Kathua, the administrative headquarters of
Kathua District, is a beautiful town situated on the Jammu-Pathankot Highway. It is 87 km south-east of
Jammu and about 25 km north-west of
Pathankot.
The early days of Kathua is not detailed nor is fully documented. The history starts when Jodh Singh, a famous Rajput of Andotra, migrated to Kathua around 2000 years ago. The hamlets of Taraf Tajwal, Taraf Manjali and Taraf Bhajwal were established by his sons, whose conglomeration later came to be known as ‘Kathai’. ‘Kathua’ is the corruption of Kathai.
Places of tourist interest in Kathua include the recreation park, Ujh Barrage (20 km), shrine of Bala ji Sundri (13 km), Asha Purani Mandir and Gurdwara Singh Sabha.
Nearest airport is at Jammu.
Kathua Railway Station is on the Jammu-Pathankot line.
National Highway 1A passes through Kathua.
