Katra is a small town of Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is located at the foothills of Mountains of Trikuta. It is situated at the distance of 42 km from Jammu. The town of Katra comes under the district of Reasi of the state. Katra is mainly known for Katra Vaishno Devi. The Shrine of this Katra Vaishno Devi is located at the Mountains of Trikuta. Katra is home to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The university is one of the most prominent technical universities of India. Katra is elevated at the altitude of 754m. Summer is hot while it is very cold in winter with its temperature touching down to minus degrees. You can get down form train at Jammu Tawi which is closest railway station to Katra. The railway station is well connected to many other cities and town of the state and the country. There are many state run buses and other private vehicles to reach Katra from Jammu and other towns and cities of the state. Nearest airport is located at Jammu which is just 48km away from Katra. The airport is well linked by several flights to other major cities of the country. Katra is popular destination of tourists and must visit place. It is an important location as it is the base of other tourist destination. The shrine of Katra Vaishno Devi is located 14 km away from Katra. The shrine is situated at the altitude of 5200 feet. The shrine draws thousand of pilgrims from all over the country. Before starting their trek to reach the Shrine devotees have to register first at Katra. Another trek is for Baba Bhairavnath. It is just 1.5 km from away from the shrine. The trek offers many picturesque views of surrounding beautiful nature. Situated at 30km from Katra, Dera Baba Banda is a pilgrimage centre for both Hindu and Sikh. Baba Dhansar is beautiful picnic spot. It is just 10 km away from Katra. The holy cave of Shiv Khori houses four feet high naturally formed Shivling. The holy cave is one km long and about 75km away from Katra. On the occasion of Shivratri a major fair is organized here. Thousands of pilgrims come here from throughout the country. The town of Katra houses many hotels with accommodation facilities according to varying budget of the tourists and devotees. Katra is becoming popular destination among the tourists and the pilgrims. There are many restaurants, Dhabas, guest houses fast food joints in Katra fitting to all budgets. The main market of Karta offers its visitors and devotees woolen garments, leather jackets, hosiery etc.
