Katra is a beautiful place in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Katra, which is famous for Vaishno Devi, is surrounded by many beautiful hill stations. These places are not only known for their scenic beauty but are also perfect for adventure and relaxation. In this article, you will learn about the top 10 hill stations which are near Katra, their distance, best time to visit, and what to do.
Hill Stations Near Katra – Quick Reference Table:
| Hill Station | Distance from Katra (km) | Best Time to Visit | Activities |
| Patnitop | 102 | March to June, Sept to Oct | Skiing, Trekking, Nature Walks |
| Sanasar | 110 | April to June | Paragliding, Trekking |
| Bhaderwah | 160 | October to February | Trekking, Scenic Views |
| Bani | 180 | March to November | Trekking, Bird Watching |
| Shiv Khori | 70 | March to October | Temple Visit, Trekking |
| Khajjiar | 185 | June to September | Golfing, Paragliding |
| Mansar Lake | 60 | March to November | Boating, Picnicking |
| Dalhousie | 190 | March to June, Sept to Nov | Trekking, Colonial Architecture |
| Dharamshala | 200 | March to June, Sept to Nov | Trekking, Monasteries |
| Nathatop | 110 | December to March | Skiing, Paragliding |
About top 10 hill stations near Katra:
Along the way from Katra, you will see many hill stations. These hill stations provide several attractions and beautiful nature, which is perfect for nature lovers and newlyweds:
Patnitop:
Patnitop is one of the peaceful places to visit in Katra Jammu. It is famous for its greenery, meadows, and beautiful views. It also offers a peaceful environment that is perfect for newlyweds.
- Location: Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Best time: March to June & September to October.
- Activities to do: Trekking, Paragliding, and Picnics
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
- Distance from Katra: 102 km
Sanasar:
Sanasar is a beautiful village near Patnitop and one of the best places near Katra, where people go for paragliding and camping. This village is surrounded by fine forests and lakes. Travellers come here to enjoy paragliding and camping activities.
- Location: Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Best time: April to June.
- Activities to do: Paragliding, camping, and bird watching
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
- Distance from Katra: 110 km
Bhaderwah:
Bhaderwah is one of the places to visit near Katra; basically, it is a hidden spot in Jammu famous for its rivers and snow-capped peaks. Here, travellers can enjoy trekking, camping, and views of the Himalayas.
- Location: Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Best time: October to February.
- Activities to do: Trekking, camping, exploring meadows and rivers.
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
- Distance from Katra: 160 km
Bani top:
Bani is a hill station near Katra Jammu and Kashmir; it is famous for its apple orchards, temples, and beautiful attractions. Many people visit Bani when they visit Jammu and Kashmir because it is one of the ideal places near Katra.
- Location: Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Best time: Summer and Autumn Season
- Activities to do: Visit Shiva temple and explore apple orchards and Kailash Kund.
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
Shiv Khori:
Shiv Khori is a place near Katra; this temple is devoted to Shiva, and it is believed to have its powers. All the tourists who come here to visit believe that all their wishes are fulfilled.
- Location: Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Best time: Summer and Winter months
- Activities to do: Explore the temple
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
Khajjiar:
Khajjiar is also known as India’s mini Switzerland. It is the best hill station near Katra. Tourists can enjoy lakes and explore forests. People living here also come for picnics.
- Location: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Best time: Summer and Autumn Season
- Activities to do: Picnics, horse riding, boating, and exploring forests.
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
Mansar Lake:
Mansar Lake is a famous lake where tourists can enjoy beautiful views and bird watching in a peaceful setting. This is not a hill station, but you will not come here as much as to the hill.
- Location: Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Best time: Summer and Winter months
- Activities to do: Boating, picnics, birdwatching, exploring old temples and lakes.
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
Dalhousie:
Dalhousie is a hill station near Jammu Katra that offers pine valleys from which tourists can enjoy stunning views. It is an ideal place to celebrate a honeymoon in India because it provides a romantic environment.
- Location: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Best time: Summer and Winter months
- Activities to do: Explore Subash Baoli and Church and enjoy views of the Himalayas.
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
Dharamshala:
Dharamshala is a cultural hub and one of the famous tourist places near Katra. Here, tourists can do trekking activities.
- Location: Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Best time: Summer and Autumn Season
- Activities to do: Explore the monasteries and Dalai Lama temple, and enjoy trekking.
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
Nathatop:
Nathatop is also a hill station near Katra, famous for its snow-covered slopes and views of the Himalayas. It is perfect for nature and adventure lovers.
- Location: Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Best time: December to March.
- Activities to do: Snow activities, trekking, visiting parks and enjoying the views of the Himalayas.
- How to reach from Katra: By Road and then take a taxi.
- Distance from Katra: 110 km
Things To Do:
Tourists can do many things in Katra. Below, we have mentioned some things that can be done in Katra:
- Visit the Vaishno Devi Temple
- Explore Bangana Temple
- Ardhkuwari Temple
- Bhairon Temple
- Explore Bharion Ghati Trek
- Enjoy Helicopter Ride
- Shopping
- Enjoy Local Cuisine and more.
How To Reach:
By Air:
The nearest Airport to Katra is Jammu Airport. You have to take a taxi or bus from the airport to Katra.
By Train:
For train journey, you must take a train from your nearby railway station to the Jammu Tawi railway station; from there, you have to take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Katra.
By Bus:
Katra is well-connected to the other cities of India. You have to take a bus to Katra.
Things to Carry while visiting top 10 hill stations near katra:
- Warm Clothes
- Comfortable footwear
- Waterproof jacket and poncho
- Sun protection
- Medicines
- Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Backpack
- Camera
- First Kit
- Map Guide
- Portable Charger and more.
FAQ’s:
Which Jyotirlinga is near Katra Vaishno Devi?
The nearest Jyotirling near Katra is Shiv Khori, which is 70 km away.
Which hill station is famous in Jammu?
Patnitop is the most famous hill station of Jammu, which is known for its beauty and adventure activities.
Which city is closest to Katara?
Jammu is closest to Katra, which is just 50 minutes away.
Which hill station is near Katara?
Patnitop is the nearest hill station to Katra, at a distance of 102 km.
What to buy from Katra?
From Katra you can buy traditional jewellery, woolen clothes, and local handicrafts. All these things are specialties here.
