Anantnag is a beautiful district in the Kashmir valley. It is known as an agricultural hub, producing plums, apples, and other cash crops such as saffron and walnuts. The landscape consists of green hills and a few snow-clad peaks. The rivers like Jhelum, Sindh, and Lidder flow through the district, making it perfect for adventure activities like trekking, rafting, fishing, and camping. It boasts religious sites such as Amarnath Temple, Shahdsar Lake, and Pahalgam Valley that attract pilgrims from all around the globe. Let us now try to explore these places individually and increase our appetite for a Kashmir visit.
1. Verinag
It is a beautiful spring near the city of Anantnag. The spring was commissioned under the reign of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, also believed to be the oldest known garden of the Mughals. Verinag Spring marks the beginning of River Jhelum, one of five rivers that flow through the valley. Verinag comprises two huge terraces surrounded by high walls with four double-story gateways at each entrance. A smooth stone embankment divides the lower terrace into 12 symmetrical parts containing huge metal pipes from which water gushes out constantly.
2. Achabal Gardens
Achabal Garden is an exquisite Mughal garden in the Anantnag district of Kashmir. The breathtaking beauty of the gardens showcasing multiple cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, emerald pools, and serene vegetation arrest visitors with its marvels. People can slow down their pace while they pass through the meandering pathways of the breathtaking destination. Achabal Garden beckons travellers with stories of Emperor Jahangir & Empress Nurjahan’s romantic episodes here
3. Kokernag
Kokarnag is one of the most famous tourist spots in Kashmir. It is a small hamlet in the high mountain region, with pine forests and lush green meadows. The major attraction of Kokarnag is its gardens. These gardens are beautiful and feature two iconic species of Kashmiri Foliage: Apple and Walnut trees. Visitors can stroll through these expansive terraced gardens, admiring the lovely trees, shrubs, and flowers.
4. Martand Sun Temple
Martand Sun Temple is in the Anantnag of Kashmir Valley. It is one of the most famous temples in India. Built-in the 8th century by the Lalit mother, it shows a typical example of ancient Hindu architecture. The main idol consists of four leaping horses that symbolize power and energy. The temple constructed with stone has a large quadrangular court around it, covered with curved roofs, small galleries, and beautiful open pavilions. Its complex has many intricate sculptures bearing the signs of Buddhism, Jainism & Vedic eras.
5. Aharbal Waterfall
Aharbal Waterfall is a scenic waterfall in Kulgam, Kashmir. It has lush green forests and spectacular mountain views, making it a popular spot for photography and adventurers. The falls are part of the Kishan Ganga River, a tributary of the Indus river. This natural wonder can be a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its cool misty spray and evergreen surroundings, Aharbal Waterfall is an ideal place to relax, unwind, take in all the beauty that nature offers, and soak it for an unforgettable experience.
6. Awantipora
Awantipora falls in the vicinity of the Anantnag district of Kashmir. It is a beautiful town with meadows, valleys, and springs. It boasts a rich cultural heritage with many historical monuments like the Awantipora Fort, Rashid Dastgeer Hajrat Sahab Shrine, and several Hindu temples. Kashmiri delicacies such as Rogan Josh are available here. Awantipora is known for its apricots. People can experience unique beauty with its mountainous valley.
7. Sheeshnag Temple
Sheeshnag temple in Anantnag of Kashmir is a popular destination for devotees and trekkers. It is a temple complex that covers an entire mountain slope. The main attraction of this temple is two large sandstone-carved images of Sheesh Nag and his seven-hooded serpent, the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple also houses several smaller idols dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. The trail to this mysterious temple is covered with lush greenery and provides breathtaking views from its location at the top.
8. Sheeshnag Lake
It is one of the best destinations located in Anantnag, Kashmir. It is a natural & tranquil oasis surrounded by colourful hills and lush green meadows. The crystal clear water body of the lake has tall bolder mountains around and is at an elevation of 13500 ft above sea level. Peacocks and other wild flora and fauna can be seen there, including different species of migratory birds coming from different parts of the world to take shelter from November to May.
