Famous Tourist Places in Kathua District

In this article, we will take you to the virtual voyage of famous Tourist Places in Kathua District. Kathua, the gateway to Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost area of Jammu and Kashmir and situated in the laps of Himalayas. It is an ideal combination of beautiful scenery and fascinating historical monuments, with its old forts, peaceful lakes, and sacred sites. Kathua is a blend of plain and Hilly terrain. The district Kathua shares its boundary with Districts Udhampur and Kishtwar at State level, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh at National level and with Pakistan at International level. The district Kathua spreads over an area of 2502 sq. Kms.

Famous Tourist Places in Kathua District

There so many renowned and beautiful places those tourists can explore in district Kathua of Jammu and Kashmir. Some of the most famous tourist places in Kathua are as follows:

1 Bani Valley

Bani valley lies at a distance of 151 Kms from Kathua city and it takes nearly about 4 and a half hour ride by your vehicle from Kathua. Bani valley is situated on the banks of Sewa River. This valley is considered as one of the most beautiful sought out tourist place in entire Kathua as almost all facilities are available here for the visitors. Bani valley is famous for suspension hanging bridge over Sewa River where you can feel the vibrations while enjoying walk over it. It is considered as a paradise in Kathua particularly in summer for its charming and pleasant atmosphere. Some of the popular tourist spots in Bani valley are as below:

a) Sarthal: Sarthal is regarded as Mini Kashmir and is located at a distance of 37 Kms from Bani valley. It takes about 1 and a half hour journey to reach this spot from Bani as the road is hilly terrain and under construction. Sarthal is famous for lush green meadows, pine forest, landscapes, mountains and a rivers flowing between the landscapes making it one of the most sought out tourist destination of Kathua. On the way to Sarthal, one finds the most beautiful seven falls (seven waterfalls) at Lowang South but it’s not possible to reach there. One can only enjoy the sigh seeing from standing on road as it is situated in the deep gorges.

b) Chhatergala: It’s another beautiful and majestic location in Bani valley. It is almost 43 Kms from Bani and 6 Kms from Sarthal. It connects district Kathua with Bhaderwah valley. It is regarded as one of the best site for camping. Chhaterkala is regarded as one of the best location for sightseeing and shooting photographs.

c) Challe: Challe is regarded as Dalhousie of Jammu and Kashmir. This location was selected by Britishers to develop Dalhousie but the king refused the Britishers, otherwise Dalhousie would be in Kathua district. It is situated on the way from Basohli to Bani lin road. Challe is linked through road with main road only recently. Many people are exploring this destination during summer for pleasant weather conditions. The road to challe goes from Siara village.

2. Machhedi

Machhedi, a hill station lie at a distance of 104 Kms from Kathua city and 33 Kms from Sukrala. It takes almost 3 and a half hour to reach this destination by your vehicle from Kathua. One can experience heavy snowfall during winter season. Machhedi is known for its pleasant atmosphere during summer. Machhedi has very popular tourist destinations which are as below:

a) Kurkan: A very charming and peaceful tourist destination that rests in the lap of nature. The place is characterized by huge number of dense pine and deodar trees add to its charm. Kurkan is almost 5 Kms from Machhedi and it takes hardly a ride of 5-10 minutes by your vehicle to reach this charming beauty.

b) Kindli Waterfall: A beautiful small waterfall located at about 14 Kms from Machhedi and takes half an hour ride to reach this spot from Machhedi. It is situated on the way towards Badnota from Machhedi. It is about 400 meters from the main road to Badnota. Although it’s not a very big waterfall but an amazing place for shooting photos and has become very popular among tourists.

c)  Badnota Waterfall: Badnota waterfall is one the most sought out tourist destination now a days. In order to reach this waterfall, one has to reach Badnota which is almost 21 Kms from Machhedi, thereafter have to travel by foot for one hour trek to reach this beautiful destination. It takes almost one hour ride to reach Badnota from Machhedi as road is hilly terrain and not much smooth.

d) 14 Temples: 14 temples also form another tourist hub in Kathua. It is also situated in Badnota village. At this place, 14 temples belonging to Sheetla Mata are lying at Hill top. In order to reach this beautiful spot, one has to climb a hill. Although, one can cover it while travelling to Badnota waterfall.

3. Basohli

A small village lies along the banks of Ravi river is generally famous for its old school of paintings. Basohli lies at a distance of 70 Kms from Kathua city. It takes almost 2 hours of journey by your vehicle to reach Basohli from Kathua city. There are some famous tourist places which are mentioned below:

a) Atal Setu: The longest suspension cable bridge formed over Ranjit Sagar Lake that connects Basohli of J&K with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It is very popular among tourists. A fresh and cool breeze can be experienced during summer season as well.

b) Purthu: Purthu is popularly known as Mini Goa of Kathua District. Purthu is just like a beach formed by Ranjit Sagar Dam on its outskirts. It is approximately 5 Kms from Basohli and it takes almost 10 minutes to reach this place by your vehicle. This travel destination now a day becomes very popular for Pre Wedding Shoots. There is an open ground where you can feel the fresh air and relax yourself with calm and peaceful atmosphere with birds chirping and relaxed water waves. One can easily find the facility of fast food like maggie, noodles, momos, spring rolls, burger etc at reasonable rates.

c) Chanchlo Devi Temple: It is situated at a height of 3 Kms from Basohli main market. This historic temple is situated at Hilltop and believed to be 400 years old. This temple gives the entire view of Basohli town.

