Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. It has a thriving tourism industry that offers plenty of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, dhabas, fast-food joints that fit all kinds of budgets. Free accommodation is provided by some registered trusts in the form of Sarais for the poor. The number of pilgrims that visit the shrine every year has increased from 1.4 million in 1986 to 8.2 million in 2009.
Katra or Katra Vaishno Devi, as it is popularly known, is a small town in Reasi district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi is located. It is located 42 km from the city of Jammu.
Since the place is so important from tourist point of view, it has a large number of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, dhabas, fast-food joints, etc. Free accommodations are available for the poor. The main bazaar is the main attraction. You can take home souvenirs, dry fruits, woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets, etc.
Yatra Parchi: The pilgrims need a yatra permit from the permit counter of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The bus and taxi stands are nearby. You can get the ticket from the counter everyday between 6 am to 10 pm. It is estimated that 18000 pilgrims are permitted everyday to take the yatra.
For tourists coming in groups, a separate counter is opened at the erstwhile Mulberry Nursery. It follows the first come first serve basis. Nine people can be permitted using one slip. Children below 5 years of age are not counted.
