Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra India

Katra can be safely called one of the holiest places in India for its proximity to the world-famous Mata Vaishno Devi temple. Located at the foot of the Trikuta Mountains, 48 kms away from Jammu, Katra is the usual pit-stop for the millions of pilgrims that pay a visit to the shrine every year. Katra itself has just its beautiful nature’s bounty to offer visitors. One could hardly ask for anything more. It is known as the Town of Temples owing to the several small and big temples that dot it across all areas.

Best Time to visit

In the months of April to May as well as October to September.

How to get there

By Air: Jammu is the closest national airport. Five helicopter services operate run from Katra to Vaishno Devi Mandir.

By Rail & Road: All trains halt at Jammu. Buses and taxis ply visitors between Jammu and Katra.

Map of Vaishno Devi Temple Katra India

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Accommodation

Both luxury and budget accommodation is available in Katra. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the J&K Tourism Development Corporation also offer lodging besides private hotels.

Hotel Asia Vaishno Devi
Hotel Basera
Hotel Kings
Hotel Malti Palace
Hotel Mahindra Palace
Hotel Mount View
Hotel Jai Maa Inn

Video on View from Vaishno Devi Temple

Places of Interest

Although the Vaishno Devi Mandir is the cynosure of all eyes, some of the following places are equally worth visiting while in Katra.

Aghar Jitto
Dera Baba Bando
Baba Dhansar
Shiv Khori

Food

Kashmiri cuisine as well as cuisine inspired by the styles prevalent in Himachal Pradesh can be found here.

adminJammu Kashmir4 Sep, 2008No Comments

Patnitop Jammu Kashmir

A beautiful hilly town nestled in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, Patnitop is India’s answer to the snowy slopes of the Alps.
One of Jammu & Kashmir’s most developed yet undiscovered tourist spots; Patnitop is the anglicized name of Patan da Talab. It derived this name from one of the lakes here which served as the bathing area for royalty.
Covered in several inches of snow during winter, Patnitop is one of the few sites in India to enjoy winter sports like skiing and snow trekking.
Bedecked in full alpine glory, Patnitop is one of the most beautiful places in J&K after Srinagar.

Map of Patnitop Kashmir India

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How to get there

By Road: Located 112 kms from Jammu in Udhampur district, on can take a bus or a taxi to Patnitop from Jammu, Katra or Udhampur. Journey lasts for about three and half hours.

Best Time to visit

In summer: May-June
In Autumn: September-October

Nice Video on Patnitop Kashmir

Accommodation

Vardaan Resorts
Asia-The Oasis Resort
Hotel Green Top
Hotel Samsar
Hotel Jaikishan

Shopping

Being a relatively small town, several shopping avenues are not available in Patnitop. One would do better to leave shopping for major cities like Srinagar or Chandigarh. However, some beautiful traditional products may just catch your fancy. Most shops are local family-owned enterprises.

Food

It mainly consists of simple, local food that largely resembles the overall Kashmiri style of cooking with plenty of taste and flavor and wholesome ingredients.

Places of Interest in/around Patnitop

Naag Temple
Vaishno Devi Temple
Buddha Amarnath Temple
Bahu Fort & Temple

Although most places are at least a bus ride away from Patnitop, the hill station itself is made for relaxation and idling away time in the company of nature. Tourists are advised to enjoy nature’s beauty than spend several hours for a glimpse of few sites of little aesthetic or historic importances.

adminJammu Kashmir2 Sep, 2008No Comments