places to visit near vaishno devi Archives - Skyview by Empyrean

July 15, 2020May 17, 2022

Top Places to Visit in Katra besides Vaishno Devi

Situated in Jammu and Kashmir, Katra is famous for its pilgrimage destination Vaishno Devi and attracts numerous visitors from all around every year. With warm hospitable people and nature at its best, Katra is an ideal place to visit. What’s more, there are many other places to visit in Katra that are popular and are in close proximity that you can visit with your loved ones.

So if you are visiting this place, don’t just think Vaishno Devi temple is the only place you can go to but there are several places to visit near Vaishno Devi as well. Explore the rich culture and beauty of this town that is situated in the Reasi district.

Here are a few places that you can visit when you are in Katra:

Ban Ganga Temple

Located about 3 km from Katra, this temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples and holds great significance. It is believed that Goddess Durga had halted here to take rest while heading to the Trikuta Hills. As she was resting there, her attention was caught by a langur which was lying there thirsty. In order to help the langur, Goddess Durga used an arrow to shoot into a rock. When she did that, a freshwater spring emerged which is now popularly referred to as Banganga. Hence, this spring water is considered very holy and significant by the devotees. Several pilgrims also come here to take a holy bath after which they start their religious journey. The water here is believed to be pristine and helps those who take a dip here to get rid of the sadness or obstacles in their lives. As per the legends, Goddess Durga washed her hair in this river. The Banganga temple is located by this river amidst the picturesque views of the majestic hills making it look even more attractive. The temple offers a very serene atmosphere. It is one of the famous places to visit in Katra.

Bagh-e-Bahu

Situated about 45 km from Katra, Bagh-e-bahu is a unique place and is at the top of the list of places to visit in Katra and its surroundings. Many devotees choose this place to relax after visiting the holy temples and shrines in Katra. One of the most popular gardens located in Jammu, this garden is perfect for a stroll or a refreshing walk. One of the most noteworthy things about this garden is the beautiful lake which enhances the beauty of this garden even more. The garden also houses a temple of Maa Kali on its premises. Once you enter the garden, you will get to see beautifully aligned trees that lead to the walkway. There is also a terrace garden and a variety of pleasant blooming flowers that adds to the vibes of this garden. Thus the aesthetics and the serene environment of this garden attract tourists to this garden throughout the year. You will also get to see locals visiting this garden for a relaxing time. So whether you are alone, or with your family or your partner, this garden is a perfect place to visit. For couples, the Bagh-e-Bahu garden will definitely be romantic due to the calming natural surroundings. Other than a lake and a temple, this garden also houses one of the largest underground aquariums that you can find in India. This aquarium has been well-maintained and houses several species of fresh-water and marine water fishes. Other than that you will also find a museum and a laboratory. Bagh-e-Bahu garden is a perfect place to visit for those who want to explore nature, aquatic life, and more. There is no wonder why it attracts tourists to this place.

Jhajjar Kotli

While in Katra, do not miss out on visiting Jhajjar Kotli, situated about 15 km from Katra, this destination offers serenity and peace with lush greenery and a soothing surrounding to make you feel refreshed. The fresh air and the beautiful sight of this place make it a popular place among tourists.

Himkoti

If you are looking for a place that offers nothing but only nature at its best, you should definitely go here as it is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Katra and around it. It is situated at a distance of about 13 km from Katra and provides a splendid view of the entire valley. You will also find many locals who travel here for a fun picnic. An artificial pond in Himkoti adds even more charm to this place. And in case you want a completely serene experience in this already calming spot, there is also a meditation center. Isn’t that an icing on the cake? So if you are in Katra do visit Himkoti for its majestic views and beautiful greenery. This place is also known as the Himkoti viewpoint for the breath-taking view it offers.

While you are here for a picnic you can also enjoy some dishes from the restaurants and counters that have been set up here. They serve mouth-watering delicacies thus adding more to your experience.

So here is the list of famous places to visit in Katra and around it.

May 5, 2020August 27, 2022

5 Places to Visit Near Vaishno Devi

Located in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains, of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most popular pilgrim destinations of India. As the name suggests, the shrine is an ode to Mata Vaishno Devi. Devotees from across the country pay their homage to the Goddess, walking 12 km uphill and seeking her blessings. The popularity of the shrine has resulted in Katra developing into a leading tourist destination in north India. 2019 witnessed 79.4 lakh pilgrims coming for the darshan. A significant majority of these tourists visit here during the Navratris and their itineraries also include places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

The popularity of this destination has subsequently resulted in pilgrims not only coming for their pilgrimage but also as tourists to explore the places around Vaishno Devi. In this blog, we will look at 5 places to visit near Vaishno Devi, so that the next time you decide to come to Vaishno Devi, you can explore these destinations as well.

Read on!

