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Things to do in South Kashmir

The best things to do in South Kashmir: Kokernag, Verinag, Achabal, Aharbal Waterfall, Martand Sun Temple, and 2 more.

By OmarUpdated 29 Sep 20263 min read
Quick answer

The best things to do in South Kashmir: Kokernag, Verinag, Achabal, Aharbal Waterfall, Martand Sun Temple, and 2 more. Below, each one with how long it takes, the best time of day and a local tip. Ideal stay: 1 long day or 1 night.

7 things to do in South Kashmir

Kokernag

Kokernag is home to one of Kashmir's largest freshwater springs, where many small springs rise and run down through a landscaped garden at about 2,012 m, roughly 80 km from Srinagar.

1.5 hours.

Local tipStart the springs loop here or at Achabal before 9 am.

Verinag

Verinag is an octagonal Mughal stone tank built around the spring at the source of the Jhelum, surrounded by an arcade and a garden, about 26 km from Anantnag.

1 hour.

Local tipVisit early for calm and soft light.

Achabal

Achabal is a Mughal garden built around a powerful spring about 8 km from Anantnag, with water gushing down terraced channels and cascades under chinar trees.

1 hour.

Local tipGo early morning for calm.

Aharbal Waterfall

Aharbal is a powerful waterfall where the Veshaw river drops through a granite gorge in pine forest, about 70–75 km from Srinagar via the apple town of Shopian.

2 hours at the falls.

Local tipStay behind the fencing; rocks are slippery all year.

Martand Sun Temple

The Martand Sun Temple is the ruin of a grand 8th-century temple dedicated to Surya, generally attributed to King Lalitaditya Muktapida, on a plateau near Mattan with wide views of the valley.

45 minutes.

Local tipDon't climb on the ruins.

Awantipora Ruins

Awantipora's ruined temples date to the 9th century, built under King Avantivarman, and sit right beside the Srinagar–Jammu highway on the way to Pahalgam.

30 minutes.

Local tipStop on the way to Pahalgam to break the drive.

Pampore Saffron Fields

Pampore's plateaus (karewas) are the heart of Kashmiri saffron, which carries a GI tag.

30–45 minutes.

Local tipStop before 9 am in bloom season.

At a glance

PlaceTypeTime neededBest time
KokernagSpring & botanical garden1.5 hoursMorning
VerinagMughal spring & tank1 hourMorning
AchabalMughal garden & spring1 hourMorning
Aharbal WaterfallWaterfall2 hours at the fallsMorning
Martand Sun TempleAncient temple ruins45 minutesMorning or late afternoon
Awantipora RuinsAncient temple ruins30 minutesAny time on the Pahalgam drive
Pampore Saffron FieldsSaffron fields30–45 minutesEarly morning in bloom season

FAQ

Most people spend 1 long day or 1 night.

O
Written by Omar, trip planner in SrinagarChecked on the ground: 29 Sep 2026 · How we check
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Getting here

Arriving by train

The Kashmir rail link now runs to Srinagar. Vande Bharat trains are the quickest way in from Jammu and Katra.

TrainFrom → toTimes
26401Jammu Tawi → Srinagarvia Katra, Reasi, Banihal · 6 days a week06:20 → 11:10
26402Srinagar → Jammu Tawivia Banihal, Reasi, Katra14:00 → 18:50
26403Katra → SrinagarCheck current timetableCheck IRCTC
26404Srinagar → KatraCheck current timetableCheck IRCTC
Timings change — check IRCTC or NTES (139) before booking. Tatkal for AC classes opens one day before at 10 am.
Station pickupNearest station for this pageAnantnag (ANT) and Awantipora by local train; Srinagar (SINA) by Vande Bharat

Local trains stop at Anantnag and Awantipora; Vande Bharat guests come via Srinagar. Pickup from any of these stations.

Pickup and drop:₹1,100Arrange my station pickupChecked 30 Sep 2026 · Allow extra time on the way back: there are security checks before boarding.

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