Katra Tour Packages

Get ready to explore Katra, a stunning town located at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, that serves as the beginning point for the revered Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. You can go on a Katra tour with Thrillophilia, as we ensure a hassle-free trip through picturesque vistas, historic temples, and lively marketplaces, an ideal beginning to your Kashmir trip.

Perfectly begin your journey by visiting and offering your prayers at the sacred Vaishno Devi Temple. To add a little adventure to your journey, you can trek to Sanjichhat, the highest point on the traditional route to Vaishno Bhawan. Take a tour of the womb-shaped Ardh Kuwari Cave, where Goddess Vaishno spent nine months in meditation. Visit Baba Dhansar, which is well-known for its temple and waterfall, or explore the Bhairavnath Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva.

With our Kashmir honeymoon packages, couples can explore the tranquil Patnitop and Nathatop as well as unwind at Himkoti. They can also explore the Shiv Khori cave, which is home to a self-formed Shiva lingam and natural rock formations, or visit Raghunath Bazaar to purchase Kashmiri jewellery and handicrafts.

Our Katra tour packages include cosy accommodations, meals, guided tours, 24/7 support, and efficient transfers. Thus, plan your Katra pilgrimage and get in touch now for a tailor-made itinerary.

Why Should You Visit Katra?

Katra serves as the base for the Vaishno Devi trek, which millions of people visit every year. The well-organised yatra has services like battery-powered cars, ponies, and helicopters that make the trip possible for everyone. 

There are hot springs in Katra, such as those in Sool and Jhajjar Kotli, which are renowned for their mineral-rich waters, for visitors looking to unwind. Those seeking adventure can hike to neighbouring peaks such as Himkoti or visit picturesque locations like Bhairavnath Temple. Tourists interested in nature can pay a visit to the Banganga River, a peaceful location with religious importance. 

For those who enjoy shopping, Katra's busy marketplaces, including Raghunath Bazaar and Ardh Kuwari Market, present souvenirs like dry fruits, pashminas, and more. Additionally, there are cosy lodging options in the area, ranging from high-end to economic hotels that are included in Thrillophilia’s Katra tour packages. Popular North Indian and traditional Dogra cuisines, such as kaladi kulcha and rajma chawal, are served at the local restaurants.

In addition, Katra provides easy access to other local sites by acting as a gateway to Patnitop, Sanasar Lake, and Shivkhori. The town is easily accessible by road and train, and the airport in Jammu is only 50 km away, making it a convenient place to visit. 

Best Time To Visit Katra

1. Peak Season (October to November)

October and November are great months to visit Katra because the weather is mild (12–23°C), and the autumn colours enhance the beauty of the region. This is the ideal time to visit popular sites such as the Vaishno Devi Temple and Ardh Kuwari Cave. You can also visit Banganga and have fun trekking along beautiful paths in the Trikuta mountains. To make the journey even more memorable, you can partake in the October Navratri celebration, which involves magnificent processions and cultural performances.

2. Shoulder Season (December to June)

Katra offers a variety of weather conditions from December to June. You can experience snow-covered mountains in winter (0°C to 14°C) to blooming landscapes in spring and early summer (18°C to 31°C). During this Katra trip, you can see the Jhajjar Kotli Waterfall, Shiv Khori Cave, and Baba Dhansar. Enjoy trekking, nature walks, and sightseeing throughout the summer months, or experience snowfall in winter. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a serene visit to Vaishno Devi.

3. Waning Season (July to September)

The waning season has mild temperatures ranging between 19°C to 25°C. This is the ideal time to visit Katra due to reduced crowds and cheaper hotel rates. During this time, you can explore places like Patnitop and Ardh Kuwari Cave, as well as indulge in activities like trekking to the Kareri Lake. Despite the possibility of rain, this time of year provides a more affordable and tranquil pilgrimage experience. 

How To Reach Katra

By Air: For a convenient Katra trip, you can reach Srinagar Airport (SXR), located about 220 km from Katra. You can reach via direct and connecting flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express operate on this route, with travel times ranging from 2 to 15 hours, depending on layovers. From Srinagar Airport, you can hire a car or taxi to reach Katra in about 5 hours.

By Train: You can take direct trains to reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, which is part of the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link. Jammu Tawi Express from Kolkata, Malwa SF Express from Delhi, and Swaraj Express from Mumbai are a few popular choices. The travel duration of these range between 12 hours to 46 hours. You can continue your journey by normal trains, cabs, or buses if you arrive at Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is roughly 53 km from Katra. 