Table of Content:

Jammu City
Katra
Patnitop
Bhaderwah
Kashmir

1. Jammu City

One of the 2 major divisions of the Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu city is the winter capital of the union territory and is home to several tourist destinations. The city has been home to the Dogra dynasty, who were the erstwhile rulers of J&K. Jammu city is only 45 minutes away from Katra and has several tourist spots that one can experience. To begin with, you can explore the Raghunath Mandir which has 300 icons of gods and goddesses. You can follow this up by visiting Bagh-e-Bahu located at Bahu Fort. The bagh or garden offers a scenic view of the Tawi river. Moving on, while in Jammu you must visit the Amar Mahal Palace which was built in the 19th century on the lines of a French Chateau. Now a museum, it exhibits miniature paintings, books, and a golden throne.

2. Katra

Famous for the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, you can also visit the ISKCON Temple while you are in Katra. Also, do not forget to explore the Katra market, which has numerous shops that sell dry fruits, honey, herbs, and pashmina items. You can also visit the Nau Devi Cave Temple, which is located 10 km away from Katra and features a 200 years old cave and features nine naturally carved idols of goddesses. Additionally, Baba Dhansar temple is one of the popular places to visit in Katra.

3. Patnitop

One of the several pristine hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most popular places to visit near Vaishno Devi as it is located only an hour’s drive from the famous shrine. The destination is famous for its pleasant weather during summers and snowfall during winters. It also is home to Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean, an adventure tourism destination of north India. The destination features the highest gondola ride in India in terms of ground clearance, the first zig-zag zipline in India, the first magic carpet in India, and restaurants that are one of the best places to eat in Patnitop. While you are in Patnitop, you can explore the meadows and the nearby tourist places of Patnitop as well. These include Sanasar, Madhatop, and Nathatop.

4. Bhaderwah

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Bhaderwah is an upcoming tourist destination of Jammu and Kashmir with serene views earning it the name of “mini Kashmir”. While in Bhadarwah, don’t forget to visit the Bhaderwah Fort which belonged to the erstwhile rulers of this picturesque destination. Additionally, you can also experience paragliding while you are here giving you a memorable aerial view of the valley. Other famous tourist destinations of Bhaderwah are Gupt Ganga, Jai Valley, Thanalla Village, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and Chinta Valley.

5. Kashmir

Despite being at a distance of 240 km from Vaishno Devi, several tourists add Kashmir to the itinerary thanks to Kashmir’s popularity across the world. The best way to experience its beauty is to hire a cab or drive to Kashmir’s capital Srinagar. The famous destination is known for its water bodies such as Dal Lake, Wula Lake, Manesar Lake; hill stations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. While you are in Kashmir, you can get your hands on the finest cashmere products made in the world along with saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world. Kashmir is also a delight for people who love exploring different cuisine, Kashmir’s much famous wazwaan is a must-try for every visitor to the pristine valley.

Vaishno Devi is one of the numerous places that make Jammu and Kashmir a traveler’s paradise. From the historic palaces, serene hill stations, and pristine lakes, Vaishno Devi is in the vicinity of all of these. We are sure whenever you decide to visit Vaishno Devi, you will visit these places as well.

March 13, 2020May 27, 2022

8 Best Places to Visit in Jammu & Kashmir

Best Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Are you planning a family vacation? or maybe a weekend getaways from Delhi or Punjab with your friends? You might be browsing through the internet to get good ideas about some places to visit and let me guess traveling to alluring hill stations of Northern India might somewhere be on the top of your list. Well, if that’s the case, then have a look at some of these amazing places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir and an unexplored destination which might surprise you with its adventuresome atmosphere. Let’s get into it.

Vaishno Devi

Located at about 5200 ft. above the sea level, Vaishno Devi is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The cave-styled sanctorium is devoted to goddess Mahalakshmi and is visited by millions of devotees every year with a belief that whatever they wish for will come true if they visit there with a pure heart.

Reaching the Bhawan from the foothills is an experience in itself. There are a few options available, you can either trek from base camp to the temple, book the helicopter service which starts from Katra on the foothills and the flight will drop you at Sanjichhat, or hire the Pony, Porter, and Palanquin services to ease your journey.

One of the most common questions that pop up in people’s minds after completing the pilgrimage is what are some other places to visit in Katra besides Vaishno Devi temple or what are some other places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir other than Vaishno Devi? Well, there might be not a lot to do in Katra but you can visit the mall road which is the perfect place for devotees and tourists to buy a few souvenirs.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – If one is preferring to travel by air, then the Jammu airport, located at 50 kms is the nearest airport. Alternatively, Udhampur railway station is the closest railway station from which cabs can take directly to Vaishno Devi. Also, deluxe buses and cabs are available from Jammu city.

Bahu Fort

Believed to be one of the oldest structures in the city of Jammu, Bahu Fort was built around 3000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan of the Dogra dynasty. This magnificent Fort stands tall on the banks of river Tawi and is a major tourist attraction.

This fort provides history enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers with amazing opportunities to spend their share of time with nature and appreciate it.

The Mahakali temple built within the fort makes it a holy place for the devotees. The popular Bahu Mela held during the Navratri, in the fort, twice a year, attracts thousands of tourists and worshipers of Kali.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Bahu Fort can be easily accessed by taxi as the fort is within the city range.

