Vaishno Devi, Katra is a well-known tourist destination due to the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir. But how many of you have heard about the beautiful places nearby Vaishno Devi, Katra, and J&k? Hence, here we are going to talk about the 10 best places to visit near Vaishno Devi, Katra. Such that whenever you visit Vaishno Devi next time, you could have these scenic places on your itinerary.
People predominantly come to Katra to visit the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and went back without experiencing the other beautiful attractions which are pleasing with their scenic beauty and spiritual air. Katra lies in the foothills of the Trikuta mountains and can be a great destination for people with different age groups and interests.
Being a resident of Katra itself, with my team, I have been exploring various picturesque and unspoiled places near Katra. Moreover, This article will be the sum up of the various unexplored places near katra as well some known places. Hence lets get started with the 10 Best Places to visit near Katra.
10 Best Places to visit near Vaishno Devi
Patnitop
Patnitop is one of the best travel destinations if you are visiting Jammu or even India. Though, this beautiful place is not much popular as other hill stations among tourists like Shimla and Manali. But the natural beauty that Patnitop possess is not anyway less than these other hill stations in India.
This beautiful hill station in Jammu is surrounded by dense Deodar(Cedar) and Kail(Blue Pine) trees, Paranomic views of lush green mountain ranges, and various picturesque places, which will compel you to visit this heaven again and again.
Additionally, there are various other worth going places that are in the proximity of Patnitop such as Nathatop and Sanasar.
Moreover, in addition to the natural beauty, Patnitop also offers various adventure activities too.
These adventure activities become even more memorable with the amazing views of Patnitop. Additionally, These adventure activities are hosted by Skyview by Empyrean and include-
- India’s Highest Gandola Ride ( rope way)
- Asia’s Longest Zipline
- Hiking Trails
- Mountain Biking
- Magic Carpet
Hence, Patnitop is the best place to visit near Vaishno Devi and should be the first place in your itinerary to visit whenever you are traveling to Katra.
Patnitop Distance from Katra- 85 Km
Patnitop Elevation- 2,024 m
Snowfall Season in Patnitop- December – February
Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah is still an unexplored and unspoiled place where nature is still at its utmost beauty. This paradise of the Jammu region is loaded with natural vegetation, and scenic beauty and also holds the epicenter of rich Bhaderwahi culture.
Along with marvelous mountains, Bhaderwah is also stacked with a few hundred unchristened rivers clinging precariously to the mountainsides.
Additionally, there are various other worth going places that are in the proximity of Bhaderwah such as Jay Valley, Padri Meadow, Seoj Meadow, and Chatargalla Pass.
Bhaderwah is a little far from Vaishno Devi, Katra (around 4-5 hrs drive), but is one of the worth going places to visit in Jammu. Moreover, if you are an adventure seeker, then you should not lose any chance to visit this venturesome place.
The place, along with wonderful views offers you various adventure activities like Paragliding, Snow- Skiing, Trekking, Rafting, and many other breathtaking activities.
Bhaderwah Distance from Katra- 160 Km
Bhaderwah Elevation- 1613 m
Snowfall Season in Bhaderwah – October – February
Dudu Basantgarh
Dudu Basantgarh is another fascinating place and undoubtedly comes under our list of Best Places to Visit near Vaishno Devi, Katra.
Moreover, here you will witness various captivating and incredible views that are so eye-catching that tourists can devote hours together sitting there and watching natural beauty comprising of mountains, water flows, thick dense forest covers, and habitations and vegetations in these areas.
In this magnificent valley called Dudu Basantgarh, you will experience the raw beauty of nature, less affected by modern civilizations.
In Addition, Dudu is also the base camp of BasantKund Yatra from where the official annual Baskund Yatra commences every year in August-September. In this Yatra thousands of devotees participate from different parts of district Udhampur.
Dudu Basantgarh Distance from Katra- 130 Km
Dudu Basantgarh Elevation- 1676.4 m
Snowfall Season in Dudu Basantgarh – December – February
Devi Pindi
Devi Pindi is an ancient Hindu temple and is one of the best and closest treks near Katra.
