10

Things To Do In Katra

The Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the top things to do in Katra for every traveller. This revered Hindu pilgrimage site is located at an altitude of 5,200 feet in the Trikuta Mountains. You need to go on a 13 km uphill trek from the Katra base or opt for ponies, palkis, or helicopter rides to reach there.

The Vaishno Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and receives over 8 million visitors annually, with many opting for a Vaishno Devi Temple tour package for a convenient and organized journey.

Best Time: March to October

Price: Yatra registration is required, which can be done online or offline at the Katra Bus Stand. The registration is completely free.

Trekking through the Trikuta Mountains, which offer breathtaking scenery and serene paths, is among the most daring activities available in Katra and a popular option for trekking in Jammu and Kashmir. For those looking for a scenic escape, the Himkoti viewpoint trail and the Bhairavnath Temple trek are ideal.

Vaishno Devi Bhawan is only 2 km away from the Bhairavnath Temple trek. The 3 km Himkoti trail is a paved, comparatively level path that is perfect for casual walkers, but it is steep and rocky, requiring a steady climb. Along the route, you can anticipate rest stops, mountain views, and wooded pathways.

Best Time: Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November)

Set in the lush village of Karua, around 14 km from Katra, Baba Dhansar Temple combines mythology, natural beauty, and serenity. It features a sacred cave temple, a natural spring, and a cascading waterfall. It is believed that Baba Dhansar, the son of the serpent king Vasudev, helped villagers defeat a demon terrorizing them by praying to Lord Shiva.

In gratitude, the villagers built this temple, honouring Baba Dhansar and Lord Shiva. Because the water is thought to have healing properties, devotees flock here for the annual Mahashivratri mela. If you're looking for a spiritual location with natural spring, this is one of the most famous things to do in Katra and is often included in Jammu and Kashmir tour packages for family.

Best Time: March to October.

Enjoying local cuisine is one of the most fulfilling Katra things to do. Don't miss the Dogri-style Rajma Chawal, Kachalu chaat, and the regional Kaladi cheese kulcha. Many travellers exploring with Jammu and Kashmir group tour packages also make it a point to sample these authentic flavours. For the most authentic flavours, you can visit local dhabas like Prem Vaishno Dhaba and Manoranjan Vaishno Dhaba.

Additionally, if you want to experience the vibrant local culture, go to Katra during Navratri. The town comes to life during this time with devotional music, communal feasts, and traditional performances around the Vaishno Devi Temple’s area. Evenings are the busiest times, and many eateries stay open late to serve pilgrims and foodies.

Best Time: Navratri (March/April & September/October) 

Price: Depends on the eateries.

The first significant stop on the Vaishno Devi trail is Banganga, a holy location roughly 4 km from Katra town. According to legend, Goddess Vaishno created this freshwater stream with an arrow to help her devotee, Hanuman, quench his thirst.

Watching the sun set behind the Trikuta hills and the golden light reflecting on the water is one of the most scenic things to do in Katra, making it a favourite inclusion in many Jammu and Kashmir honeymoon packages for couples seeking a spiritual and picturesque escape.

Best Time: October to March

If you're keen on historical and spiritual stories, one of the famous things to do in Katra is visiting places like Ardhkuwari Cave and Nau Devi Cave Temple. According to local legend, the goddess spent nine months meditating at the Ardhkuwari Cave. In the Nau Devi Temple, nine goddesses are carved into a naturally occurring rock formation, making them some of the most intriguing places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir for spiritually inclined travellers.

During your yatra, don't forget to visit the Bhairavnath Temple which is about 2 km uphill from the Vaishno Devi Temple. It is said that the Goddess pardoned and blessed Bhairavnath after defeating him. Hence, a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi is considered incomplete without a stop at the Bhairavnath temple.

Best Time: October to March

Trekking to Vaishno Devi at night offers a special fusion of adventure and peace. It is one of the most popular Katra things to do for people who want to avoid the crowds during the day as well as enjoy well-lit paths and milder temperatures. Beginning in Katra, the journey proceeds via checkpoints such as Ardhkuwari and Sanjichhat. There are facilities like rest areas, refreshment stands, medical support, and restrooms along the route to ensure a comfortable journey even in the late hours.

Best Time: Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November)

Katra occasionally hosts cultural performances during Navratri and other festive seasons, such as Dogri folk dances like Dhamyal, bhajans, and devotional skits. These performances are held in the courtyards of the temples of Vaishno Devi and Banganga, or in community halls near Katra's market district. If you’re visiting during the Navratri, adding these shows in your Katra things to do list can bring a vibrant cultural layer to your trip. 

Best Time: During the peak season of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

When you shop in Katra, you can take a little of its traditional and spiritual charm home with you. Among the town's popular religious souvenirs are bottles of holy water, brass idols, and rudraksha beads. Additionally, there are local snacks like Kaladi cheese and Patisa sweets. You can find all these gift items and more at the town’s main market - Katra Bazaar. Whether you're looking for unique local goods or spiritual tokens, this is one of the top things to do in Katra.

Best Time: Evenings 

Price: Varies by item, but generally affordable.

About 30 km from Katra, Siar Baba waterfall is located near the Siar Baba Temple in the Reasi district. It’s a 100 ft tall cascading fall with natural springs along the Chenab River. Though often mistaken for a hot spring, the water here is actually cool and rich in minerals, and people believe it to have therapeutic properties. Taking a half-day escape into nature and a refreshing dip in these springs is among the favourite things to do in Katra for locals and travellers, and is often included in a Katra tour package.

Best Time: October and March.