Things to Know Before you Book a Hotel in Vaishno Devi

The little district of Reasi sees some of highest number of visitors as any other districts in Jammu. This can be attributed to the town of Katra, home to the shrine of Vaishno Devi, which attracted followers from all over the world.


Also known as Trikuta or Vaishnavi, the goddess deity of the Vaishno Devi temple brings to the town devotees of all ages. The temple is located at a 12 kilometre trek from Katra. Since the town is a popular pilgrim spot and also a developing tourist spot, it makes sense to book a hotel in Vaishno Devi well in advance.

If you are visiting Vaishno Devi for the first time, here is some tips and information that can help you have a great time in Katra.

•  The best time to visit Katra is in the months between March and October owing to the favourable weather conditions. The peak season of pilgrims in the town is during the festival of Navratri. If you plan on making a trip during this peak time, make sure to book a hotel in Vaishno Devi well in advance to ensure you do not lose out on living in your preferred hotel.

•  Vaishno Devi temple is located in the foothills of the Trikuta range. The hilly location of the town can make the weather really chilly during the winters, so make sure you carry ample warm clothes with you.

•  For those devotees who cannot make a trip to the main Bhawan of Vaishno Devi by foot or do not have the time to do so, there are alternatives as well. One of them is an affordable helicopter service between Katra and the Sanjichatt Helipad. The helipad is at a short walking distance from the temple. Senior citizens or those with special needs can opt for reaching the temple on ponies. Another alternative is reaching the temple on Palkis which is ideal for those who are unable to walk the distance but want to enjoy the journey up. When you book a hotel in Vaishno Devi, make sure it is at a close distance from the temple to make it more convenient.

•  There are plenty of pocket friendly hotels in Katra, make sure you opt for one with the best of facilities and more importantly is not far away from the starting point of the trek to Vaishno Devi temple.

•  Make sure you collect the ‘Visit Slip’ or ‘Parchi’ that is required to visit the temple. This can be booked online or collected physically when it is distributed at 6:00 am in the morning. Speak to your hotel desk to know more about where you can get this slip.

When you book a hotel in Vaishno Devi, make sure you ask if all the features that are necessary to you are in order. For example, if you are travelling with senior citizens who can’t climb steps, ensure that the hotel has rooms on the ground floor or a lift.

The White Hotels in Vaishno Devi,Katra: Make the Best of Your Time With the Right Accommod...

The White Hotels in Vaishno Devi,Katra: Make the Best of Your Time With the Right Accommod...: Whether you are a professional, a home maker, or a student, a vacation to a thrilling location is a must have to get over the monotony o...

Make the Best of Your Time With the Right Accommodation in Katra

Whether you are a professional, a home maker, or a student, a vacation to a thrilling location is a must have to get over the monotony of the daily life. And what better than making a trip to a place that serves both leisure and religious purposes. Wondering, which such place to head to next? The answer is Katra!  The city can be easily reached and accommodation in Katra is economical too for those on a strict budget.

A city that is chiming with the hymns of ‘Jai Mata Di’, Katra is the base camp for all devotees heading to the Vaishno Devi temple. Located in the foothills of Trikuta range, the town of Katra is the best place for those who prefer vacations to beautiful hilly areas. Just make sure you book your accommodation in Katra well in advance to not lose out on living in your preferred hotels or guest houses.

On the religious front, the city is home to several important temples and caves apart from Vaishno Devi, which are all at a convenient location from Katra. The trek to the main temple of Vaishno Devi Temple is exhilarating. Whereas when it comes to leisure front, the town has a lot to offer. Some of the activities you can be a part of when in Katra include:

•  White river rafting
•  Trekking the various foothills and mountains in the region
•  Taking a dip in the many waterfalls in Katra
•  Enjoying local delicacies at its array of restaurants known for serving lip smacking North Indian food
•  Enjoying a picnic in nature’s lap in the parks in the town

Katra is directly connected via road with the rest of Jammu. For those wanting to travel by air, the nearest airport is in Jammu and the closest railway station is in Uddhampur. One can reach their accommodation in Katra by plying cabs from the station and the airport.

The White Hotels, Katra

The White Hotels in Katra check all the boxes for making it the best hotel for visitors in this religiously important town. The hotel is located at a convenient distance from all the prominent temples and caves. It is well connected and has a location that is easily accessible by those travelling from out of town.

