Along with visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, there are several other attractions and places of interest in the surrounding area that visitors often explore. Here are a few:
Bhairavnath Temple : Located about 2.5 kilometers from the Vaishno Devi shrine, the Bhairavnath Temple is dedicated to Bhairava, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Many pilgrims visit this temple after visiting Vaishno Devi.
Ardhkuwari Temple : This temple is situated about halfway between Katra and the Vaishno Devi Bhawan. It's believed to be the place where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months before ultimately moving to the Holy Cave.
Shiv Khori : It's another famous cave shrine located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. It's dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a naturally formed Shivling.
Patnitop: If you're looking to explore further, Patnitop is a hill station located around 80 kilometers from Katra. It offers beautiful views, trekking opportunities, and is a popular destination for picnics and nature walks.
Sanasar: Also located near Patnitop, Sanasar is known for its lush green meadows, adventure activities like paragliding, and camping options.
Jammu City: Explore the city of Jammu itself, which has attractions like Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort, Amar Mahal Palace, and the Dogra Art Museum.
These are just a few options, and there's plenty more to explore in the region, depending on your interests and the time you have available.