Katra which is also called Katra Vaishnao Devi, is a small town situated 50 Kms. from Jammu, in Jammu and Kashmir and falls in the Udhampur district of the state. Katra is situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located and is almost 42 kms from Jammu city. Katra is located at 32°59′N 74°57′E / 32.98, 74.95 coordinates and has an average elevation of 754 metres that is approximately 2,474 feet.
Katra is like a base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. It has plenty of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, dhabas, fast-food joints . Free accommodation is also axailable which is provided by some registered trusts in the form of Sarais for the poor. The number of pilgrims that visit the shrine every year has increased from around 1.4 million to 6.2 million. Over the years, a lot has changed and has developed a lot, but one should definitely walk through the main market for buying souvenirs, dryfruits, woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets, etc at negotiable prices.
For 'darshan' at Vaishno Devi temple the pilgrims have to register at the Katra before starting the journey. By registering, the pilgrims get accidental insurance while on the trek for 1 lakh INR. The trek is of 13.5 km. There is another trek of 1.5 km from Vaishno Devi temple for Baba baironnath. It is said that the pilgrimage is not complete until you visit this temple at last. The scenery throughout the trek is picturesque and enchanting.
Environment-friendly auto rickshaws and helicopter services have also started to make the journey a pleasant and easy one especially for old and ill people.
For more information on Vaishnao Devi Click Here!
Katra is like a base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. It has plenty of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, dhabas, fast-food joints . Free accommodation is also axailable which is provided by some registered trusts in the form of Sarais for the poor. The number of pilgrims that visit the shrine every year has increased from around 1.4 million to 6.2 million. Over the years, a lot has changed and has developed a lot, but one should definitely walk through the main market for buying souvenirs, dryfruits, woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets, etc at negotiable prices.For 'darshan' at Vaishno Devi temple the pilgrims have to register at the Katra before starting the journey. By registering, the pilgrims get accidental insurance while on the trek for 1 lakh INR. The trek is of 13.5 km. There is another trek of 1.5 km from Vaishno Devi temple for Baba baironnath. It is said that the pilgrimage is not complete until you visit this temple at last. The scenery throughout the trek is picturesque and enchanting.
Environment-friendly auto rickshaws and helicopter services have also started to make the journey a pleasant and easy one especially for old and ill people.
For more information on Vaishnao Devi Click Here!
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