With more than 200 spacious rooms and an excellent staff, White Hotels in Katra boast of features and amenities like well-equipped gym, a swimming pool, and a spa among the many others. The hotels does not just score full points for its hospitality but for being pro-active in ensuring the safety of its customers as it is known to be earthquake resistant. The hotel has two restaurants to cater to a diverse customer base and is known for its high quality of food.

The answer for your search for excellent accommodation in Katra ends with White Hotels, which is affordable, comfortable, and offers the best of hospitality services.

Guide to the Best Budget Restaurants in Katra

One factor that can make or break your vacation is the absence or presence of good restaurants wherever you are. No matter how scenic the place you are visiting is or how amazing the hotel is, not able to find that suits your taste can often be a letdown that can spoil your vacation memories.

The beautiful town of Katra, known for being home to the famous shrine of Vaishno Devi, is a developing tourist area. The town is located in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir and is a very picturesque vacation to relax. The city is home to a plethora of restaurants and hotels that are very easy on the pocket and if you are looking for the one of the best budget restaurants in Katra, here is a guide to help you.

Search for them online

In the day and age where a quick internet search is a solution for most problems, all you have to do is run a quick online search for budget restaurants in Katra. This is ideal if you are not familiar with the local language to ask around or are looking specifically for a particular type of cuisine. Also, you can also come across reviews that can help you in deciding where you want to head.

Speak to the locals

Nobody knows any place as well as its residents, so make sure you speak to some locals for restaurant recommendations. This is one of the best ways to find those hidden gems which do not feature in your online list or for finding the right budget restaurants in Katra that serve local delicacies.

Walk around and explore yourself

Take a little walk down the streets of Katra and explore the city by its street food and affordable hotels by yourself. Some of these hotels may still not have made a debut online or maybe just opened recently and not so popular with the locals.

Moksh - The White Hotels

White Hotels in Katra are a preferred choice for accommodation for many who visit the town owing to all the facilities it offers for a pocket friendly price. One of the reasons why visitors love the hotel is due to its restaurant Moksh which is known for serving the best vegetarian food in North Indian cuisine. This is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Katra known for its impeccable services and hospitality.

The restaurant has a versatile menu and has been designed with great fervor to ensure that each and every item on it offers an unmatched culinary experience to its customers. The restaurant has a cozy and elegant ambience which is ideal for those looking forward to happy times with family and friends. The food is prepared by experienced chefs using only the best of ingredients and vegetables that are sourced carefully.

So what are you waiting for, to Moksh or to any other fine budget restaurants in Katra for a fine dining experience that won’t hurt your pocket.

Fun Things to do and Best Place to Stay in Katra

The peak of one’s religious duties and practices is when he/she visits a pilgrim place. Pilgrimages can strengthen one’s touch with their spiritual and religious self. India is home to pilgrim places for several religions and Katra is one of them.

Katra has been attracting devotees from around the world to its famous shrine Vaishno Devi Temple. Find the best place to stay in Katra well in advance as getting rooms in the desired hotel can be difficult during the peak season. The path to the shrine is a 12-kilometer trek from Katra. For those for whom walking all the way may be difficult, there is also a ‘palky’ service. This can be ideal for taking senior citizens and those with any kind of disability. There is also a helicopter service from Katra to the Sanjichatt helipad. The temple is at a short walking distance from the helipad. The helicopter services are affordable and can be booked online.

The town is often the home base where devotees rest and spend time before and after the trek to the Vaishno Devi Temple. Find the best place to stay in Katra for your trip well in advance to ensure you get one of the best and comfortable places for you and your family.

Apart from being a town important for its shrines, the city is also gaining importance as a tourist spot. The city’s location in the hills has endowed with the best of climate and some of the most picturesque sceneries.  Here are some of the things you can enjoy if you have some free time after visiting the temples.

  The Sulla park in Reasi is a popular spot among families and solo travelers. The park is well maintained and has water rides that are safe for kids. Find the best place to stay in Katra near the park if it is on your list of places to visit.

•  Head to the Sehar Baba waterfall in Reasi to enjoy a dip amidst the beauty of Jammu. The waterfall is ideal only if you go in the non-winter months as the water can sometimes freeze or may be too cold for a dip. Nonetheless, the falls are a treat to the eyes all times of the year. There is also a small temple right next to it, which you can visit as well.

