Katra isn't just about the temple visit - there's actually loads to see and do here. Most folks come for Vaishno Devi, but the places to visit in Katra go way beyond that. The whole area's situated in these gorgeous hills, and honestly, just wandering around town is pretty great.
The trek up to the main shrine takes you past some cool spots like Ardhkuwari Cave and Ban Ganga. Don't rush it - grab some chai at the little stalls and chat with other pilgrims. Everyone's got stories to share, and the mountain views are incredible.
What we like is how mellow everything is as opposed to other tourist areas. No insane crowds shoving you around, only a chill atmosphere where you can have fun. The weather's pretty good most of the time, so you're not dripping with sweat or freezing.
In this guide, let us go through the places to see in Katra, with short descriptions and useful tips, so that you can plan a peaceful, pious trip when travelling with our Kashmir Tour Packages.
Explore the Best Places to Visit in Katra | Tourist Guide
It would be impossible to talk about places to visit in Katra without beginning with the Vaishno Devi shrine. The temple, located about 13 kilometres uphill from Katra, is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. The trek to the Bhawan, as the temple is known, is a huge part of the experience.
You can either walk the traditional path or book a pony or helicopter ride if needed. Along the way, there are countless shops selling snacks, water, souvenirs, and religious items. The trek is a spiritual journey, with devotees chanting and singing bhajans, creating a truly special atmosphere.
Once you reach the Bhawan and have darshan of the Goddess, there is a sense of peace and contentment that makes the effort worthwhile. The temple stays open throughout the year, but it is busiest during Navratri.
Location: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301
Timings: Open 24 hours, year-round
Entry Fees: Free, but donations are accepted
Best time to visit: March–October (pleasant weather)
Notes: Helicopter bookings are advisable in advance, especially during Navratri
Near Vaishno Devi is another important shrine - Bhairavnath Temple. According to legend, no pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi is complete without visiting this temple. It is located about 2 kilometres from the Vaishno Devi Bhawan.
The climb to Bhairavnath is a bit steeper, but the trail is now well paved, with railings and steps for support. Once we reach the temple, we get a stunning panoramic view of the valley below. The local priests often explain the history of Bhairav Baba, which adds to the meaning of the trip.
If you have time, you should include Bhairavnath as part of your places to see in Katra, because it beautifully completes the Vaishno Devi journey.
Location: 2WJX+69 Bhavan, Dhar Vaishno Devi
Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best time to visit: March–October
Notes: Path is steep; carry water and wear good shoes
Himkoti is one of the most peaceful tourist attractions in Katra. Located about 2.5 kilometres along the Vaishno Devi track, it offers a rest point with a garden, viewpoints, and a small cafeteria.
Many pilgrims take a break here on their way to the Bhawan. But even if you are not trekking, you can come to Himkoti separately, as the scenery is stunning. You will see the snow-covered peaks on clear days, and the valley spread out beautifully below.
It is one of those katra tourist places where you can just sit for a while, sip some tea, and enjoy the mountain breeze. There is also a viewpoint platform here where we can take memorable photos.
Location: About 2.5 km from the main trekking route
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: Free
Best time to visit: March–October
Notes: Small cafeteria and viewpoints available
Another one of the famous places to visit in Katra is the Ardh Kuwari Cave. This cave is about halfway up the trek to Vaishno Devi, roughly 6 kilometres from the Katra base. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi stayed and meditated in this cave for nine months.
The cave is quite narrow, so visitors have to pass through it one at a time. There is a legend that crawling through the cave washes away your sins and brings blessings. Even if you are not religious, the historical stories make it a fascinating place.
Many travellers list Ardh Kuwari among their must-see places to see in Katra, because it is so connected to the Vaishno Devi legend.
Location: Tilak Nagar, Purana Daroor, Dhar Vaishno Devi, Ban Ganga, Jammu and Kashmir 182301
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best time to visit: March–October
Notes: Expect queues; narrow cave, so plan extra time
As we begin our climb to Vaishno Devi, we come across the Ban Ganga Temple. It is one of the oldest katra tourist places, and it holds a very important role in the pilgrimage.
According to stories, Mata Vaishno Devi shot an arrow into the ground to create a freshwater spring here, so her devotee Hanuman could quench his thirst. That’s why the name is Ban Ganga (ban means arrow).
Pilgrims often stop here to bathe in the holy water before starting their climb. The ghat is well-maintained, with changing rooms and steps leading to the river.
Ban Ganga is one of those simple but powerful places where we feel the stories of faith come alive.
Location: Purana Droorh, Jammu and Kashmir 182320
Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best time to visit: March–October
Notes: You can take a holy dip here before the trek
If you would like to see something unique around Katra, the Nau Devi Cave Temple is worth a visit. Located about 10 kilometres away, this small temple is hidden inside a natural cave, with statues of nine different goddesses.
It feels less crowded than the Vaishno Devi shrine, and the peaceful environment is refreshing. You can reach Nau Devi by hiring a taxi from Katra, and the drive itself is pleasant, with forested hills and small villages along the way.
For those who want a quiet spiritual experience away from the main crowds, Nau Devi is one of the best places to visit in Katra.
Location: NH144, Kotli Manotrian, 182301, easily reached by taxi
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best time to visit: March–October
Notes: Less crowded, peaceful setting
Another lovely tourist attraction in Katra is Baba Dhansar, which is about 15 kilometres from Katra near Karua village. The place is known for a sacred natural spring and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A short walk through lush greenery brings you to a beautiful waterfall, where the water forms a pool that is considered holy. You will see local families and pilgrims bathing here, as it is believed to cure diseases.
