Sharing its ambit with Punjab, this city of Jammu and Kashmir has been ranked among the most beautiful cities of India. The word “Kathua” is derived from the word “Thuan” in Dogri which means “Scorpions”. With a modest stretch of a 51-kilometre square and an elevation of 1,007 ft above sea level, Kathua is known as ‘the city of Saints’ due to the presence of various shrines. The prominent destinations for the excursionists are several.
One of them is the temple of Mata Bala Sundri. The temple has a historical and mythological background as the deity being worshiped here is the infant state of Mata Vaishno Devi. Here, Pindi (Stone) is worshiped. The road has a series of mountains to cover. Karol being the last place for vehicles, the destination is around an hour trekking from here. The roads and provisions for the devotees have been managed and arranged well. The view from the 1000 ft is to die for.
The Sukrala Mata Temple is also a famous spot in Kathua. The famous shrine of Sukrala Mata is located in Billawar in Kathua district at a height of 3500 feet from sea level. According to local belief, the temple is the abode of goddess Mal Devi, the reincarnation of Sharda Devi. It is believed to have been built by Madho Singh, exiled prince of Chamba of Himachal Pradesh. Thousands of devotees throng the shrine during Navratras.
Located just 10 Km from the glaciated Bani Valley at an altitude of 4200 Ft, Chandel Valley features beautiful orchards of apples, walnuts, and almonds. For anyone visiting Kathua, Chandel Valley is a wonderful destination to spend some time at. There are several mountains for trekking like Bhaderwah, Chandel etc. The place is liked by tourists due to the nature-laden atmosphere.
DevBhoomi (heaven on earth), Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with the beauty of serenity and Kathua is an example.
-Dhananjay Panday
