Kathua Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Kathua

Bani, a beautiful small valley, is the most prominent attraction in the Kathua District. This valley remains covered with ice and that is why it has been given the title of ‘Mini Kashmir of India’. Bani is situated at an elevation of around 4200 ft above sea level in the town of Bani along the Sewa river.

Upon reaching the valley, travellers would discover several waterfalls, thick forests, noisy streams and beautiful meadows. Trekkers from Chamba, Bhaderwah and other destinations use this place as their base camp.

The Dream is a popular recreation park, which is located along the canal of Kathua in the Kathua District. The park was inaugurated on July 14, 1994 by Kotikalapudi Venkata Krishna Rao, the former Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. The Dream is connected with a 1.5 km long road, and the tourist department has introduced the facility for river rafting at the spot.

Chandel, situated at a distance of about 10 km from Bani, is a small but attractive valley. This valley has a spring which is called Chandeli. Small orchards of walnuts, apple and almonds can be found in this valley.

Mata Sundrikote is an old temple, which is situated in the middle of the Shivalik Hills at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level in Kathua District. This religious site is located at a distance of 22 km from Kathua and the devotees have to ascend 107 steps in order to reach the temple.

The common people believe that the statue of the goddess in the temple was found under a berry plant near the temple. Later this idol was placed inside the temple.

Mata Bala Sundri is an ancient temple situated 13 km form Kathua District in the village of Parole. Also, popular as Bala Ji Sundri, this temple is surrounded by numerous mango trees. According to a popular mythology, a Brahmin while cutting grass, smacked his sickle on a stone and blood started oozing out of it.

Later that night, the goddess came in his dream and ordered him to keep that stone under a banyan tree. Soon after that, the stone that was considered as the rebirth of the Goddess was placed in the main temple. Devotees visit this shrine in a large number during a popular Hindu festival known as Navratras festival.

Airwan Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva, is situated 15 km away from Kathua in Airwan Village. The history of this temple dates back to the 4th century, and it is said that the legendary King of Ujjain, Vikramaditya had constructed this temple. The village of Airwan derives its name from the Ravi river.

Numerous springs are present here where devotees take a dip before offering their prayers.The people who are unable to go to Haridwar to submerge the ashes of the dead can do it here in Gupt Ganga. The temple is thronged by devotees during the occasion of Baisakhi and Shivaratri that are celebrated every year.

Peer Chattershah is a religious site located at a distance of about 13 km from Kathua in Parole Village. The shrine is also popular as Nagri Parole, and a holy spring is situated very close to it. People believe that the spring has medicinal properties, which can cure and heal all kinds of skin ailments.

Gurudwara Singh Sabha is a religious centre for Sikhs, which is situated in the middle of the Kathua City. The site is popularly known as Gurudwara Chowk, and the office of Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee can be found inside this place.

There is also a Sikh Missionary College in the vicinity of the gurudwara. The popular Sikh festivals, Gurpurab and Prakash Utsav are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Nagar Kirtan and car festival and other important events are celebrated here.

Panyalag, a small town, is located on a hilltop around 7 km from Bani. This town is known for its thick forest, amazing waterfalls, green meadows and several streams.

Sarthal, situated at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level is a meadow in the district of Kathua. The region experiences heavy snowfall for almost 6 months in a year. Tourists from different parts of the country visit this site as the region is considered as one of the most beautiful spots in the entire state of Jammu & Kashmir.

Jodia Di Mata Temple is situated at a distance of about 4 km from Banjal in Kathua. This temple is located 7000 ft above sea level in the lap of nature. Devotees in a large number visit this temple during the popular Hindu festival, Navratras.

The site acts as a perfect place for people who are looking forward to spend time amidst peaceful and scenic surroundings.

Sukrala Mata Temple, dedicated to Hindu goddess Sukrala Devi, is an ancient shrine situated in the district of Kathua. Constructed by a banished prince of Chamba, Madho Singh, this religious centre is positioned on a small hill at an elevation of 3500 ft.

According to the local people, this temple is also the holy abode to Hindu Goddess Mal Devi, who is considered as the reincarnation of another Hindu Goddess Sharda Devi. People also believe that the Goddess marked Herself in a sitting position on a block of stone.

The goddess can be seen sitting on a lion figure made up of brass along with a mounted head built of silver. Devotees can also see the statue of Mahishasura Mardini, a form of Hindu Goddess Durga, standing on top of Mahishasura, the king of demons.

Mahabilvakeshwar Temple, dedicated to Hindu God of destruction - Lord Shiva, is one of the most popular temples in Kathua District. This temple, earlier known as the Hari Hara Temple, has derived its name Mahabilvakeshwar from the site that is surrounded by numerous bael trees. The devotees offer bael leaves to Lord Shiva in order to please Him as it is believed that Lord Shiva likes bael leaves.

The sanctum of the temple is 60 ft high and is ascended on a square shape platform. The temple has idols of Hindu Gods, namely Ganesha, Brahma, Bhairava and Vishnu along with a five-headed statue of Shiva. According to popular folklore, the Pandavas used this place as their worship site during the exile period. Devotees in a large number visit this religious site to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.

Chamunda Devi Temple is a renowned pilgrimage site that is situated in the town of Basohli. This temple is dedicated to one of the seven mother goddesses, Chamunda Devi. Tourists would notice a natural rock, worshipped as the goddess, on reaching this temple.

Sanan Ghat in Basohli is a small town located at an elevation of 3700 ft above sea level. The place is dotted with plantation of deodar, chir and various shrubs.