When we think of Katra, the only place that immediately comes to mind is the Vaishno Devi temple. The temple is situated amidst Trikuta mountains. The shrine has a cave where Mata appeared in three rock forms, known as Pindies. The entry gate to the yatra is called Darshani Darwaza and is located 1 km from the bus stand.
This is among the most auspicious places to see in Katra that lies on the way to the cave or bhawan of Maa Vaishno Devi. Charan Paduka is where the foot imprints of Maa can be seen on a rock slab. Mata Vaishno Devi or Vaishnavi was being chased by Bhairavnath, the saint turned demon.
Another holy stop when moving towards Vaishno Devi is Ban Ganga. It is one of the best famous places in Katra. The Shivalik Range of Himalayas is where this Ganga originates from and it is one of the best places to visit Kahsmir . Once Mata Vaishanvi was going towards her abode in the cave when the monkey accompanying her felt thirsty. With no water around, Maa shot an arrow in the earth, out of which the Ganga sprang up. That gave it the name Ban (arrow) Ganga.
This one of the religious places to visit near katra is dedicated to saint Bhairav who later turned demonic. He was killed by Maa Vaishno Devi here. Since he resented his sins, he was forgiven. This place is termed as important as Vaishno Devi because it was Maa herself who proclaimed the pilgrimage to my shrine will be incomplete without visiting Bhairavnath temple.
Baba Dhansar is another of the many must-visit holy places of Katra tourism. It is located less than 13 kilometers from Katra and there are plenty to awesome homestays and guest houses in Katra located near this place. It requires climbing stairs, around 100 of them.
Take some time out from your pilgrimage to holy shrines to rest and admire the natural beauty of Himkoti. Bask in the splendid view of the hill stations near Katra, dense and magnetic greenery, and the calming environment. It is also a great place to relax and have a picnic with family. Home to awe-striking natural gifts, Himkoti can be easily counted as one of the best Katra tourist places.
Popularly called ‘Mini Gulmarg’, Sanasar is located some 17 km away from Patnitop. It is a little away from Katra; you will have to travel for around 3 hours on road to reach the location. The place is a marvellous abode of mesmerizing lake, hills and forests.
Jhajjar Kotli is listed among the famous places to visit in Katra. Your idea of a perfect picnic will come true here at Jhajjar Kotli. This is among the ideal places to visit in Katra when you are traveling with your family. Being here feels like giving a rejuvenating spa to your senses. Due to its surroundings and soothing vibes, this is one of the most-visited places near Katra.
This holy cave is nearly a kilometre long and houses a 4 ft high, naturally formed ‘Shivling’. It is considered second only to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in religious importance. There are stalactites & stalagmites dripping milky limestone water from the ceiling. Situated at a distance of about 100 kms from Jammu and about 75 kms from Katra, Shiv Khori hosts a major fair on Shivratri day every year.
Just 5 km away from Katra is Aghar Jitto, the Shrine of Baba Jitto, a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi and a revolutionary who led a campaign against the feudal order. According to legends, a dip in the holy spring water, flowing in front of the shrine, does miracles to pre-natal women for safe delivery of children. A path from here leads to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
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