Katra City Information

8/4/2019 Katra City Information

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Katra City Information

Introduction:

Katra Town, lying in the foot of Trikuta Mountains, 48 kms. From Jammu, serves as the base

camp for visiting the famous shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is approachable on foot

along a 13 kms long well laid footpath. Every year, more than 4.5 million pilgrims pass

through Katra on their way to the holy shrine.

The cave shrine of Mata Vasihnodeviji or Trikuta Bhagwati (alt: 5,200 ft.) has been a beacon

of faith and fulfilment to millions of devotees from all over the world. The pilgrimage to the

Shrine holds great significance for the pilgrims.

Katra Tourist Attractions

Vaishno Devi Shrine Katra

Regarded as one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages, the Vaishno Devi Shrine is frequented

by a large number of devotees every year to seek the blessings of Mother Goddess who

resides in the cave. The Goddess here is worshipped in three forms -Maha Kali, Maha

Saraswati and Mahalakshmi.

Jahan Kosha Katra

Located just a km away from Katra, Jahan Kosha-a massive canon which is about 17.5ft long

was built by Janardhan Karmakar, a 17th century craftsman from Dhaka. There is a lovely

mosque which is believed to have the footprint of the revered prophet Hazrat Mohammad.

Shivkhori Katra

Placed at a distance of 70km from the town, Shivkhori or the Holy Cave in the shape of the

Damroo of Lord Shiva which is about half a kilometre long and has a 4feet high naturally

formed Shiv-lingam right in the heart of the Sanctom Sanctorum. The most attractive feature

of the cave is the sight of the natural milky water falling from the top of the Lingam signifying

the eternity of the river Ganga.

Aghar Jitto Katra

Aghar Jitto or the Shrine of Baba Jitto, a devotee of Maa Vaishno Devi is situated at a distance

of 5km from the town. It is believed that if any pre- natal women take a dip in the holy spring

water flowing in front of the shrine, safe delivery of baby is assured.


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Dera Baba Banda Katra

Located at a distance of 30 kms from the town, Dera Baba Banda is one of the revered Hindu-

Sikh pilgrimage centres. Baba Banda Bairaagi also known as the 'Saint Soldier' of Guru Gobind

Singh. The Gurudwara built by Baba Bairaagi on the banks of river Chenaab is frequented by

people of other faiths.

Baba Dhansar Katra

A popular picnic spot, Baba Dhansar is situated at a distance of 10kms from Katra. Known for

its picturesque setting with dense grove of trees, lovely spring dipping out of the

mountainside, cluster of lovely watefalls, a naturally formed Shivling where one can really seewater dipping naturally throughout the year make this place a pictorial delight. This place is

also known for the huge fair that is held during Shivratri.

Bawey Wali Mata Katra

The ancient temple of Goddess Kali located inside the Bahu Fort built by Raja hu Lochan is

frequented by a large number of tourists. The temple is hardly 4km from the Jammu Railway

Station.

Climate of Katra

Summer:

Summers usually set in May and lasts till July characterized by moderate temperature. During

this season, the temperature hovers around 30 to 40 degree C. April is known as the most

unpredictable month as sudden downpour brings down the temperature to greater level.

Monsoon:

Monsoons usually arrive in the end of July and are marked by heavy downpour but otherwise

the weather during this season remains balmy. Light woolens are recommended during this

season.

Winter:

Winters beginning from October to March are the most dreaded months as the temperature

goes down to - 5 Degree Centigrade. Heavy woolens must be carried if one is visiting the

place during these months.


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How to reach Katra

Katra which is about 50 kilometers from Jammu is well connected to important destinations

via Jammu. Jammu is well connected to cities across India through air, rail and road. There

are several travel agencies in all the prime cities of the country known for conducting regular

tours to Katra .

By Railway:

The Jammu Railway station located at a distance of 50kms is the nearest railway station from

Katra. Jammu is easily accessible from any part of India as it enjoys healthy rail network.

By Road:

The National Highway connects Katra with other parts of India. One can hire taxis which are

easily available at Jammu and Katra.

By Air:

The Jammu Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 55kms from Katra. One can

easily get several airline offices which provide regular flight service to Jammu.

Documents

Katra City Information