Kathua is a northern city located on the border of <a href="https://universaladventures.in/state/Himachal-Pradesh" target="_blank">Himachal Pradesh</a> and <a href="https://universaladventures.in/state/Punjab" target="_blank">Punjab</a>. It is known for its exquisite scenery, lush greenery, and religious temples. There are also archaeological sites and dams where one can revisit ancient histories and have picnics. It is the perfect ideal spot for families and doesn't forget to bring your cameras as you will need to capture the precious moments you spend here.

A town covered in snow, waterfalls, and melting glaciers? Count me in! 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. There are also small shrines to worship and a trek from Bani would make this experience worthwhile. The alluring landscape is not something you would want to miss.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Snow&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: October to March&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 3 hours</li>
</ul>

Ever dreamt (pun intended) of a park where you can relax with our family alongside a calm canal? The Dream is a popular recreation park in the Kathua District, located along the Kathua Canal. Kotikalapudi Venkata Krishna Rao, the former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, dedicated the park on July 14, 1994. The Dream is connected by a 1.5-kilometer road, and the tourist department has installed a river rafting facility at the site.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Park</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: March to October</li>
 <li>Duration: 3 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:
<ul>
 <li>Adventure Activities: River Rafting</li>
</ul>

Kathua may be a small village on the border of two northern states but it has its fair share of tourist spots and religious sites. It is covered in snow during the winter season and can attract tons of tourists. It is definitely a place you must visit if you love to reconnect with nature in its raw form. So don't forget your camera when you visit this beautiful place.

Sukrala Devi Shrine, located 9.60 kilometres from Billawar and approximately 75 kilometres from Kathua, is the most famous shrine dedicated to the mother goddess. The Shrine is situated on a hillock surrounded by sylvan surroundings at a height of 3500 feet. The temple's imposing white line-coated edifice stands majestically erect. Pilgrims must climb numerous flights of stairs to reach the revered temple. The holy shrine is the home of goddess Mal Devi, Sharda Devi's reincarnation. The goddess has taken the form of a Shilla (Stone Slab) seated on a Brass Lion with a silver mounted head.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Religious Worship&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: April to October&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 2 hours</li>
</ul>

Dreamt of a valley amidst the mountains where you can trek and enjoy the rustic form of nature? The most notable attraction in the Kathua District is Bani, a beautiful small valley. Bani is located in the town of Bani along the Sewa river at an elevation of around 4200 feet above sea level. When visitors arrive in the valley, they will find several waterfalls, dense forests, noisy streams, and beautiful meadows. Trekkers from Chamba, Bhaderwah, and other locations use this location as a base camp.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Mini kashmir&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: March to October&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 3 hours</li>
</ul>
 
Things to do:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Adventure Activities: Trekking&nbsp;</li>
<li>Other Places to visit: <a href="https://universaladventures.in/travel-guide/a-guide-to-chamba" target="_blank">Chamba</a>, Bhaderwah</li>
</ul>

Ever wanted to visit an ancient temple surrounded by trees and containing a historical legend? Mata Bala Sundri is an ancient temple in the village of Parole, 13 kilometers from Kathua District. This temple is surrounded by numerous mango trees. According to popular legend, a Brahmin was cutting the grass when he smacked his sickle on a stone, causing blood to ooze out of it. Later that night, in his dream, the goddess appeared and told him to keep the stone under a banyan tree. Soon after, the stone believed to be the Goddess's rebirth was placed in the main temple.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Worship&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: Any time&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 2 hours</li>
</ul>

Airwan Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located 15 kilometers from Kathua in Airwan Village. This temple's history dates back to the 4th century, and it is said that it was built by the legendary King of <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Ujjain" target="_blank">Ujjain</a>, Vikramaditya. The Ravi river inspired the name of the village of Airwan. There are numerous springs here where devotees can take a dip before offering their prayers. This temple gets thronged by devotees during festivals.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Worship&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: Any time&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 1 hour</li>
</ul>

Have you ever wondered what is the most beautiful spot in Jammu and kashmir? Look no further because Sarthal is a meadow in the district of Kathua, located at an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level. The region receives heavy snowfall for nearly 6 months of the year. Tourists from all over the country visit this location because it is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir.
 
Traveller Information:
<ul>
 <li>Famous for: Snow</li>
 <li>Best Time to Visit: November to March</li>
 <li>Duration: 8 hours</li>
</ul>

If you ask me about the perfect spot for a picnic in Kathua? I would say it's the Ranjit Sagar dam which is amidst three states and offers a scenic view of the surroundings. The lovely view gives A Glimpse of beautiful hills and snow-clad mountains also. You can relax in a serene environment after a tiring journey. The clear water allows tourists to dip their feet and have some fun.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Bordering three states&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: March to October&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 6 hours</li>
</ul>

Have you ever wanted to relax in a rustic valley untouched by nature overlooking a hot spring? Chandel, about 10 kilometers from Bani, is a small but attractive valley. This valley is home to a spring known as Chandeli. This valley is home to small orchards of walnuts, apples, and almonds. This valley can help you to get a break from your daily life as you can relax without any worries.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Hot springs&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: November to March&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 1 day</li>
</ul>

Do you think there are too many temples? How about a sikh centre? Gurudwara Singh Sabha is a Sikh religious centre located in the heart of Kathua City. The location is popularly known as Gurudwara Chowk, and it houses the office of the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Gurpurab and Prakash Utsav, two popular Sikh festivals, are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. This place has traditional sikh architecture and can be satisfying to look at.
 
Traveller Information:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Famous for: Religious centre&nbsp;</li>
<li>Best Time to Visit: Any time&nbsp;</li>
<li>Duration: 2 hours</li>
</ul>

Top 10 places to visit at Kathua

India > Jammu and Kashmir > Jammu

8 Apr 2026

Explore in Jammu

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