Introduction
Most people who visit Katra are planning a visit to Vaishno Devi temple. If you are only visiting for a couple of days, climbing to the temple and back will take up about 2 days.
However, in case you have some extra time and want to explore the places around Katra (especially if you are from a different part of India and may not be able to visit Katra again), you should definitely take this opportunity.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve visited some of the places that we have mentioned in our list of the best places to visit near Katra.
Patnitop
Patnitop is located in the Chenab basin. It is one of the most visited places in the entire region. Tourists from both all over India and Jammu love visiting this hill station for a variety of reasons.
It has amazing views of the Himalayas in the winters, when you can also watch snow both on Patnitop and on the nearby Natha Top.
There are a lot of trendy cafés, restaurants and hotels that cater to every type of visitor. There are also horse riding activities that are great for kids as well as everyone else.
If you are visiting in the summer you can have access to most amazing treks. In the winters, it turns to a winter wonderland.
For living, you can choose from numerous hotels and guest houses. You can also rent out cottages where you can build a cosy atmosphere, build campfires and so much more.
In the winter months, Patnitop also has skiing and other winter adventure sports that you can enjoy.
Natha top
Natha top is located just in front of Patnitop in fact you can view a few places from your location on the top.
Natha top is filled with snow pretty much the whole year. In the summer months, the snow melts and there is amazing beautiful green grass with a golden hue.
This place is especially great for couples or friends who want to take lots of pictures, selfies and get away from the hustle bustle of everyday life.
Even though it’s a very beautiful and amazing location, you may not find a lot of eating or accommodation options in Natha Top.
That means it’s better to live in Patnitop and enjoy Natha top on a one-day trip.
Sanasar lake
It is also called mini-Gulmarg of Jammu and Kashmir. This beautiful lake is surrounded by large conifer trees.
The amazing old growth tree forest. There are camping sites nearby as well have lots of dhabas and small stalls which offer both regional food as well snacks like Kaladi or Maggi.
If you like adventure like trekking and love to go on nature walks, and adventure sports like paragliding or rock climbing, Sanasar is the place to go.
Shiv Khori
Shiv Khori is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is very close to Vaishno Devi as well as other religious sites like Baba Dhansar, also on our list.
The most amazing thing about Shiv Khori Temple is the self-manifested 4-foot long Lingam of Lord Shiva. Even the cave is said to look just like Lord Shiva’s Damru (drum).
The cave entrance is big and can accommodate hundreds of people. As you go into the interior part, the chamber keeps getting smaller as you go to the Darshan spot.
It is said that there is a cave path from Shiv Khori Street to Amarnath Temple. That way is now closed and not in use.
Baba Dhansar
Baba Dhansar has a very beautiful hill station near Katra. It also has an old beautiful Lord Shiva temple which you should definitely visit if you have come on a pilgrimage.
Its most famous feature is its beautiful waterfall. As the lake is considered very sacred, no swimming is allowed.
The best time to visit Baba Dhansar is Holi and Shivratri as there are big celebrations at that time.
Dera Baba Banda Bahadur
One of the lesser known but amazing places to visit near Katra is this historic Gurudwara. Situated on the banks of the Chenab, it has historical artefacts related to the Sikh religion.
On the day of Baisakhi, there is a 3-day festival or mela that is celebrated with great gusto each year. It is well-connected by road, having both buses and cab services running throughout the day.
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