How To Reach Katra

Located in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, is the beautiful town of Katra in Reasi district of Jammu And Kashmir. The holy shrine of Vaishno Devi, which is the second most important temple in India is located in Katra, making it the second most important pilgrimage destination in India. Every year, million pilgrims from various cities trek for a stretch of 13.5 km to visit the spectacular ‘Devi’. Although the spectacular Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the major attractions in Katra, there are other places in this pious town that should be explored. Sightseeing is a must-do in this religious town; places like Himkoti, Baba Dhansar, Banganga amongst many others is a feast to the eyes due to its picturesque beauty. You can reach Katra by Air, Rail and Road and can easily get around hiring a cab. Read further, as we have jotted down some of the best ways to reach Katra.

Katra, popularly called Katra Vaishno Devi does not have an airport of its own. The Satwari Airport also known as the Jammu Civil Enclave is one of Jammu's important airport and is the closest to Katra. Major airlines like Indigo, Air India, Spice Jet amongst many others ply to the Jammu Airport from various major cities in India. Once you land, you will have to take a cab to Katra. This journey is 40 km long and takes about an hour to reach.

Take a fun road trip from any city in India to the serene town of Katra. The scenic beauty of this place is best perceived when one travel's by road. Busses regularly ply to the main pilgrimage spot in Katra and you can get a bus directly from main cities like Patiala, Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Dehradun, Amritsar or Dharamshala or you can choose to take a drive on the many national highways that this city is well connected to, alongside the beauty of the scenery. 

Thanks to the Indian Railways, Katra was given its very own railway station known as The Katra Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station. This made it easier and an enjoyable experience for pilgrims to travel to the holy shrine. Before the construction of the new railways station, Jammu Tawi, which is one of the oldest and the most important station in the state, used to be the closest train station serving the town of Katra. All major cities like Kolkatta, Mumbai, Pune, Amritsar, Delhi, Pathankot and many others have links to this railway station, especially the cities in the north. Most of the deity worshippers prefer to take the train as it gives them an opportunity to travel with other devotees.

The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is a very popular attraction among Hindus all over the country. For this very reason, getting around in Katra is easy. If you want to witness the beautiful temple of Vaishno Devi, you have to trek for 13 km by foot or you may choose to watch over the magnificent Himalayas on horseback. Experience an exciting journey on a horseback ride, that starts from Banganga base camp and ends at Vaishno Devi Bhawan. When you are done offering your prayers to the Goddess, you can even take a cab to go to other places in and around Katra. These cabs are not too expensive and are a comfortable way to travel.