Shiv Khori is a magnificent cave temple situated about 100 km from
Jammu, in
Udhampur District of
Jammu and Kashmir. This holy cave is nearly one km long and houses a four ft high
swayambhu (naturally formed)
Shivling. In religious importance the cave is considered second only to the
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. The cave was discovered by Gaddies (shepherds) about 100 years ago.
The cave has spacious inner chamber and a low and narrow outer chamber. Only a small part of the cave has been explored. There are stalactites and stalagmites dripping milky limestone water.
The annual fair held during Shivratri is a major draw. Thousands of devotees from far and near visit here on the occasion.
The base camp of Shiv Khori is a small village, Ransu, about 112 km from Udhampur, and about 60 km from Katra. From the base camp the Shiv Khori Cave is about 6 km and is linked with a foot track. The entire track passes through forest and meandering rivulets.
Regular buses and private taxi services are available for Ransu from Katra.
