Anantnag Travel Guide: Martand Temple, Verinag Spring & Kokernag

Anantnag: Travel Guide for the Springs of South Kashmir

Anantnag is the administrative center of south Kashmir, situated at an average elevation of 1,600 meters (5,249 feet). The town is located 53 kilometers south of Srinagar via the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44). The Jhelum River originates in this district and flows north toward Srinagar.

You will visit Anantnag to see the ancient archaeological ruins and fresh-water springs. The name Anantnag translates to "endless springs," referring to the numerous natural water sources in the region. The district serves as the gateway to the Lidder Valley (Pahalgam) and the Kishtwar region via the Sinthan Pass.

Things to Do in Anantnag: Martand Temple and Springs

The Martand Sun Temple stands on a flat plateau 9 kilometers east of Anantnag town. The temple was constructed in the 8th century (between 725 and 756 CE) by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty. The stone structure is dedicated to Surya (the Sun God). The ruins feature 84 columns surrounding the main courtyard. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Entry is free.

Verinag Spring is located 26 kilometers south of Anantnag, at the foot of the Pir Panjal range. The spring is the official source of the Jhelum River. In 1620 CE, Mughal Emperor Jahangir constructed an octagonal stone basin around the spring. In 1627 CE, Shah Jahan built a Persian-style terraced garden with water channels. The entry ticket is ₹20 per person.

Kokernag Botanical Garden and Spring is located 25 kilometers from Anantnag. The spring waters divide into several channels resembling the claws of a hen, which gives the site its local name ("Koker" meaning hen, "Nag" meaning spring). The J&K Fisheries Department operates Asia's largest freshwater trout hatchery and breeding farm here. You can buy fresh trout by weight at the main sales counter.

Achabal Garden is located 9 kilometers from Anantnag town. The terraced garden was built in 1620 CE by Empress Nur Jahan. The garden features three water cascades fed by a natural spring that flows out of the limestone hillside. The original clay pipe system designed by Mughal engineers still supplies water to the fountains during the summer months.

Daksum is a forest meadow located 40 kilometers from Anantnag at an elevation of 2,438 meters. The area is surrounded by coniferous forests and is the final major settlement before ascending the Sinthan Top road (elevation 12,300 feet). Daksum has a JKTDC rest house and is popular for angling in the Bringhi River. You must obtain an angling license from the Fisheries Department before fishing.

How to Reach Anantnag

The drive from Srinagar to Anantnag takes approximately 90 minutes. Follow the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) south. The highway is a four-lane road. You will pass through the toll plaza at Awantipora and the saffron market town of Pampore.

The local railway line connects Srinagar to Anantnag Railway Station (ANT). Trains run daily, and the one-way fare from Srinagar is ₹30. Shared passenger cabs (Tata Sumos) depart regularly from Srinagar's Parimpora or Batamaloo stand to the Anantnag main bus stand.

Best Time to Visit Anantnag

Spring and summer are April to June. Temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C. The gardens of Kokernag and Achabal are in full bloom, and the trout hatchery is active. It is the busiest season for sightseeing in south Kashmir.

Autumn runs from September to November. Temperatures drop from 20°C in September to 8°C by November. The Chinar trees turn orange in mid-October. The weather is dry, providing clear conditions for visiting the Martand Temple ruins.

Winter lasts from December to February. Snow accumulation is common in higher areas like Daksum and Verinag. Temperatures range from 8°C to -4°C. The fountains in Achabal and Verinag are turned off, and the water channels are drained.

Where to Stay in Anantnag

Anantnag town has several basic hotels and guesthouses located near the main bus stand and the railway station. Most tourists stay in Srinagar or Pahalgam (45 km away) and visit the sites in Anantnag as a day-trip. Pahalgam offers a wider range of hotels and resorts.

JKTDC operates tourist bungalows in Verinag, Kokernag, and Daksum. You can book these bungalows online. Verify that the heating is operational if booking between October and March, as nights in these valleys are colder than in Srinagar.

Essential Anantnag Travel Tips

• Angling Licenses: The Bringhi River in Daksum is divided into regulated trout beats. You must purchase a day permit from the Fisheries Department in Anantnag town before carrying fishing gear to the river.
• Local Transportation: Hire a private taxi for the day from the Anantnag town stand to cover Martand, Achabal, and Kokernag in a single loop. Budget ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 for the vehicle.
• Safety on NH44: The highway experiences heavy security convoy movements, especially during the morning hours. Adhere to traffic police instructions at checkposts and keep your Aadhaar card or passport with you.