Katra is the often touted as the entrance to the Vaishno Devi shrine, the second most significant temple in India. Katra lies on national highway 1C about 42 km from Jammu, sees a large number of tourists who are either on a pilgrimage tour or to enjoy the serene surroundings of the Jammu valley. The nearest convenient way to reach Katra is by railways, for that you need keep checking the Jammu Tawi 18102 running status.
The town serves as base camp for pilgrims on their way to Vaishno Devi, which is 13 kilometers uphill. Yatris or pilgrims additionally must get their Yatra Parchi (token amounts) at Banganga in Katra. This Yatra Parchi is important for each pilgrim. The town is situated at an altitude of more than 2400 feet above the sea level and depends on the religion-tourism business for its economy. Katra is a shopper’s’ heaven, with several businesses selling fruits, garments and leather goods. If you feel like going on a religious or sightseeing trip, then do check train 18102 running status, which is the most convenient railway service to the region.
Chief Bazaar is the most amazing place to purchase memorabilia, dry fruits, Kashmiri carpets, namdas, shawls, phernas, silverware, silks, brassware, Pashmina and Cashmere shawls, Cashmere carpeting, Copperware, wooden furniture, etc. In the event you are a sports fan, you can get high quality cricket bats and baseball bats as well.
Chunri, saree and shawls offered by devotees to Vaishno Devi may be purchased from souvenir stores run by Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. There are several lodging choices in Katra. Most of the budget lodgings can be found on Jammu Road, close to the main street market. Midrange lodging can be found on Ban Ganga Road and Kashmir Road. The only high-end resort is situated on the Reasi Road. Besides resorts, Katra additionally has a couple of guest houses as well as lodges. Some notable trusts and communities also provide free lodging as dharamshalas and sarais for pilgrims.
There are plenty of choices to eat in Katra. There are dhabas, many eateries and fast food joints that satisfy all sorts of budget needs. There are numerous eateries along the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine also. Many eateries offer rajma-rice, puri-chole-bhature and bhaji and you can also find Indian, Kashmiri and Continental cuisine in few well-maintained restaurant.
The optimum time to go to Katra is between the months of March and October. At this time the weather in Katra stays enjoyable. December to March is, in addition, is a great time to see and enjoy the snowfall. For people who’d like to stay away from the tourist crowd and embrace the nature, there are several lodging choices in Jammu City. Chand Nagar and Upper Gumat Bazar is a great location to explore budget choices whereas Vir Marg has many mid range resorts, with the Residency Road dotted with few high-end resorts. Homestays and guest houses are great choices also. So, in case you’re wondering to go on a religious trip with the entire family or to bask in the natural glory of Jammu and Kashmir, head straight to Katra.
You must log in to post a comment.