This place is around 30 minutes drive from Katra, Vaishno Devi, followed by a 3-4 km trek. This is one of the best places in Katra which you can cover in just one day.
It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi resides in the main shrine for three months and for the rest of the year, they meditate here. One can visit the place and worship the ‘Pindi roop’ of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Along with immense religious value, Devi Pindi also offers astonishing views at each turn. The Devi Pindi Trek starts alongside a water drain which flows with full thrust.
The person has to walk or rather balance on one of the sidewalls of the water drain. On the right side of your path, you will encounter an amazing valley stacked with amazing water streams and numerous waterfalls whereas on the left side there is a mountain wall.
This place is undoubtedly the hidden gem of India. On your way, you will witness magnificent views which you must have not seen anywhere. In addition, there are numerous waterfalls along your journey, you just have to find the less crowded one and enjoy it while taking a dip into the alluring crystal clear water.
Nevertheless, this small trek is one of the most wonderful experiences in Jammu & Kashmir. Hence, the religious value of the place along with scenic and photogenic views, makes Devi Pindi one of the best places to visit near Vaishno Devi, Katra.
Devi Pindi Distance from Katra- 15 Km
Devi Pindi Elevation- 1000 m
Daggantop
Daggantop is another beautiful place lying in the proximity of Katra. The route from Katra to Daggantop is still under construction, so you can face liitle problems during your journey. But, all that struggle is worth, once you reach this beautiful and alluring place.
This place is covered with lush green meadows and surrounded with marvelous mountains ranges which looks spectaular.
Ramakunda, 1-2 kms away from Daggantop is one of the best destination for camping and many tourists as well peaople from neighbour town visit there for camping and star gazing.
Moreover, you won’t find any hotels or restuarants near by, so its better to carry your own tents and required stuff. Though, there is no issue of the food as there are few shops run by the local people.
Daggantop also offers excellent opportunity for winter games like skiing and snow sledges.
Hence, if you want to spend some peaceful time and want to cut off from the external world for some time, Daggantop is your one-stop destination.
Daggantop Distance from Katra- 116 Km
Daggantop Elevation- 2000 m
Snowfall Season in Daggantop- October – February
Jungle Gali
Jungle Gali is one more beautiful unexplored destination that carries great potential to attract tourists. This place is very near to Katra and is surrounded by magnificent mountains from all sides.
In addition, Jungle Gali is the base camp for various high-altitude treks like Saroli Dhar Trek which stands at the altitude of 10,000 ft. On your way, you will find various soothing natural waterfalls which add to the beauty of this amazing place.
In spite of being so near to Jammu, it receives heavy snowfall in winter, and even during the peak summers, the temperature in Jungle Gali stays between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, even being a remote location, Jungle Gali has an amazing camping and cafe site, managed by Cloud Camp & Cafe. They provide activities like camping, trekking parties, bonfire music, and good food.
Hence, Jungle Gali can be another go-to place and is on our list of best places to visit near Vaishno Devi.
Jungle Gali Distance from Katra- 35 Km
Jungle Gali Elevation- 1,653 m
Snowfall Season in Jungle Gali- December – February
Panchari
The first tourist village of Jammu & Kashmir, Panchari in the Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir has comfortable homestays, unparalleled views, unseen gems to explore, and much more.
Surrounded by beautiful meadows and dense pine and kail trees this stunning hill station was launched on 12 October 2021. The aim of this project is not just to boost the tourism of J&K, but also to empower the women and youth by providing various employment opportunities.
In addition, to make the younger generation aware and experience the raw village life various activities like Farm visits, milking of cows, preparation of buttermilk, functioning of water mills and atta chakkis, spinning of handlooms, sheep rearing, and many other activities are introduced for the tourists.
