra that pilgrims will thank themselves for not missing out on!
Best Activities Do in Katra: The Pilgrimage Hill Station of India
1. Trek to Mata Vaishno Devi
most people know Katra only for this one tourist place, although as we have already reminded you of, there are several other temples just as important in Katra. There are many ways to reach Mata Vaishno Devi temple, but trekking is indeed the most popular one. This is because it is believed that walking up to Mata Vaishno Devi resolves a devotee of many past sins. Children and pilgrims in their old age however, are encouraged to try out a helicopter ride or a pony ride, which are two other exciting things to do in Katra for anyone and everyone.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
2. Pay respects at the Bhairo Nath Temple
when Lord Shiva place such an integral part in the story of Mata Parvati becoming Sati, why should not a special Temple be dedicated to him as well? Bhairo Nath Temple is a place that every devoted husband should visit at least once in their life. Praying at this temple is also important among all activities to do in Katra for married and unmarried women, they take this opportunity to request the heavens for a husband as kind and loving as Lord Shiva himself. Legend has it that this temple is built on the exact spot where Bhairo Nath asked Mata Vaishno Devi for forgiveness.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 hours
3. Taste the cuisine of Jammu
Katra is definitely a tourist location situated inside the loving arms of the Jammu culture. This means you can easily experience the wonderful food culture of this part of Kashmir. Cafe hopping is a must on anyone’s things to do in Katra list! Especially for those tourists who are avid Instagrammers or youtubers, exploring the street food as well as the luxury food of Jammu will show you another side of Katra that you have not seen before.
Entry fee: most cafes have no entry fee but some do charge a sitting fee.
Opening and closing timings: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: approximately 1 to 2 hours
4. Pray at Trikuta Parvat
Trikutchal Mahadev Temple is another of the many fabled temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir. Not only the climb up to Trikuta Parvat to pay respects to Lord Mahadev, but also the wonderful view of the valley from this location makes reaching Trikuta peak one of the most important activities to do in Katra. Many tourists want a healthy balance between shrines and spots for sightseeing in Katra. Locations like the Trikuta Parvat provide a unique balance between both!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
5. Relax at Jhajjar Khotli
This is an amazing location for sightseeing in Katra that will take you away from the crowds of pilgrims and let you rejoice In the spiritual, natural beauty of Katra itself. You will find yourself surrounded by lush green meadows and picnic spots where both tourists and local people come to spend their free hours. If you want, you can arrange to stay here in the many tourist bungalows that dot this otherwise untouched bank of river Jhajjar!
Entry fee: no preliminary entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The best time of the year when you can visit Mata Vaishno Devi temple is during the period of October to March.
A. Katra is an accommodating hill station which understands the versatile needs of its many pilgrims. It is not an expensive hill station to visit as it has diverse options for people of all financial backgrounds..
A. Katra is the best location that you can choose for your pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi and Bhaironath. This is because even if you stay at Jammu you will have to come to Katra in order to start on your journey. Staying in Jammu is better if you are planning to use your trip to visit many other locations apart from The pilgrimage sites near Katra.
Conclusion
We have seen how the many things to do in Katra cannot only give you a peek into the rich Hindu culture of Jammu but also help you discover your personal spiritual connection with the religion itself! Katra is a fascinating destination that cannot be compared to any normal hill station of India. We hope you truly enjoy your journey by picking out the best Katra travel package that suits you and your loved ones! Don’t forget to check out other, similar Kashmir travel packages on our website!
