The history of Katra is closely linked to the history of the Vaishno Devi shrine. The shrine is believed to have been founded by a local shepherd named Pandit Shridhar, who discovered the cave where the goddess Vaishno Devi is said to reside. The exact date of the discovery is unknown, but it is believed to have been around 700 years ago. The shrine quickly became a popular pilgrimage destination, and Katra grew up around it as a small town to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. In the 19th century, the British Raj built a road connecting Katra to the city of Jammu. This made it easier for pilgrims to reach

In recent years, Katra has become one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. Millions of pilgrims visit the shrine every year, and Katra has grown into a major city. The name "Katra" is derived from the Arabic word "khattarah", which means "caravan". This is because Katra was originally a resting place for caravans traveling between the Kashmir Valley and the plains of India. The town of Katra is located in the Reasi district of the Jammu and Kashmir union territory. It is situated at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, about 42 kilometers from the city of Jammu. Katra is a popular tourist destination, not only for pilgrims but also for those who want to experience the beauty of the Jammu and Kashmir region. The town has a number of hotels, restaurants, and shops to cater to the needs of tourists. Katra is also a major transportation hub. There are regular bus and train services connecting Katra to other parts of India. The town also has an airport, which is used by pilgrims and tourists alike.