  For the adventurous, the white river rafting is another popular activity in Katra. There are several adventure activity companies in the region who can help you with this.

So what are you waiting for plan your next trip to Katra well in advance so that you can get the best place to stay in Katra without any hassles. The weather in the town is more favorable in the months between March and October but can be visited throughout the year if you don’t mind extreme weather conditions. If you are planning to visit the city for solely tourism, then visiting Katra during the religiously non-important days would be ideal.

Try the Lip-Smacking Dishes at The Best Street Food Restaurants in Katra


From fine dining eateries to restaurants serving the most appetizing street food, there is a range of eating joints in Katra to satiate your cravings for good food. The city offers a myriad of options that dish out some of the most delectable Indian delicacies. However, there are some restaurants in Katra that are especially famous for their authentic street food items. These restaurants serve some amazing varieties of street foods which are worth falling for.

Here, we have listed the most popular street food items of Katra which you must definitely try to pamper your taste buds.

Kaladi Kulcha: One of the most popular street foods of Katra is Kaladi Kulcha. It is an authentic cheese of the Dogra cuisine, made from cow’s or goat’s milk. It tastes like cottage cheese but is a little sour towards the end. You can also find this dish by the name Maish Krej in some restaurants in Katra. It is typically served sandwiched between two soft buns.

Gul Gule: Another scrumptious street food of Katra is the famous gul gule. No wonder the name sounds a bit dramatic, but having a single bite of these will transport you to a world of absolute ecstasy. The dish is made from the very healthy chickpeas, garnished with a generous helping of radish and tamarind chutney.

Kachalu: This quick and light snack available at most of the restaurants in Katra is a hot favorite. It is made by mixing the kachalu or sweet potato with ingredients like freshly grounded pepper, chilli powder and wild lemons. These wild lemons, also known as Jamiri, taste absolutely wonderful. They are much bigger in size as compared to the normal lemons and you can readily find these with almost all vendors in Katra.

Chole Naan: Even though the dish is available in many regions of North India, it tastes especially heavenly in Katra. The incredible combination of wholesome spices makes the dish quite popular. It is served with a naan, topped with a sizeable amount of butter, all set for a great grub.

Chole Chawal and Rajma Chawal: Chole chawal and rajma chawal are two main dishes that make the street food of Katra all the more special. The two dishes are served with radish and tamarind chutney. Radish in Jammu is sweeter than other regions, making every dish unique and delicious.

Anardana Chutney: The local chutney of Katra is popular among the tourists owing to its taste and uniqueness. Made from an amazing combination of anardana seeds, mint, coriander and green chilies, this chutney makes every dish more appetizing. It is generally served with sliced onions.

The beautiful city of Katra is a paradise for all food lovers. There are a plenty of nice street food restaurants in Katra which offer all these afore-mentioned delicious dishes. Do not forget to try each one of them on your trip to Katra to indulge in its authentic local flavors.

Facilities Available in the best Budget Hotels in Katra

The lovely town of Katra, situated on the foothills of the majestic Trikuta Mountains, is a popular tourist spot. Home to the holy caves of Ma Vaishno Devi, Katra is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations. Besides, in Katra, one can also enjoy many other tourist spots such as Bhairo Baba Temple, Nau Devi Temple, Bhimgarh Fort, Sanasar Lake, etc. Authentic local cuisine and colourful bazaars bustling with activities are some other highlights of this beautiful town. And the best part is you do not necessarily have to shell out large sums of money to enjoy a wonderful vacation in Katra. Thanks to the long list of budget hotels in Katra.

Pick from a variety of rooms

There are a plenty of nice and warm hotels in Katra that offer a pleasant staying experience at extremely cost-effective tariffs. Almost all of these hotels come with different room categories, based on the conveniences they offer. If you are traveling alone, you can book a normal deluxe category room, but if you are traveling with family, you can consider booking a suite as well. All rooms are well furnished with basic modern amenities such as LCD televisions, hot and cold running water, electric kettle, digital safe, minibar, laundry services, and much more.

