For devout pilgrims wanting to visit the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, the picturesque town of Katra in Jammu & Kashmir is the natural entry point. Located 42 km from the city of Jammu in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra offers pilgrims various modes of travel to reach the shrine - trek on foot, hire a pony, take an electric vehicle, use the ropeway or fly by helicopter. Apart from the shrine, Katra has many more attractions for the tourist. White water rafting on the rushing waters of River Chenab is an extremely popular pastime. Jhajjar Kotli, on the banks of River Jhajjar, is a beautiful spot for picnics. The Nau Devi Cave Temple has deities carved inside a secluded cave, which is surrounded by a river. Shivkhori is another natural cave with the Shiv Linga, believed to be formed naturally. The captivating hill station of Patnitop is within easy reach, offering spectaculer mountain views and trekking routes alongside facilities for skiing, paragliding and golfing. Katra has so much to offer!