Furthermore, Pancahri is surrounded by marvelous peaks from all four sides-
- Shankhpal Dhar on the North
- Nathatop on the East
- Saroli Dhar on the West
- Kainth Gali on the South
Hence, Panchari can be the ideal hill station for you, if you are looking for peace and want to experience village life with all the necessary facilities.
Therefore, Panchari is on our list of best places to visit near Vaishno Devi, Katra.
Panchari Distance from Katra- 64 Km
Panchari Elevation- 1798.32 m
Snowfall Season in Panchari- December – February
Shiv Khori
If you have ever come to Katra, you must have heard about this place called Shivkhori. As, no pilgrim who visit Mata Vaishno Devi, goes back home without doing the darshan of the 4-foot shiv lingam in Shivkhori.
Shivkhori is a captivating destination famous for its religious beliefs. This place holds great importance in the Hindu religion due to the presence of the 4-foot tall, self-manifested lingam of Lord Shiva also known as Aap Swayambhu.
According to the legends, this cave is devoted to the invisible and unborn form of Mahadev (Lord Shiva). On your visit to the cave, you will yourself experience the magical power of the presence of Lord Shiva.
To reach the mystic cave, you have to cover a trek of 3 km which is surrounded by lushed green mountains and serene views. Though the route inside the Shivkhori cave is a little narrow and challenging, the energy you feel on the way to Aap Swayambhu Shiv Lingam is unmatched. Also, the pilgrims are sure to feel blessed at the sight of the idol.
The heavenly and mystical vibes of the cave are enough to mesmerize you and will be willing to visit this place again and again.
Hence, Shivkhori is on our list of the best places to visit near Vaishno Devi.
Shiv Khori Distance from Katra- 78 Km
Shiv Khori Elevation- 1584.96 m
Snowfall Season in Shiv Khori- December – February
Baba Dhansar
Baba Dhansar in Karura village is a famous religious place among Hindus and is also devoted to Lord Shiva. To reach the temple you have to step down around 100 stairs and on your right, you will find the temple which is no less than heaven by any chance.
The naturally formed Shivlingam is surrounded by the Karua Jheel which has a magical dark blue hue. The Karua Jheel is considered sacred and therefore bathing is not allowed here.
However, there is a separate area formed for the devotees to take a dip, downstream just below the Karura Jheel. In addition, you will also find milky water droplets falling on the Shivlingam continuously at a constant pace all around the year.
This place also links to the very interesting story of Lord Shiva. According to the legends, when Mahadev went to Amarnath to tell Mata Parvati the story of his immortality, he left Sheshnag, his serpent king in Anantnag. Sheshnag was reborn in the human form as Vasudev Ji and Baba Dhansar was one of his sons.
According to local beliefs, during ancient times, there was a demon who used to live around the pond. The demon started to create havoc and destruction in the village. So, villagers went to Baba Dhansar to seek help and they agreed to help. Further, to kill the demon Baba Dhansar prayed to lord Shiva for a long time, and finally, with the help of Lord Shiva, they were successful in killing the demon.
Hence, because of its immensely powerful history, Baba Dhansar comes to our list of best places to visit near Vaishno Devi.
Baba Dhansar Distance from Katra- 13 Km
Baba Dhansar Elevation- 466 m
Snowfall Season in Baba Dhansar- ———
Deva Mai
Deva Mai is one of the closest destinations that you can visit when in Katra. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi meditated over here with the aim of completing her life as a human during the early phases of Kaluga.
This place along with its religious history offers alluring views and the panoramic view of Trikuta hills where Mata Vaishno Devi is located.
Deva Maai offers a whole different vibe as you need to go through the mountains and the road is covered with trees from both sides. On the way, you will experience a soothing cool breeze which is a great feeling to experience.
Furthermore, you will experience the best sunrise and sunset of your life from this gem of a place. Also, if you are lucky you may encounter beautiful birds and animals like Peacock, Deer, etc.
Deva Maai Distance from Katra- 13 Km
Deva Maai Elevation- 466 m
Snowfall Season in Deva Maai- ———
