Katra is a small town in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, and serves as the primary base camp for the revered pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi Temple. Located at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra is a bustling hub for pilgrims and a destination in its own right, offering a blend of spiritual significance, natural beauty, and a range of amenities for travelers.

The Spiritual Journey

The main draw of Katra is the Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in India. The temple is situated in a cave on the Trikuta Mountains, and devotees undertake a challenging 13-kilometer trek to reach it. Along the pilgrimage route, you'll find various stops with religious significance, including:

• Banganga Temple: A significant site where pilgrims take a holy dip before starting the trek.

• Ardh Kuwari Cave: Located midway on the trek, this is where Goddess Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for nine months.

• Bhairavnath Temple: A visit to this temple, situated a short distance uphill from the main Vaishno Devi shrine, is considered essential to complete the pilgrimage.

For those who are unable to trek, the journey can be made easier with options like ponies, palanquins, and a helicopter service from Katra to Sanjichhat, which is close to the main shrine. A new ropeway also connects the Vaishno Devi Bhawan to the Bhairavnath Temple, making that leg of the journey quick and convenient.