Nestled against the snow-draped peaks of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra or Vaishno Devi Katra is a small town in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located at a distance of 50km from Jammu, the capital city. Katra serves as the base camp for the devotees visiting the holy Vaishno Devi shrine in the Trikuta hills. The 14km long trek to Vaishno Devi commences from Katra only. More than 6.2 million devotees throng the town each year. Besides known for its holy temples and shrines, Katra is also renowned for its dry fruits and local handicrafts. The bustling markets of Katra are stocked with numerous shops, selling dry fruits, local handicrafts, woollen wear, idols and lockets of Maa Vaishno Devi and other items offered as Prasad at Vaishno Devi shrine.
As a major pilgrimage destination of India, Katra offers ample accommodation options to every class of pilgrims. There are many cheap hotels, lodges, guesthouses, government approved hotels and luxury hotels in Katra. Free accommodation is also available at Katra in a few Dharamshalas. Most of the expensive hotels in Katra are located at the outskirts while the budget hotels Katra can be found in the busy market area and near to the bus stand. The rooms offered by the hotels in Katra are well furnished and comfortable. All essential amenities are available in Katra hotels for the comfort of the guests. Many of the expensive hotels in Katra have in house restaurants, which offer delicious vegetarian food at reasonable rates. In Katra, only vegetarian food is served at the all eating-places. Known for their unmatched services and warm hospitality, the hotels in Katra offer many facilities to guests, which include car parking, health centers, private lockers, currency exchange, car rentals, banquet rooms, conference rooms, safe deposit etc. The tour and travel desk of Katra hotels organize short trips and excursions in and around the city. |
