Katagla is among the best offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh that not many tourists know about. Situated near the Parvati River, the village is close to Kasol, one of the busiest tourist destinations in the state. Being a quaint and traditionally laid-back village, it is slowly transitioning into a great place for backpackers, hikers, nature lovers, and tranquillity-seekers. Its mesmerising beauty, captivating sceneries, and ambience attract tourists who dare to go beyond crowded places. If you are looking for a place untouched and waiting to be explored, come with your loved ones and discover a magical new world of peace.
Why Visit Katagla
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The charm of Katagla village lies in its simplicity, making it a fascinating place to visit. It is never crowded with tourists because they are busy flocking to major destinations such as Kasoli of Himachal Pradesh. The wanderlust traveller is often curious enough to venture into a place like Katagla; a village that offers breathtaking beauty and peace like no other. The locals are happy to share the space with outsiders as they welcome you like you are a family member. This level of understanding makes it a place you want to visit repeatedly.
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Things To Do At Katagla
While visiting Katagla, make the most of your time at Katagla by doing the following:
1. Enjoy The Scenery Of The Parvati River
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The Parvati River flows close to Katagla, so you are always in its vicinity. Take some time out and just observe the river flowing to its destination. It is a marvellous sight you do not want to miss. The river flowing amidst the towering mountains looks so enchanting that you will never get enough of it. The flowers, lush greenery, naturally formed rocks, and every tiny aspect of the place are worth a compliment!
2. Take Blessings At The Shani Dev Mandir
The Shani Dev mandir is a place where you need to get off when you come by bus. It is a landmark that makes it easy to know you are near Katagla. Even though you cannot enter the temple premises, as only locals are allowed inside, you can still pray outside and get blessings from Lord Shani Dev. It will be a divine experience! The place’s ambience is spiritual, so you will instantly feel uplifted even though you pray from outside.
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3. Relish In The Tranquillity
There is no better way to clear your mind than to be next to nature. As Katagla is far from the road, you will not hear any sounds of the vehicles going by. Just the birds chirping, the water flowing, and the breezy cold wind as you walk. You can trek to nearby places in Katagla or just explore the village further by strolling around. The tranquillity will fill you with so much calm that you will rethink returning to the crowded places in Himachal.
4. Experience Local Culture
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Experience the local culture by interacting with the locals of Katagla. As the village is not populated, you will find that they live in harmony with one another, and it is a close-knit community. Their hospitality will surely move you because they are so passionate about how they live and are happy to open their hearts to you. A great way to embrace the culture is to opt for a homestay in Katagla rather than a hotel.
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5. Go To The Meraki Cave café
The Meraki Cave is a café hidden away in Katagla. If you are a foodie, this is a must-visit café as it offers a variety of food and drink options. People who have visited the café have raved about its deliciousness, so you should check it out once if time allows. From cakes to festival special meals, the café is anything but ordinary. You can also request customized food. As the café is a family-owned business, it may be closed on certain days.
How To Reach Katagla
If you know how to reach Kasol, you can also reach Katagla pretty easily. Here are your options to reach Katagla with ease.
Bus: You can catch a bus from Chandigarh or Delhi to Kasol and get off at Katagla. You can just keep walking or ask locals about the river bridge, cross it, and reach the village.
Train: Joginder Nagar station is the closest railway station. The distance from the station to Katagla is 143 km. Once you reach the station, you can hire a cab or taxi to reach the village.
Air: The Kullu Manali Airport (also called Bhuntar Airport) is the closest airport. The distance from the airport to Katagla is 31 km and you can hire a cab or taxi to reach Katagla village directly.
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Where To Stay At Katagla
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If you want to embrace the Katagla culture truly, you can stay at the various homestays available in the area or the guest houses that offer impeccable experiences. Homestays are comparatively cheaper, and most provide excellent authentic local cuisine you will not get anywhere else. You can interact with the locals, share your experiences, and create a lasting bond. Homestays will also be the most comfortable as you can get to know the traditions and customs of the locals. All this is impossible with hotel stays when you just observe their culture from afar.
Tips For Visiting Katagla
- It can take up to half an hour to reach Katagla from Kasol if you are going to walk, so make sure you are hydrated and wearing the right shoes.
- Do not litter anywhere. Take your trash with you and throw it away in designated dustbins to avoid dirtying the place.
- If you are planning to stay at Katagla, make sure you make accommodation bookings in advance so you are all set before you arrive.
- Some locals set up camps during summer for homestays, which you can rent on a per-person basis. These generally include three meals, and the rate depends on season and availability.
- Do not forget to try the traditional Himachali dishes when going to Katagla to delight your taste buds! Stray away from the usual way of eating and try something new.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Kasol
Your trip to Himachal Pradesh will be enhanced if you spend some time at Katagla. Visit Katagla for just a few hours or spend the entire day here; you will return refreshed and rejuvenated! Katagla is just silently magical that way. The best part is you can easily incorporate it into your itinerary as it is so close to Kasol.
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Cover Image Source: Pinakpani for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Katagla
How long is the trek from Kasol to Katagla?
It will take you around half an hour to walk to Katagla from Kasol.
How many days are needed to visit Katagla?
You can make a day trip to Katagla from Kasol and wrap it up the same day as it does not have many attractions. One day to two days is sufficient time if you want some peaceful time.
When to avoid going to Katagla?
It is best to avoid going to Katagla during the Monsoon season which falls from July to September due to heavy rainfall that can hamper your travel plans.
Does it snow in Katagla?
Yes, it snows in January and February in Katagla as the mountains and hills are all covered in snow.
Is Katagla crowded?
No, it is not crowded, neither by tourists nor by locals. It is a peaceful place to spend time.
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