By Road: Katra is accessible via well-maintained State and National Highways like the NE-5 and NE-5A. You can board direct buses, including standard and deluxe options, that operate from Jammu (45.7 km), Delhi (669.4 km), and Chandigarh (412.2 km). Travel times vary between 5 to 13 hours, depending on the departure city and traffic conditions.

Places To Visit In Katra 

Here are some of the best places to visit in Katra:

1. Maa Vaishno Devi Temple

At the Vaishno Devi Temple, you can view the treasured Pindies of Goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Saraswati within the sacred cave. Engage in the rites performed by priests using water, milk, ghee, honey, and sugar during the morning or evening aarti. Participate in individual pujas at the Yagyashalla or the Shradha Suman Vishesh Pooja. Watch the lavish Navratri festivities, complete with unique rituals and décor. At this holy location, finish your spiritual trip by receiving Prasadam and Charanamrit following the aarti, an experience that beautifully complements other places to visit in Kashmir during your journey.

2. Bhairo Baba temple

After visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple, you can make a stop at the Bhairo Baba Temple to complete your pilgrimage. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi granted Bhairo Nath a blessing on his deathbed that every devotee must visit his shrine. This temple, which offers breathtaking views of the Trikuta Mountains, is situated on a steep hill at a height of roughly 6619 feet. To obtain blessings at the temple and discover the mythology of Bhairav Nath, you can hike or take a ropeway for a more convenient trip. Explore the natural cave’s interior to experience the tranquil surroundings and absorb the spiritual energy.

3. Dera Baba Banda

Dera Baba Banda is a 300-year-old gurudwara that you can visit with our Katra tour packages. You can view the sword, arrow, and ashes of Baba Banda Bahadur besides partaking in the serene prayers and soul-calming Shabad Kirtan. Admire the golden-textured walls and the 48-foot Nishan Sahib composed of deodar wood. You can visit during the major Vaisakhi Mela to pay respects to Baba Banda Bahadur's shrine. During the mela, you can take a dip in the Chenab River, watch exciting dangal (Indian wrestling) matches, and try tasty jalebis and pakoras.

4. Charan Paduka

On the way to Vaishno Mata Bhavan, you can view the holy footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi on a slab of granite called Charan Paduka. Before you proceed, you can offer your prayer inside the white temple and seek blessings. You can explore the legendary site where Mata briefly halted while escaping from Bhairon Nath. Stand 3380 feet above sea level and take in the stunning mountain vistas. If you require medical attention while trekking, you can also stop by the medical unit here. 

5. Ban Ganga

Before beginning the Vaishno Devi Yatra, you can take a holy bath in the Ban Ganga as part of our Katra tour packages. Here, pilgrims prepare themselves before the trek by visiting the two ghats, where you may feel the sacred water cleanse your body and soul. Take in breathtaking vistas of the Shivalik Hills as you visit the location where Mata Vaishno Devi created the river with an arrow. You can soak in the peaceful ambience, hear devotional chanting, and feel spiritually rejuvenated, making it one of the serene places to visit Jammu and Kashmir has to offer.

6. Baba Dhansar 

With its Shiva temple and Karua Jheel, Baba Dhansar provides a blend of nature and spirituality. You can descend 100 steps to reach Maa Vaishno Bhawan on the right, surrounded by waterfalls that flow into the Banganga River. Explore the naturally occurring Shiva lingam, where water droplets fall all year round, and discover the legend of Baba Dhansar at the Nag Devta temple. Enjoy the serene Karua Jheel, where you can participate in devotional rites and bathe downstream in a peaceful and spiritual setting. Participate in the great Mahashivratri mela by worshipping the Shivalinga and offering bael leaves, flowers, fruits, and light diyas. 

7. Himkoti

On your journey to Vaishno Devi, you can visit Himkoti with Katra packages to enjoy peaceful breaks and stunning valley views. For spiritual peace, visit the meditation centre to practice meditation in a peaceful setting surrounded by beautiful mountains. Enjoy a picnic in specific areas with hygienic surroundings and sample delicious meals at eateries operated by the Shrine Board.  To make your trekking experience more peaceful and comfortable, you can take battery-powered cars from Ardhkuwari.

8. Bagh-e-Bahu

Bagh-e-Bahu is a terraced garden that offers you breathtaking views of Jammu City and the Tawi River. You can stroll along picturesque stone walkways surrounding the Bahu Fort, colourful flower beds, and well-kept lawns. With our Katra tour packages, you can enjoy the evening light and sound spectacle while watching the fountains sparkle brilliantly. Discover one of India’s largest underground aquariums, which has 24 distinct water tunnels and 400 different fish species, including Shark Catfish, Bubble Eye, and Flowerhorn.