The Most Awe-Inspiring Places to Visit near Katra for an Exciting Vacation

Katra is one of the most popular small towns located in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. You must have heard about this place if you ever visited the sacred shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is a base where tens of thousands of devotees land to start their journey (a 13-kilometre trek) to reach their destination. Katra has become a well-known place, and you can spot several hotels, restaurants, and cafes here. However, there are several other places that are worth mentioning near Katra. So, if you are visiting here, you should definitely explore these places near Katra:

Gulmarg

Gulmarg sits at the top of the list of the best tourist places near Katra. Snow-clad mountains, picturesque landscapes, and endless natural beauty is what Gulmarg is all about. This place is truly God’s best creation. You can explore this beautiful place by strolling around in an orchard of walnuts and apples, riding on Asia’s biggest cable car- the famous Gulmarg Gondola, and skiing in the shark fin. Besides this, Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, and the Gulmarg Golf Course are some of the other tourist spots in Gulmarg that must be explored.

Some of the top things to do in Gulmarg are ice skating, trekking, taking a gondola ride, and clicking photos in front of the most amazing backdrop. You must include Gulmarg in your Katra tour package, as it is one of those places that you will carry in your heart forever.

Patnitop

Patnitop is yet another gorgeous hill station located at a distance of 85 km from Katra and 6640 feet above sea level. It is one of the best places to visit near Katra in Jammu for tired souls who want to relax and have a rejuvenating experience. Patnitop has balmy weather during the summer season and chilly weather during the winter months. Winter visitors flock here to enjoy the snowfall and the panoramic view of snow-capped mountains. The journey from Katra to Patnitop is accompanied by gorgeous landscapes that are a treat to watch. Once you reach here, you can enjoy your time by exploring several tourist attractions such as Naag Mandir, Billoo Ki Pawari, Kud Park, and Madhatop.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a captivating hill station located 215 kilometres from Katra. Though it comes under the province of Himachal Pradesh, it is not very far from Katra geographically. You can plan a staycation at Dalhousie as part of your next trip to Katra. It’s a place where you will be amazed to see Scottish houses that were built during the colonial era. Apart from beautifully designed English homes, there are a lot of things to explore in Dalhousie. Dense forests filled with deodar trees, high mountain peaks, and strong influences from the British era make this place one of a kind. You can spend your time in this beautiful hill station near Katra by visiting landmark places such as the rock garden, Subhash Baoli, Chamera Lake, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and Bakrota Hills.

Srinagar

The list of best places to visit near Katra is incomplete without mentioning Srinagar, which is known for its astonishing beauty. The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is a delightful place that people love to revisit every few years to rejuvenate the body and soul. It is considered a paradise on earth, and rightly so! Serene lakes, natural bounty, snow-covered mountains, and ancient Mughal gardens are some of the natural elements that comprise the beauty of Srinagar. It is a perfect tourist place to visit near Katra for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Its popularity has never declined in these many years, and it is one of the most visited places in Jammu and Kashmir. Dal Lake, Jama Masjid, Doodhpatri, Shalimar Bagh, and Manasbal Lake are some of the places to explore in Srinagar.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a hidden gem of Jammu and Kashmir that is yet to be discovered by the majority of tourists. This is why it is a must-visit place as it is conserved from over-commercialization. A dense green valley, picturesque views and mesmerizing lakes are some of the essential natural elements that you can witness during your trip to Pahalgam. It is located at a comfortable distance of 211 km from Katra. A road trip is the best way to reach this stunning location. You can spot avid trekkers and nature lovers strolling in this area as it has so much to offer. Some of the sightseeing locations in Pahalgam are Betab valley, Mamal temple, Kolahoi glacier and Sheshnag Lake. If you are looking for an off-beat tourist place to visit near Vaishno Devi Katra, then Pahalgam must be on your bucket list.

Chandanwari

Chandanwari is yet another base location for the journey to the highly regarded religious shrine, the Amarnath temple. The place is very close to Pahalgam, and usually, devotees visit here in the monsoons to start their Amarnath yatra. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that is not meant for faint-hearted people. The journey is physically taxing but mentally soothing at the same time. Many travellers come here after they have completed the Mata Vaishno Devi trek. They take a little break in between and then start their journey to Amarnath Temple.

If you visit Chandanwari, you will be enchanted to see the vivid imagery of the Lidder River flowing on one side and a snow-peaked mountain on the other. It is truly a sight to behold forever. Every turn in this place is attractive and magnifies the beauty of nature.

Baba Dhansar

Baba Dhansar is one of the holy places to visit near Katra, where Vaishno Devi holds huge significance in Hindu culture. Every year, there is a huge influx of pilgrims at this place to pay their homage to Baba Dhanesar. The temple is very close to the scenic Karua waterfall. The temple is located at a certain height, so visitors have to climb a 100-step path to reach it. Both sides of the stairs are covered with lush greenery that makes the journey very rewarding. You can pause in between to click some pictures and resume your journey after a short break. Once you reach the temple, you will feel centered and have a calming experience. This place has a naturally formed Shivling, and how it is formed is still a mystery.

Sanasar

Last but not least, Sanasar is one of the less explored hill stations near Katra, located at a distance of 106 km. It is rather interesting to know that the names Sana and Sar are given to two quaint villages in the Jammu region that are named after two lakes, namely Sana and Sar. This place is a paradise for adventure seekers. Paragliding, rock climbing, and trekking are some of the outdoor activities that are very common in this place. Sanasar is one of the off-beat places near Katra that is not yet ruined by mass tourism. So, if you are a fan of unexplored beauty, nature in its true form, and quieter tourist places, then Sanasar is the place for you. You can stay in adventure camps, explore sightseeing places, and participate in adventurous activities to make the most of your vacation.

Places to visit near Katra are filled with poise and serenity. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or adventure enthusiast, you can certainly find a place that matches your vibe. Make sure to choose a Katra tour package that covers some of these beautiful destinations that must be explored at least once in a lifetime.