Anantnag

Anantnag is a small district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also referred to as the ‘Rice bowl of the valley’. The beauty of this place is unparalleled. Numerous health resorts are found in the district. Some of the famous health resorts are Verinag, Kokernag, Achabal, Daksum and Pahalgam. The placed used to bustle with tourists before the tourist industry suffered damage due to the advent of militancy. Efforts are being made by the Government to revive the old glory. Several structures such as huts, Dak bungalows and resthouses are being re-built. 

                                                  Tourist places in Anantnag

Mattan: Mid way between Anantnag and Pahalgam you find temples of Mattan. There is also a deep pond. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is found in the centre of this pond.

Martand: The proof of Anantnag’s glory is evident from this impressive archaeological site. It used to a temple. The central rectangular building still remains along with a court and a rectangular colonnade. 

Shrines: The holy shrine of Amarnath is of great importance. It is situated 45 kilometers away from Pahalgam. It has an elevation of 13000 feet.

There are other famous temples too at places namely Anantnag, Deviangan, Bijbhera, Akingam, Lukbhavan, Goswami Gund and Nagdandi Ashram.

A famous shrine is present at Aishmuqam. It is dedicated to Bab-Zain-ud-Din. The shrine of Baba Hyder-Rishi, the last giant of Rishi order, is located at Anantnag.

Pahalgam: Pahalgam is a very famous hill station. It is situated 45 kilometers away from Anantnag. It has an elevation of 7200 feet. It attracts many tourists annually. It is a world renowned heath resort. River LIdder flows through the area and Pahalgam is situated on its banks. One can find pine forests and vast meadows and pastures that stretch for long distances. The snow clad mountains form the backdrop. The climate of the place has healing effects. The beauty of the valley is enriched by torrential flow of water in Lidder Nallah. People who come to visit Amarnath set up their camps at Pahalgam. Tourist huts and several hotels offering various prices are available here.

Acchabal: It is situated 8 kilometers from Anantnag and hold tourist importance. The place has an ancient spring. A garden surrounds the spring. The upper portion of the garden is called ‘Bagh-e-Begum Abad’. It was developed by Malk-e-Noor-Jahan in the year 1620 AD. A treasure of water or ‘Hamam’ used to get heated by a magical lamp. The place derived its name as ‘Sahib Abad’ from the lamp.

Kokernag: It is a beautifully laid garden. It has a famous fresh water spring. The spring is known for its curative properties. The garden lies 20 kilometers from the district headquarters. A large number of tourists visits the place every year.

Verinag: River Jhelum originates from a spring at Verinag which is 20 kilometers from Anantnag. The spring is found at the foot of a hill. Pine trees and evergreen plants cover the hill. It is believed to be constructed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Carvers from Iran were called in for the purpose. A canal is formed outside the spring which eventually leads to the beginning of River Jhelum.

Daksum: This spot is a famous for trout fish. It is located on the Anantnag-Simthan-Kishtwar road. The spot is surrounded by rich forests and the mighty mountains form the backdrop.