Many tourists leave out Katra while planning a trip to Jammu and Kashmir, but what they do not know is that Katra is itself a beautiful place that any tourist would be lucky to explore. The following activities should be one your bucket-list and try to achieve them in your next trip to Jammu and Kashmir.
White-Water Rafting
White-water rafting is one of those activities that you will always cherish in your life. Surrounded by the majestic Chenab river in Katra, you will feel the adrenaline rushing through your veins while participating in this activity. One of the most famous rafting stretches around the globe, and this activity is one of a kind. If you are seeking some excitement in your life, you should not miss out on this opportunity on your trip to Katra.
The right time to do white-water rafting in Katra: The peak months when most adventure-junkies visit Katra to do white-river rafting are May, June, November, and December. It will be smart to avoid the monsoon since the current of the Chenab river will be exhilarating during those months.
Shiv Khori
Shiv Khori, is a famous cave shrines of Hindus devoted to lord Shiva, situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir in India.located in the village sangar. In Reasi district, there are many shrines such as Mata Vaishno Devi, Merhada Mata, Baba Dhansar, Siad Baba. Shiv Khori is one of them located in Ransoo a village in the Pouni block in Reasi district, which attracts lakhs of devotees annually.Shiv Khori is situated in between the hillocks about 140 km north of Jammu, 120 km from Udhampur and 80 km from Katra and light vehicles go up to Ransoo, the base camp of pilgrimage.
Patnitop
Packed with panoramic sights of the majestic Himalayas and never-ending meadows, Patnitop is one of the perfect tourist places near Jammu for experiencing natural beauty at its best. Flaunting bountiful natural sceneries and accessorized with soul-stirring adventure sports such as trekking and skiing, the place is a paradise for avid photographers and adventurers.
In addition to natural charms and sports, Patnitop is also a home to many ancient temples and shopping destinations. Tourists visiting this place always make it a point to buy Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri handicrafts, and dry fruits.
Mansar Lake
Forested hills surround Mansar Lake, making it a nature retreat. In addition to being a nice spot for a picnic, its beautiful environment makes it a great place to go for boating as well. The annual Food and Crafts Festival, which takes place here, is another major attraction. Tourists come from all around the world to be part of the festival.
The lake is also a sacred site because of the presence of several ancient temples on the lakefront. It is amongst the most favored Jammu Kashmir lakes for those who crave nature.
Trip To Srinagar
Srinagar is the new destination for adventure seekers. Tourists from all over the world always keep an eye on this place to visit at least once in a lifetime.
From experiencing trekking on the sterile roads of mountains to flying on the sky with thrilling sports of paragliding, and enjoying the scenic view of Dal Lake on a shikara ride, there are plenty of adventures activities to do in Srinagar. Don’t worry! The fun expedition on this heavenly beautiful place doesn’t end here. Besides exploring such exciting activities in Srinagar, you can visit numerous unique tourist attractions such as Dal Lake, Jama Masjid, Lal Chowk that portray the rich culture of Kashmir and please your eyes with breathtaking views.
Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple, with seven shrines each with its own `Shikhara`, (shikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to `mountain peak`, refers to the rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture in north India) is one of the largest temple complexes of north India, located in Jammu city. Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son Maharaj Ranbir Singh built the temple, during the period of 1853-1860. The temple has many gods enshrined, but the presiding deity is Lord Ram, an `avatar` (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. The gigantic Raghunath temple has seven lofty `shikharas`, where every shrine has its own shikhar. On the very entrance to the temple, a portrait of Maharana Ranbir Singh and an image of Lord Hanuman exaggerate the site.