Introduction:

Katra is famous for being a base town for the start of world famous Mata Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage and has all the hotels and accommodations for pilgrimage among other facilities, Katra also has Helipad and Train Station. The Vaishno Devi shrine is a very popular shrine in northern India, and is one of India's most visited pilgrim destinations. The shrine is mainly dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, whose idol is housed in a very small cave shrine. Vaishno Devi is yet another name for Goddess Shakthi, more popularly known as Lord Shiva's consort.

Destination Facts:

Location: Jammu and Kashmir, District Udhampur
Altitude: 754m
Climate: (summer 18 to 30°C) (winter 05 to 20°C)
Language: English, Hindi, Urdu,Punjabi

How to Reach:

By Airport: Jammu is the nearest airport @ 48kms 
By Rail Station: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station
By Road: Direct Trains and Buses are from Jammu and Delhi that connect Katra.

Distance from the major cities/towns from Katra:

Jammu - 48Kms, Udhampur - 45Kms, Srinagar - 260kms, Delhi - 650kms approx

Places of Tourist Interest:

Vaishno Devi Temple: 
The holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is unique as it contains the holiest of holy Pindis manifesting Mata in her three forms i.e. Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati. Each form represents a particular attribute.To reach this hilly abode of Durga, a devotee has to make his first halt at Katra,a town situated at foothill around 1,700 feet above the sea level. 

Shiv Khori: 
Situated in District Reasi of J&K state depicts the natural formation of Shivlingum. It is one of the most venerated cave shrines of Lord Shiva in the region. The Holy cave is more than 150 mts long & houses 4 feet high Svayambhu Lingum, which constantly baths in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling. The cave is full of natural impression & images of various Hindu Deities & full of divine feelings.

Getting Around:
The place is best explored on foot.

Best Time to Visit:
March to November is the best time to visit this destination.