Kathua is located at a distance of 88 km from Jammu. According to an ancient legend, about 2000 years ago, Jodh Singh of the Andotra Dynasty, who was a popular Rajput King, settled here along with his three sons. The three sons established three small towns, namely Taraf Manjali, Taraf Tajwal, and Taraf Bhajwal. The three towns were collectively referred to as Kathai by the local people, and over time, Kathai evolved into Kathua. Kathua is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. It has religious centres as well as centres of tourist attractions. There are places like Bani, Panyalag Chandel, Sarthal Duggan and Bansal. The valley of Bani is a picturesque one with thick forests and numerous waterfalls. There are beautiful meadows as well.
The popular temples in Kathua are Dhoula Wali Mata and Jodia Di Mata. Mata Sundrikote, Mata Bala Sundari Airwan Temple, and Asha Purani Mandir are some of the renowned temples located in Kathua. Peer Chattershah and Gurudwara Singh Sabha are additional notable religious sites in the area. The district is also home to well-known towns such as Basohli, Bhaddu, Hiranagar, and Billawar. Basohli is another small town that is known for handicrafts like stine carved statues and miniature paintings. These are known as Basohli paintings. Billawar is yet another place that is famous for monuments and old temples like the Mahabilvakeshwar temple and s Shiva temple. Kathua is therefore a must visit destination in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
How to Reach Kathua
By air: The Srinagar airport, also known as the Sheikh ul Alam Airport is the nearest airport. Srinagar is very well connected to the rest of the India by various airline services. The nearest international airport to Srinagar is the Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi. This airport is also very well connected to other airports in the world.
By rail: Kathua has a railway station located at about 7 km from the city centre. Trains from Jalandhar, Kanpur, Jammu, Delhi, and Karnal regularly reach the Kathua railway station. It is therefore a well-connected railway station in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Taxis to Kathua town are available from the railway station itself.
By Road: Kathua is very well connected by road to all major cities in the state. Buses from Udhampur, Jammu, Katra, Shimla, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Srinagar, and New Delhi. Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation bus services are also available for Kathua from all these places. The rates are very reasonable. Tourists planning to visit Kathua can reach the destination via private buses also.
Best Time to Visit Kathua
Even though Kathua is very beautiful any time of the year, it is advised to visit Kathua during the months of April and May. This is when the place is the most beautiful.
Places of Sightseeing In and Around Kathua
There are several places to visit in and around Kathua. They are Bani, Duggan, Hiranagar, Billawar, Machhedi, Basohli, Bhaddu, Sarthal, Ranjit Sagar Dam, Jasrota, Dhar Mahanpur, Asha Purani Mandir, Dhoula Wali Mata, Sewa Hydel Project, Jodia Di Mata, Mata Bala , Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Mankote, Panyalag, Mata Sundrikote, Sukrala Mata Temple, Airwan Temple, Ujh Barrage, Mahabilva Keshwar Temple, Peer Chattershah, Narsingh Ji , temple, Sapt Sarober Mandir and Shree Anand Ashram.
Bani: Bani is a beautiful valley in the Kathua district. It is situated at a height of 4200 ft below sea level and hence remains covered with ice. This has earned it the sobriquet of `Mini Kashmir of Kathua`. Upon reaching the valley, travellers would discover several waterfalls, thick forests, noisy streams and beautiful meadows. It is indeed a wonderful location.
Asha Purani Mandir: The Asha Purani Mandir is located in Kathua itself. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. According to the mythology, the temple is situated on the spot where the ashes of Goddess Durga were dropped by the Sudarshana Chakra, a spinning disk-like weapon of Hindu God of Preservation, Vishnu. Since then, the temple is called the Asha Purani Mandir.
Airwan Temple: Airwan temple is situated at a distance of 15 kms from Kathua. It is home to an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The history of the temple dates back to the 4th century and it is believed that the legendary Kind Vikramaditya had built this temple. There are several natural springs that devotees use to take a dip before going for a Darshan at the temple. People who are unable to go to Haridwar to scatter the ashes of their deceased loved ones come here to do the same at the place called Gupt Ganga.
Hiranagar: Hiranagar is a town that was established by Raja Hari Singh. The Jasmergarh Fort which is located in the middle of the Tarnah and Bein Springs were also refurbished by him. It is a place that reminds one of the monarchy that once ruled this beautiful land.
Dhoula Wali Mata: Dhoula Wali Mata is a temple that is located at a height of 6000 ft. Pilgrims have to trek to reach the temple. The temple is visited mainly during the Navratri festival. There are buses to the temple from various parts of the state.
Dhar Mahanpur: The Dhar Mahanpur is near Basoli. It is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. This is a picturesque location that has several shrubs and deodar trees. The spot is used by the government to hold tourist Melas and fairs.
Hotels and Accommodation in Kathua
There are several hotels in and around Kathua. These places fit every budget and give excellent service to the guest. Some of the hotels in Kathua are Hotel New Chintpurni
The White Hotels, Bhawani’z Paradise Hotel, Hotel Sham Palace, Hotel Devi Mahal and the Holy Shrine Hotel.
Hotel New Chintpurni:
This hotel is located near the Shrine of Chintpurni. It has been recently renovated and has all the modern amenities. The hotel also gives a fantastic view of the wooded slopes and shimmering waters of the Govind Sagar. The staff is also very courteous and the hotel also offers very good dining to the guest.
The White Hotels:
This is a great hotel in Katra and offers great food and accommodation. The hotel also has a spa that the guests can use. The staff is very courteous and will go out of the way to make your stay comfortable. This hotel is a very good option for those who go for the Vaishno Devi temple pilgrimage.
Bhawani’z Paradise Hotel
Hotel Bhawani Z Paradise, Katra is a very good hotel that is located in the midst of Katra, facing Trikuta Hills, Katra, Jammu & Kashmir and is a leader in hospitality. The hotel also offers excellent dining options and well-appointed rooms.
Hotel Sham Palace
The Hotel Sham Palace is located in Katra. It has well-appointed rooms and offers excellent dining facilities to the guest. The rooms are also reasonably priced.
Hotel Devi Mahal
Hotel Devi Mahal has spacious and well-appointed rooms. It is located at the foothills of the Trikuta range and is very close to the Vaishno Devi temple. It is a very good option for those guests who wish to visit the holy abode.
Holy Shrine Hotel
Hotel Holy Shrine is located on Banganga Road in Katra. It is approximately 55 kilometres from the Jammu Airport and 45 kilometres from the Jammu Railway Station. The Hotel provides budget services which are suitable for all pockets. There are spacious and well-appointed rooms which are reasonably priced.
Suggested Tour:
Call
Enquiry