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Jammu And Katra

Places To See And Things To Do In Jammu And Katra

Jammu, also known as the ‘the city of temples’, is a haven for tourists. The beautiful city, referred to as the ‘winter capital of India’ provides the perfect vacation for domestic tourists as well as travelers from far-away lands. Set in the majestic hills of lower Himalayas, Katra, in Jammu, is the set off point for the most divine Hindu pilgrimage, the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi.

According to Indian folklore, the place is said to fulfil the righteous desires of wishful devotees. This trip is a must for people who wish to attain spiritual peace. If you wish to explore this serene town, here are a few places that you can visit to make the most of your trip.



Top Attractions In Jammu And Katra


Vaishno Devi Temple, Vaishno Devi :

This temple is the main attraction of Katra and thus, no visit is complete without a visit to this holy cave shrine. Located high up in the ranges of Himalaya, the temple cave is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. The goddess is believed to be a manifestation of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Every year, it attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. Helicopters are now available too, for to and fro!

Bhairavnath Temple :

No journey to Katra can be completed without going to this majestic temple. This temple is dedicated to Saint Bhairavnath, and thus the name. Located in the steep hills, this temple is a steep 2 km journey from Bhawan. It provides a picturesque view of the tree-clad mountains and if you cannot climb the distance, there are ponies available for your convenience too!

Dera Baba Banda :

Located on the banks of the Chenab river, this old gurudwara is one of the major tourist attractions of Katra. It was made in honour of Baba Banda, one of the favourite jathedars (leaders) of Guru Gobind Singh. Made of marble, the shrine has a photo gallery which shows pictures from times of war and of other important personnels, as an evidence of the bravery of valiant leader. It also houses the ashes, sword and other weapons of the leader, gifted to him by Guru Sahib...

Ardh Kuwari Cave :

This is believed to be the place where Mata Vaishno Devi took rest for 9 months, before she made Bhavan her abode. Today, this place provides as a stopover destination for tourists going up to Bhavan and the Vaishno Devi Temple. It is also a spot of adventure for kids, as you have to crawl on your knees to reach the other side. On the other side, one can find a shrine dedicated to the three goddesses- Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.


Few More Attractions In Jammu And Katra


The Bahu Fort :

Standing tall and sturdy, this fort is located on the banks of river Tawi. The magnificent fort is believed to be constructed over 3000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan of the Dogra dynasty, making it one of the oldest monuments of the city. The fort is also famous for its temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, referred to as Bave Wali Mata Temple by the locals. It significantly contributes to the impeccable beauty of Jammu.

Bagh-E-Bahu :

Situated on a hill top by the Bahu Fort, this garden is a treat to the eyes. Overlooking the Tawi river, this garden is famous for its magnificent stone sculptures, sprawling green lawns, grand fountains, and a beautiful lake of its own. Among the key attractions is the country’s largest underwater aquarium, in the shape of a fish. It is a traveler’s favourite as it presents peace, serenity and a romantic vibe for tourists to spend an evening of relaxation...

Ranbireshwar Temple :

Built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh of the Dogra Dynasty in 1883, this very ancient shrine is the biggest temple of Lord Shiva in north India. This temple has the biggest Shiva lingam of India, made out of black stone, towering at a marvelous height of around 8 feet. The temple has 12 Shiva lingams and humongous images of Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartikeya, and Lord Nandi. The stone slabs of the temple boast of gallerires of 1.25 lakh ‘Bona Lingams’, brought from River Narmada.



Activities of Jammu And Katra

Not only is this picturesque town famous for its temples, there are a lot of other activities you can do to make your trip worthwhile:

Go for a darshan : Jammu isn’t known as the Gateway of Heaven for nothing. The places boasts of many beautiful temples for different gods, looking over nature’s beauty as well as a place for spiritual enlightenment and relaxation. So pack your bags, and go along for a journey of a lifetime!

Visit Shivkhori : The word ‘Shivkhori’ means Shiva’s cave and true to its name, the famous shrine is located between hillocks and is a gorgeous sight to behold. The alluring shrine is located in Ransoo, a quaint little village in Reasi and attracts thousands of devotees each year.

Spend a blissful afternoon at Jhajjar Kotli : Famous for its crystal clear water, pebbled banks, and beautiful landscape, this peaceful spot is absolutely perfect for family picnics and provides a moment of relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Night - trekking : The night trek at Mata Vaishno Devi temple has become increasingly popular, especially among the young generation. An exciting and memorable experience for sure, the 13 km trek from Katra to the temple allows tourists to soak in the serenity and beauty of the town at night and also provides refreshments to the trekkers. So all the adventure lovers, pack a torch and go for the experience you will cherish forever!

Shop for gifts and souvenirs : Since tourists flock across the year, many shops line up and offer traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, walnut wood cravings, Pashmina shawls and stoles, Kesar, dry fruits, and the world famous Kashmiri chillies for a souvenir for each to carry back as a memoir!