Mubarak Mandi Palace

Situated in the heart of the old walled city of Jammu and famed for its archaeological significance and astounding narratives, this grand abode was the main seat for maharajas of the Dogra dynasty till 1925 and is now one of the main tourist attractions of Jammu.

Various buildings and complexes such as Darbar Hall, the Pink Palace, Royal Courts, Gol Ghar, Hawa Mahal, the Toshakhana palace, and the Sheesh Mahal, which is made entirely of glass, are encompassed within the walls of this palace.

The oldest complex in this palace dates back to the early 18th century and has seen its share of time and accumulated specimens from the past making Mubarak Mandi Palace one of the best places to visit in Jammu for history buffs.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Mubarak Mandi Palace is located within the heart of Jammu city and can be easily travelled by taking a taxi in Jammu city.

Peer Kho Cave

Peer Kho cave is the oldest site in the Shivalik region and attracts thousands of devotees during Shivratri and other Hindu festivals.

Situated along the banks of river Tawi, the Peer Kho cave temples are remnants linked with the instances from the Ramayana. The legend has it that the King of bears, Jambavan, meditated in this cave which is why the place is alternatively known as Jambavan Cave.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – The best way to reach the Peer Kho Cave is by taking a taxi from Jammu city which is located not more than 4 kms.

Mansar lake

Encompassed by the dense forest cover of the deodar forests and archaic temples, Mansar Lake is a popular excursion site in Jammu and is one of the popular places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

The Sheshnag shrine on the eastern bank of the lake makes it a sacred place for the newlyweds who perform three Parikrama (circum-ambulations) around the lake to seek the blessings of Sheshnag, the lord of serpents. The temples on the shore of Mansar Lake makes it a popular spot among the devotees.

During the summer season, the lake is swarming with lotus flowers blooming on its surface. Tourists also engage in bird watching around the lake during this season. The lake also offers breathtaking views for capturing amazing pictures of the changing hues of the sky at dawn and dusk.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Best way to reach Mansar Lake is to take NH1A bypass road to Surinsar road and continue 2-hour drive through wildlife sanctuary to reach Mansar Lake.

Srinagar

The Summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is situated on the banks of the Jhelum river. The stationary houseboats and colourful Shikaras in Dal Lake along with some of the most admirable Mughal-age gardens in India make Srinagar the perfect place to be.

Apart from being a tourist attraction, the many mosques and temples in this city attract lots of pilgrims every year as well.

The carpet and silk mills, silverware and copperware manufacture, leatherworking, and wood carving make Srinagar an ideal place for shoppers.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Srinagar Airport is located around the city which is the easiest mode of travel. One can also travel to Udhampur railway station, from which taxis can be hired or if one is a travel enthusiast, an approx. 6 hour drive from Jammu city can be covered through beautiful hills and mountains.

Gulmarg

Located at an altitude of about 2700 meters above the sea level, Gulmarg is an adventure hub of India popular for skiing and mountaineering.

Popularly known as the “Heartland of winter sports in India”, Gulmarg is voted as Asia’s seventh best ski destination. Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing take place on the slopes of Mount Apharwat and are reachable by a Gondola lift.

Apart from being the destination for winter sports, the famous Maharani temple and St. Mary’s church attracts pilgrims to Gulmarg.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – The beautiful meadow of Gulmarg can only be reached by roadways which is well connected to Srinagar at almost 50 kms, though Srinagar can be reached by multiple ways including airways, roadways and even railways.

Patnitop

Located at about 6600 ft. above the sea level, Patnitop is a hilltop tourist attraction place in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most popular places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

The dense woods, lush greenery of Pines, and tracks that lead to pockets of scenic views make it a perfect destination for adventure activities.

Skyview Patnitop is one such unexplored destination for adventure activities including a gondola ride, zipline, magic carpet, tubing sledge, and ropeway making it one of the best adventure places in India.

The ropeway at Skyview Patnitop is one of the highest ropeways in India with over 65 meters. of ground clearance and the longest span of 849 meters between 8 towers and is quickly becoming popular among the tourists and adventure buffs.

This ropeway is set in a scenic countryside view where you can see the beautiful mountains. Starting from Sanget, the lower terminal, this ropeway makes you reach the beautiful Patnitop in about 10-12 minutes.

The ropeway adheres to CEN (European) standard certification making it one of the safest ropeway in the world.

In addition to adventure activities, Skyview Patnitop offers a variety of cuisine representing Asian, Indian, and Continental, through multiple outlets.

There is a Kids Zone also which is equipped with slides, swings, trampolines, etc. giving something to enjoy for everyone visiting.

The perfect blend of adventure, food, and mesmerizing scenic views makes Skyview Patnitop one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir with your family.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Patnitop can be reached by a local bus or taxi from Jammu city which would take an approx. 3-4 hours. The nearest railway station to Patnitop is Udhampur Railway station, from where buses and taxi regularly ply to Patnitop.

Tag: places to visit near vaishno devi