Facilities and amenities

You can expect a 24 x 7 concierge desk facility from the best budget hotels in Katra. These desks can provide you with all the necessary details about your trip, such as famous tourist spots, best places to eat, etc. In addition, they can also arrange a cab for you to easily roam around the city. Moving on, most good hotels in Katra provide an on-site restaurant or cafe. You can indulge in a variety of scrumptious food items and taste the authentic flavours of Katra. Having a nice on-site restaurant is a huge plus as you can eat your favourite dishes at any time without stepping outside your hotel.

There are a lot of inexpensive hotels in Katra that offer a host of family- friendly services such as a play area for kids, fitness centre, spa, etc. These services can help you make the most of your trip and also enjoy a good time with the kids. If you are traveling with elderly people, check in advance if your hotel offers emergency medical facility. Nowadays, most hotels come with doctor-on demand services as well as other medical care in case of any emergency. Some hotels also offer special services such as babysitting or secretarial services. These come in handy when you are travelling with your kids or on a business trip.

Finally

So, go ahead, and plan your trip to Katra but do not forget to check the availability of the above-mentioned facilities to have a fun-filled trip. You can find a huge list of budget hotels in Katra online. You can even book these hotels by calling them directly to land some really attractive pocket-friendly deals.

Book Your Preferred Vaishno Devi Hotel in Katra with A Few Simple Steps

Finding a good hotel and making a reservation can be a hectic task, especially if you are traveling with kids or elderly people. Thankfully, there are a plethora of online booking tools available that can assist you in finding the right accommodation as per your precise needs as well as comparing prices online. These tools make booking your favorite Vaishno Devi hotel in Katra extremely easy and hassle-free. If you have never booked a hotel room before, you can still do it easily and quickly with the help of a few simple steps.

To begin with, you need to determine your budget or the amount that you are willing to spend on a room. This is important as it will help you to narrow down your search and thus, spend minimal time in comparing the various options. After this, you need to determine the type of accommodation you are looking for. For instance, are you looking for a single occupancy room or a room for four? If you are traveling with family, would want to book a suite? Whether or not you require extra amenities, such as a fitness center or a spa? Are you looking for any hotel which is close to a specific tourist spot? These simple questions will help you in determining your requirements before booking any one hotel. If you are looking for a good Vaishno Devi hotel in Katra, choose the one that has a 24 x 7 concierge facility, a nice on-site restaurant, pick up and drop taxi service to the main Bhavan.

Once you know what you are looking for, it’s time to search the web. The quickest way to do it is via hotel search engines. These online search engines will allow you to input the specific number of days for which you intend to travel along with the number of people traveling. You can filter your search results based on your budget, the amenities you require, preferred location, etc. Based on your selected criteria, you will be furnished a list of hotels matching your requirements. You can use the map to check the proximity of the hotel to the nearby tourist spots. It is important to note that some credit card companies and AAA providers offer special discounts to their members. Don’t forget to call your company before making the final booking.

Once you have selected the hotel and your room category, go to the hotel’s official website to complete the booking. Many hotel booking engines ask you to make the payment via your credit card. Following the payment, you can take a print out of the booking receipt as proof of the payment. Carefully check the receipt to confirm the booking of your Vaishno Devi hotel in Katra and see everything is in order and there are no hidden costs.

Choose the Best Katra Hotels Accommodation for You and Your Family

Katra is a place that is thronged by tourists all around the year. People visiting the sacred Vaishno Devi shrine prefer to book a comfortable hotel in Katra, where they can relax and rejuvenate themselves after the long and tiring trek. Being one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations, the best Katra hotels accommodations offer a pleasant and stress-free stay, just like your home. There are a wide variety of hotels in Katra that are renowned for their relaxed ambiance, modern amenities and great restaurants serving gourmet cuisines. Here are some of the facilities you should look for while choosing a good hotel in Katra.

•  Fully-furnished rooms

This is one of the most significant aspects of your vacation. Everyone wants to spend their time relaxing in a nice, fully-furnished bedroom. Most of the hotels in Katra provide different room categories to choose from, such as Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Twin Rooms, Executive Rooms, ultra-luxurious Suites and Duplex Rooms, Rooms with Mountain Views, Rooms with Valley Views, etc. They feature AC, mini bar, modern furniture, and toiletries in the bathrooms. You can choose the one that matches your budget and requirements.

