Katra, Jammu and Kashmir

Katra is a set in the spectacular hills of the lower Himalayas, about 31 miles from Jammu. Katra serves as the base camp for all those devotees who visit Vaishno Devi . Katrais situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. While visiting Katra one should through the main bazaar for buying dryfruits which are the specialty of this state, also woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets etc from this palce are excellent value. Its well connected to Jammu by regular buses/jeeps, which is itself well connected by air/rail/road. There are helicopter services from Jammu to vaishnodevi as well, so the senior citizens can comfortably do their pilgrimages.

Major Tourist Attractions in Katra

The Vaishno Devi temple
The Vaishno Devi temple is popular as one of the "Shakti Peeths" of goddess ' Durga'.This holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi which is located in the folds of mighty 'Tirkuta' Hills' attracts lakhs of pilgrims from all parts of India and abroad . It is situated 42 km from the city of Jammu.Darshans are open round the clock throughout the year.

Shivkhori Cave
The Shivkhori cave is about 200 meters long, one meter broad and three meters high and includes a naturally formed lingam, which is of very high religious importance. Thousands of pilgrims visit the city to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is said that 33 crore idols exist in this cave in shape of Pindis and milky water keeps falling on them from the top of the cave miraculously.The cave roof is etched with snake like formations, the water trickles through these in the cave.Shivkhori is one of the most venerated cave shrines of Lord Shiva in the region. The Holy cave is more than 150 mts long & houses 4 feet high Svayambhu Lingum, which constantly baths in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling.

Baba Dhansar
Baba Dhansar is situated around 10 kilometers from Katra. Dam. A huge spring emerging from the rocks forms a number of small cascading waterfalls before flowing into the holy river that merges with the Chenab River.There is a naturally formed Shivling on which droplets of water fall at a constant pace all the year round. A big fair is held here during Shivratri.

Dera Baba Banda
Dera Baba Banda is not only a key pilgrimage centre for Sikhs but attracts people from other faiths also. It has a Gurudwara built by Baba Banda Bairaagi on the banks of river Chenab. He was Guru Gobind Singh`s favourite `Saint-soldier`. Pilgrims in great number especially from North India throng this place in the month of April to participate in the three-day annual mela. This place is around 300-year-old.