Katra Town situated on the foot of Trikuta Mountains, is 48 kms away from Jammu. It serves as the base camp for visiting the famous shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is approachable on foot along a 13 kms long well laid footpath. Every year, more than 4.5 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to the holy shrine.

How to reach Katra

Jammu, 48 kms from Katra, is the nearest airport, railhead and inter-state bus terminus. Buses leave for Katra at 10 minute intervals between 5:30 a.m and 8:30 p.m. During peak season, additional buses are pressed into service.

Taxis are available both at Jammu and Katra for the journey. In Jammu city, these can be hired from the Jammu airport, Jammu railway station and the Tourist Reception Centre. A number of travel agencies conduct tours to Katra regularly from Delhi and other major cities of India. There are also daily scheduled services to Katra from a number of cities and towns of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
 

Where to Stay in Holy Katra

At Katra accommodation to suit all pockets and preferences is available in form of hotels, guest houses, sarais, and hostels. The SMVD Shrine Board provides accommodation and other services en-route and near the Bhawan. The Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department also offers furnished accommodation of various categories in its properties at Katra.

Clothing

Light woolens are required at night even during summer. During the remaining parts of the year, heavy woolens are required.