•  Basic Amenities

Make sure the Katra hotels accommodations you choose are well equipped with all the basic amenities such as attached bathrooms, round the clock room service, laundry service, electric kettle, digital safe, etc. These are the basic facilities needed to make your stay pleasant. Also, when you are traveling with kids or elderly people, having access to 24x7 room service is quite important.

•  Concierge Desk

All decent hotels in Katra have a concierge desk facility to help the guests organize their trip efficiently. Here, you can find complete assistance regarding your trip requirements and explore the various sightseeing options and trekking expeditions. You can even book a taxi, bus, or hire a car to visit the nearby sightseeing spots.

•  A Good Restaurant/Coffee Shop

A trip can only be enjoyable if you are served with freshly cooked, palatable food that can gratify your taste buds. With kids, sometimes it gets little difficult to go out for every meal. So, look for a hotel that not only offers comfortable rooms but also a nice restaurant serving delectable food.

•  Internet Facility

Internet has helped in making lives easier and keeping people connected with each other, even when they are away from home. Most good Katra hotels offer fast internet facility to help you stay in touch with your loved ones or enjoy your favorite shows as you unwind on your vacation.

•  Additional Facilities

Good Katra hotels accommodation will offer you additional facilities such as pick and drop service, babysitting services, swimming pool facility, gymnasium, etc. All these services can add to your trip’s pleasures and prove to be especially beneficial when you are traveling with kids or a big family. So, make sure to cross check the availability of such services before booking your favorite hotel. All these afore-mentioned conveniences will make sure that you have a delightful stay and an absolutely amazing vacation in the beautiful city of Katra.

How the Best Hotels in Vaishno Devi Cater to Foodies

The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, situated near the Katra district of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the prominent pilgrimage destinations in India. It draws tourists from all over the world who wish to indulge in the spirituality and striking scenic beauty of this wonderful place. And the best thing is that, you won’t have to worry about good food, as there are many restaurants, cafes and casual eateries here, where a wide array of cuisines are served. You can check out some of the best hotels in Vaishno Devi and the amazing restaurants or coffee shops they have that serve the most delectable cuisines. Whether you love Indian dishes or have a thing for Continental ones, you will find all of them here!

Restaurants in Vaishno Devi

Apart from the comfort and convenience of good accommodations, Vaishno Devi is also popular for its palatable food options. Some of the best hotels in Vaishno Devi cater to foodies through their well-equipped and aesthetic onsite restaurants and cafes. These restaurants serve high-quality and authentic food which is freshly prepared and neatly presented. Often, they offer beautiful views of mountains and valleys too. The onsite cafes at these restaurants are great places to hang out with loved ones and sip on hot beverages or munch on crispy snacks.

Cafes in Vaishno Devi

There are a number of hotels in Vaishno Devi that have round the clock cafes. These cafes are known to provide the best quality brews and a range of delicious snacks and sumptuous desserts. From appetizing nibbles across various cuisines such as Chinese, North Indian, South Indian or Street food to refreshing drinks such as fresh juice, fancy mocktails, or a steaming cup of hot chocolate, you can find everything here to pamper your taste buds.

Popular dishes that you must definitely try

A large number of restaurants in Vaishno Devi serve food without onion and garlic, for those who prefer pure vegetarian cuisine. The local specialties here include Sund Panjeeri, Chocolate Barfi, Patisa, Kalaadi (a unique form of processed cheese), Rajma and Rice, Aria (a special dish made with potatoes), Maa da Madra and Kulthein di Dal. All these are the local delicacies which are replete with flavours and zests which are sure to gratify your taste buds. Other than these, the North Indian snacks are also a must try.

Kids’ Menu

Most restaurants in Vaishno Devi offer a kids menu, where you can order dishes such as French fries, Smilies, burgers, sandwiches, Bournvita milkshakes, etc. for your kids. This is especially helpful when you are traveling with little ones who are a little choosy with their food. At some places, you can also request for a kid’s chair to make sure your child properly sits and eats his food.

Vegetarian and Non- Vegetarian Dishes

Although most of the restaurants in Vaishno Devi serve pure vegetarian food, there are some that cater to non-vegetarian travelers as well. A few of the best hotels in Vaishno Devi have in-house restaurants serving delicious non-vegetarian dishes such as rogan josh and tandoori chicken.

So, go ahead and book your favorite hotel to enjoy sumptuous meals that will make your trip even more unforgettable.