Katra

Nestled at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra, located 48 km from Jammu, is the pivotal base for embarking on the sacred pilgrimage to the revered shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. The town is a bustling convergence point for over 4.5 million devotees annually, who embark on a transformative 13-kilometer journey to seek blessings at the holy cave shrine.

Spiritual Odyssey:

Shrouded in faith and positioned at an altitude of 5,200 feet, the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi beckons millions as a beacon of spiritual fulfillment. The pilgrimage holds profound significance, drawing devotees from every corner of the globe.

Sacred Ascent:

The sacred path to the Holy Shrine unfolds over a 12-kilometer trek, traversed on foot, horseback, or by palanquins. While many pilgrims opt for the challenging on-foot journey, others find solace in the assistance of ponies or palanquin bearers.

Accommodation Sanctuaries:

Katra hosts various Sarais/Dharamshalas, offering pilgrims accommodations either free or at a nominal cost. However, caution is advised against individuals with vested interests pushing pilgrims to purchase offerings from specific shops, often at inflated prices.

Diverse Stay Options:

A plethora of lodging facilities, including lodges, guest houses, hotels, cottages, and resorts, cater to the diverse tastes and budgets of the devotees. From simple lodgings to luxurious accommodations, pilgrims have a wide array to choose from.

Culinary Sanctity:

Reflecting the town’s sacred aura, Katra’s numerous vegetarian restaurants and dining establishments offer pure vegetarian meals devoid of onion and garlic. Pilgrims are urged to maintain the sanctity of the Holy place by refraining from seeking non-vegetarian meals or alcohol.

Banking and Amenities:

Katra ensures the convenience of pilgrims with nationalized banks, including the State Bank of India, Bank of Punjab, and J&K Bank, providing ATM facilities. Additional banks like ICICI Bank and UTI Bank are in the process of installing ATMs. Banking services extend to Bhawan, where J&K Bank and the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) have established branches. Provisions, general stores, and medical facilities are readily available throughout Katra, as well as at Adkuwari and Bhawan, facilitating a seamless pilgrimage experience.