4. Jasrota Kali Mata Temple and Fort

It is one of the famous pilgrimage sites and is an ancient and historic Temple located near Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary in Heart of Jasrota village. The temple belongs to holy and powerful Hindu deity Kali Mata. Jasrota village is situated on the banks of river Ujh and is approximately 15 Kms from Kathua. It is well connected through all weathered roads with kathua city and takes almost 20-25 minutes to reach here. One can also experience many monkeys roaming around the temple premises. During Navaratras, the temple is overcrowded with devotees.

5. Mahanaal Caves

It is situated in Jakhole village of District Kathua and is about 25 Kms from Kathua city and 7 Kms from Jasrota Kaali Mata Temple. There is proper road connectivity to reach this place and takes about 45 minutes of journey by your vehicle from Kathua city. The place belongs to Lord Shiva and resemble to Holy Amarnath in Kashmir. One can find Lord Shiva’s Sanctum Sanctorum inside a cave founded by idols of Ganesh and Kaal Bhairav. The cave is narrow and only one person at a time can enter the cave. There is another cave opposite to this cave where lies temple of nine Goddesses. There is a small seasonal waterfall which bisects the cave. This place is very calm and one can experience extreme internal peace here.

6. Jasmergarh Fort

A very old and historic fort situated at a distance of 3 Kms from Hiranagar market. An ancient Kaali Mata (Maha Kaali) temple is situated inside the Fort. It is well renowned among locals by the name Kille Wali Mata. People paid a visit to this beautiful to take the divine blessings of Maha Kaali. Besides, temple there exist an ancient and historic Jail which is not maintained at all and an ancient well which seems to very deep. A significant amount of development work is done inside the premises.

7. Jandi Bhagh

A very beautiful place in the vicinity of Village Jandi situated at a distance of 4 kms from Hirangar and almost 30 Kms from Kathua city. One can find an ancient Shiva temple, a natural sarovar surrounded by mango and Jamun trees. People used to swim and take bath in this Holy water. It is believed that this place belongs to Jagdimbini Rishi who used to stay and worshiped here for ages. It is believed that water becomes hot in winter and cold during summer making this a very Holy place.

8. Airwan

A very popular and religious place and situated in Nagri Parole which lies at a distance of almost 15 Kms from Kathua city. The place is famous for Gupt Ganga (springs) and a number of temples. Each temple with a different vibes and sense of aura gives a sense of purity and calmness to soul and mind. People take a dip in Gupt Ganga (Bowli) before entering the temples.

9. Dream Land Park

Dream land Park is situated in the Heart of main city. It’s a beautiful recreation park built along the banks of a canal and very popular among people of all age groups from old to young generation. It is situated besides District Hospital near NH 1A. The park is overcrowded with people during evening hours of summer season and you can experience almost entire Kathua spending time here. The stream here is not very deep and people enjoy swimming and bathing in the canal during summer season. There are small tourism huts, benches and fountains installed inside the park. People came here for morning and evening walk. This is popular place in Kathua that each and every local individual had their memories associated with this park somewhere. In short one can also say Dream land Park is Heart and Soul of Kathua city.

10. K.K Birla Park

The park is newly build park and built by Chenab Textile Millls under Corporate Social Responsibility. The park lies at Kalibari near National Highway. The park is very beautiful having an ancient pond converted into fountain, solar lights installed in the park, beautiful flowers, plants, trees planted in a significant manner that makes this park worth seeing. There is well maintained proper track inside the park for walking. People visited this during early hours in the morning for morning walk and late hours in evening for evening walk. There is proper washroom facility is also available. Parking facility is not available near the park.

11. Billawar

Billawar is situated at a distance of 70 Kms from Kathua city in the lap of Shivalik Mountains and has some famous tourist destinations which are mentioned below:

a) Sukrala Mata Temple: The temple is about 9 Kms from Billawar main market. The road to Sukrala Mata temple is Hilly terrain, so drive carefully. The temple is very ancient and belongs to Hindu Goddess Mal Mata.

b)  Mahabilwakeshwar Temple: An ancient and Historic temple situated in the core of Billawar main market. This temple belongs to Lord Shiva and is believed to be made by Pandavas some 5500 years ago.

Conclusion

Kathua is a hub to many beautiful places that can attract tourists from across the world. There is plethora of opportunities in District Kathua for becoming a tourist hub but require proper attention from Government for developing and promoting these beautiful places and bring them in the global map. For more info on Kathua click here on Govt. official website.

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