Katra Tehsil facts for kids

Katra Tehsil (Urdu: تحصیل کترا) is a small town in the Udhampur District of Jammu and Kashmir. It's a very important place for many people because it's the starting point for a famous pilgrimage. People from all over the world come here to visit the holy Vaishno Devi Temple.

Welcome to Katra: Gateway to a Sacred Journey

Katra is nestled in the beautiful Trikuta Mountains. It's not just a town; it's a bustling hub for pilgrims. The town is located about 42 kilometers (26 miles) from the city of Jammu. Its main purpose is to serve the millions of devotees who visit the Vaishno Devi Temple every year.

Where is Katra Located?

Katra is part of the Udhampur District in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This region is known for its stunning natural beauty. The town sits at an elevation of about 875 meters (2,871 feet) above sea level. The Trikuta Mountains surround it, making the scenery quite breathtaking.

The Famous Vaishno Devi Temple

The most important reason people visit Katra is the Vaishno Devi Temple. This temple is dedicated to Vaishno Devi, a form of the Hindu goddess Mahalakshmi. The temple is inside a cave high up in the Trikuta Mountains. Pilgrims have to trek about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) uphill from Katra to reach the shrine.

How to Reach the Temple

There are several ways to get to the temple from Katra. Many people choose to walk the entire distance. The path is well-maintained and has shelters and shops along the way. For those who prefer not to walk, there are other options:

• Ponies and Palanquins: You can hire ponies or palanquins (a kind of chair carried by porters) for the journey.
• Helicopter Service: A helicopter service is also available from Katra to a helipad near the temple. From there, it's a shorter walk to the shrine.
• Electric Vehicles: Some electric vehicles operate on parts of the path, making it easier for some pilgrims.

Life in Katra: A Pilgrim's Town

Katra's economy mostly depends on tourism and the pilgrimage. The town has many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. These places cater to the needs of the pilgrims. There are also many shops selling religious items, souvenirs, and local crafts.

What's the Weather Like?

Katra experiences different types of weather throughout the year.

• Summers (May to July): These months can be warm, but the evenings are usually pleasant.
• Monsoons (July to September): The area receives rainfall, which makes the surroundings lush and green.
• Winters (October to March): Winters are cool, and sometimes the higher parts of the mountains might see snowfall. Many pilgrims prefer visiting during the cooler months.

Getting Around Katra

Katra is well-connected to other parts of India.

• By Road: It has good road links to major cities like Jammu and Srinagar.
• By Rail: The Katra railway station (officially Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station) connects the town to the Indian railway network. This makes it easy for pilgrims to reach Katra by train.
• By Air: The nearest airport is in Jammu, which is about an hour's drive away.

Katra's Community

The people of Katra are very welcoming to visitors. The town has grown significantly over the years due to the increasing number of pilgrims. The local administration, known as a "notified area committee," works to manage the town's services and facilities. This includes keeping the town clean and ensuring pilgrims have a comfortable stay.

Katra is a unique town where faith, nature, and community come together. It plays a vital role in the spiritual journeys of millions of people every year.