Above the pool is a cave temple for Lord Shiva, where many people pray during Mahashivaratri. If you like offbeat Katra local sightseeing, Baba Dhansar is a must-see spot.
Location: 15 km from Katra, near Karua village
Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best time to visit: March–October
Notes: Combine with the Sihar Baba waterfall in one trip
If you are looking for a simple picnic spot among the famous places in Katra, Jhajjar Kotli is a popular choice. About 15 kilometres from Katra, this is a small riverside spot where a cool, clear stream flows past large boulders.
It is perfect for a quiet afternoon with family or friends. There are a few tea stalls and some shops for snacks, but otherwise, the place is peaceful and natural.
During the summer, Jhajjar Kotli becomes quite busy as locals and tourists come to beat the heat. If you like to relax near water and enjoy a calm afternoon, you should add this to your places to see in Katra list.
Location: 15 km from Katra on the Jammu-Katra road
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free (small parking fees may apply)
Best time to visit: March–June, ideal for picnics
Notes: Can get crowded on weekends
Shiv Khori is about 70 kilometres from Katra, but it is so special that many pilgrims add a day trip to their plan. This cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the natural shivlinga inside is quite breathtaking.
The cave is about 200 meters long and filled with naturally formed shapes on the walls and ceiling, which people believe represent different gods. The cave’s entrance is quite wide, but it becomes narrow as you go in.
If you want to combine nature with spiritual discovery, Shiv Khori is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Katra and the surrounding area.
Location: 5J92+MC8, Reasi, Kotla, Jammu and Kashmir 185201
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Best time to visit: October–March (pleasant weather for cave visit)
Notes: Combine with a day trip to Reasi
Close to Baba Dhansar, we can also explore the Sihar Baba Waterfall. The waterfall is tall, powerful, and surrounded by thick green forest. During the monsoon, the water flow is very strong, and the mist feels refreshing on a hot day.
There is a small shrine near the waterfall in Kashmir, which is why it is considered a holy spot. Local people often come here for picnics, and children love to splash in the shallow pools.
If you are looking to relax and experience nature beyond temples, this is a beautiful place to visit in Kashmir.
Location: Siyad Baba temple, Sailanjan, Jammu and Kashmir 182311
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: Free
Best time to visit: July–September (monsoon, best waterfall flow)
Notes: Be cautious of slippery rocks
By Air: Jammu Airport - Katra
- Nearest airport: Jammu Airport (Satwari), about 50 km (30 miles) from Katra.
- Flight options: Regular domestic flights connect Jammu with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, and more.
- Transfer to Katra:
- Taxi/Private car: Takes 1.5-2 hours (₹1,500-₹2,500). Vehicles are available at the airport exit 24/7.
- Bus: Cheaper (₹100-₹300), but you’ll need to travel 8 km first to Jammu Bus Stand, and buses take 2-3 hours.
- Pro tip: Prepaid airport taxis provide peace of mind and fixed rates.
- Scenic tip: A recommended stop is Zamindara Dhaba on the highway-great for a break and food.
By Train: Direct to Katra
- Station: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station (SVDK) lies on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link.
- Recent upgrade: On June 6, 2025, the Vande Bharat Express launched between Katra and Srinagar, slashing travel time to just 3 hours.
- Train options:
- Swaraj Express from Mumbai to Katra.
- Himsagar Express - India’s longest-running route reaching Katra.
- Jammu Mail connects Katra to Uttar Pradesh and Delhi regions.
- Comfort: Expensive AC or Vande Bharat trains take 3-4 hours; regular expresses take 5-7 hours.
- Tips: Book early during festival seasons; the station code is SVDK.
By Road: From Nearby Cities
- Jammu - Katra: The road is 50 km via NH144/NH1A, taking about 1.5-2 hours across winding terrain.
- Bus: State-run and private options depart every 10 minutes during the day; the journey takes 2 hours.
- Private taxis: Available at Jammu Airport or Railway Station; a fixed fare supports prompt travel.
- Self-drive: If you have your own car, take the Domel bypass ( recommended route) for faster travel from Jammu.
- Delhi/Amritsar/Chandigarh: Well-connected via NH44; overnight Volvo or sleeper buses are popular
Inside Katra, auto-rickshaws and ponies are available to move around. Many people choose to walk, as most of the places to visit in Katra are quite close to each other.
There are plenty of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses in Katra to suit every budget. If you want to stay close to the temple, there are simple dharamshalas and Yatri Niwas guest houses managed by the shrine board.
For more comfort, you will also find mid-range and luxury hotels with all modern facilities. It is a good idea to book in advance, especially during Navratri or weekends, when crowds are heavy.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the Vaishno Devi trek.
- If you are visiting during Navratri or summer vacations, book hotels and travel early, as Katra gets very crowded.
- Katra itself is walkable, but for nearby spots, hire a local taxi to save time.
- Carry light jackets even in summer since evenings can get chilly in the hills.
- If travelling with elderly family members, consider pony or helicopter services for the Vaishno Devi trek.
- Respect local customs, especially at religious places — dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and do not litter.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Stay hydrated and carry simple medicines, especially if you have breathing issues.
These small tips will make sure you have a smooth and peaceful journey.
The next time we think of making a trip to Vaishno Devi, let’s remember these places to visit in Katra. By going beyond the standard route, we get to see a richer, deeper side of this beautiful Himalayan town.
From famous places in Katra like Ban Ganga and Bhairavnath, to offbeat corners like Baba Dhansar and Jhajjar Kotli, there is a peaceful magic in every direction. The blend of devotion, nature, and tradition is what makes Katra truly unforgettable.
So, if you are planning a visit, take a little extra time, explore these gems, and experience the real Katra. You will come back with blessings, memories, and a heart full of calm.
