Katra (Vaishno Devi)

Best time to visit

March to May and September to November

Katra, being located in the Himalayan foothills, experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and mild summers. The region receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season, which typically brings heavy rain from July to September.

Getting there & around

• Rail — Connected to major cities like Udhampur and Jammu.
• Road — Well-connected by national highways to nearby cities.
• Auto-rickshaw — Common mode of transportation within the city.
• Tongas — Traditional horse-drawn carriages for short distances.

Famous eateries & specialties

• Katra's famous Halwa — A sweet, creamy dessert made with wheat flour, milk, and nuts, often served hot and topped with nuts and dried fruits.
• Mata Vaishno Devi Dhaba — A simple, no-frills eatery serving traditional Punjabi and Kashmiri dishes like sarson ka saag, makki ki roti, and kashmiri pulao.
• Shivling Lassi — A popular spot for refreshing glasses of lassi, a yogurt-based drink, flavored with cardamom, saffron, or other spices.
• Katra's famous Kulhar Chai — A flavorful, spiced tea served in earthen cups, often accompanied by snacks like samosas or kachoris.

Emergency numbers