Usually when we are visiting Holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi - Katra, we have one or two buffer days, which one can spend by visiting near by places, which are very beautiful but mostly untouched or not much talked about. Here is the list of these places and they all can be covered in a single day.
- Adventure Activity on Chenab River - River Rafting
- Salal Dam
- Siar Baba Waterfall
It will take you about 8-10 hrs to complete this trip. You can start by going straight to Siar Baba Waterfall, which is on way to Salal Dam. And while returning back to Katra you can to enjoy Adventure activities on Chenab river. You can easily hire a taxi or you can call us
Note: beware of thugs on Katra street - they will offer you with lower prices but with worst service. Before you hire any taxi, do check their Google review. Jagat Travels enjoys an avg 4.8 star rating on Google Reviews with encouraging words from our customers.
Start your trip early like 7am or 8am in summer and head straight to Siar Baba Waterfall.
Siar Baba Waterfall
It will take you around 2-2.5hrs to get to Siar Baba Waterfall. It is located on Chenab River offering a spectacular of the mountains and mighty river. The waterfall enjoys the status of one being of the biggest waterfall in North India, standing at an elevation of 466 meters, it descends from over 100 feet making a spectacular view.
Best time to visit is through July to October, tourists are seen all year round. Some make this a part of their adventure tourism. Many tourists cherish the idea of icy-dip and arrive in winters.
This is an excellent addition to the Katra-Mata-Vaishno-Devi trip.
Tip: Carry your own snacks, water and cold drinks.
Salam Dam
From Siar Waterfall it will take you around 30mins to reach Salal Dam. The Salal Power Project is also a source of attraction for visitors situated 23 Km away from Distt. H.Q. Reasi surrounded by mountains. Salal Hydroelectric Project constructed on river Chenab in the district Reasi. The project has capacity of 690 MW.
As you get approach the dam, the view is breathtaking with water flowing out of dam the sheer volume of water flowing and big splash it gives you goosebumps. During July-Oct rainy season, view it even more beautiful, with water forming the clouds in front of you. One has to go there to feel it.
The entry to main dam is restricted but a view point has been created for visitors to park their vehicle and enjoy the complete view of dam, its water reservoir. Take out your camera and click beautiful selfie and group pictures.
Adventure Sports - River Rafting and Paragliding
After spending first half of your day in mesmerising and picturesque mountains, grab your lunch at of the road side dhaba and get ready for some thrilling adventure activities. There are hosts of people offering activities, again i would recommend checking their google reviews before making your bookings.
Activities which you can enjoy are -
- River Rafting
- Paragliding - this cost roughly Rs 3000/- (prices can vary)
- Zip line - this would be approx Rs 1000/- (per person)