9. Sangam (Confluence of Veshaw and Jhelum Rivers)
The Sangam of Anantnag and Jhelum Rivers is in the Anantnag district of Kashmir. The confluence river is the third largest after Wular Lake and Dal lake, which joins rivers Jhelum and Zanskar while flowing down from south to north in Srinagar. This Confluence creates spectacular natural beauty with marvellous views. The vast clear blue water, clean air, and delightful birds chirping set a perfect background for a soothing environment for anyone visiting this place.
10. Aishmuqam Shrine
Aishmuqam Shrine is considered one of the holiest sites by Muslims in Kashmir. It is a short distance of about 15 km from Anantnag, near the village of Aishmuqam. The shrine dates back to the 17th century, dedicated to Shiekh Zain-ud-din, a revered Sufi saint. It offers a view of the majestic landscape with its multi-tiered architecture, sprawling gardens, and imposing entrance gate. Inside the shrine, visitors will find numerous tombs, courtyards, and statues that add to the overall mystique of the place. A visit to this historical site will move your soul.
11. Daksum Valley
Daksum Valley is a hidden paradise in the Aru Valley of Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 2440 meters in the Pir Panjal mountain range and is home to some spectacular Himalayan scenery. The valley offers abundant activities such as trekking, camping, fishing, and other adventure sports. One can also explore nearby waterfalls, hot springs, and pristine lakes. The river streams form one of the most beautiful places in Jammu and Kashmir.
12. Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a stunning valley located in Anantnag, Kashmir. It is at an altitude of 2400 m above sea level and is rightly known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds. Pahalgam offers a picturesque view with its lush green meadows, beautiful rivers and ravines, ancient shrines, snow-capped mountains, dense pine forests, and breathtaking valleys. Tourists visit this place to experience the beauty of nature by trekking through the terrain or camping along the banks of river Lidder. Adventure activities like rafting and fishing are available here.
13. Ziarat Baba Hyder Reshi Shrine in Anantnag
Ziarat Baba Hyder Reshi Shrine is a 14th-century shrine in the Anantnag district of Kashmir. It is one of the renowned shrines of Indian Sufism devoted to Saint Baba Hyder Reshi. The Shrine stands in the hub of the Reshi bazaar, Anantnag, and is known for its unique architectural style. It has beautiful wooden carvings and minarets standing tall against a blue sky. Inside the compound, devotees flock into a large chowk built out of white marble in the centre that houses a grave epitomizing Baba Reshi. A three-story terrace used as an outdoor praying area enhances its splendour further.
14. Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is a popular tourist destination in Anantnag, located in the picturesque Jhelum Valley Region of Kashmir. Sintha Top is known for its lush greenery and breathtaking views of the snow-capped Pirpanjal Range. It’s popular among locals due to its quieter atmosphere, natural beauty, and easy access from the city. The area also provides adventure lovers with trekking opportunities and camping spots for overnight stays during the summer. Sinthan Top is one of the few places where you can find peace and serenity away from the hustle of everyday life.
15. Kolhai glacier
Kolhai glaciers in the Vicinity of Anantnag district of Kashmir. It is at an altitude of 3500m above sea level. The glacier is known for its spectacular scenery and breathtaking vistas, making it a favourite sight for nature enthusiasts. Kolhai glaciers in the Vicinity of Anantnag district of Kashmir. It is at an altitude of 3500m above sea level. The glacier is known for its spectacular scenery and breathtaking vistas, making it a favourite sight for nature enthusiasts.
The glacier experience is unsurpassed due to its surrounding snow-covered mountains, lush forests, and many glacial lakes. Its icy slopes are a showstopper! During winter months, hundreds of tourists flock to Kolhai to take in its grandeur. From trekking and camping to helping local families make traditional handicrafts. It’s an experience of a lifetime whose memories last forever. Its icy slopes are a showstopper! In winter months, hundreds of tourists flock to Kolhai to take in its grandeur.
