Quick Facts

Quick Facts

 General Overview

• Location: Southern Kashmir, situated in the Kashmir Valley, on the banks of the Jhelum River
• District: Anantnag
• Significance: Anantnag is a major town in the region known for its scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and religious significance. It is also a gateway to the Amarnath Cave pilgrimage.

 Tourist Attractions

• Amarnath Cave: One of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located around 45 km from Anantnag
• Martand Sun Temple: An ancient sun temple located in Mattan, near Anantnag, showcasing impressive architecture
• Verinag Spring: A famous spring surrounded by lush gardens, believed to be the source of the Jhelum River
• Achabal Gardens: A Mughal-style garden known for its beautiful landscaping and serene atmosphere
• Pahalgam: A nearby scenic hill station, located around 90 km from Anantnag, famous for trekking and horse riding
• Sheshnag Lake: A picturesque lake located near Pahalgam, often visited by pilgrims en route to the Amarnath Cave

 Economy

• Agriculture: Anantnag is an important agricultural center, known for the cultivation of apples, saffron, rice, and walnuts
• Handicrafts: The region is known for Kashmiri shawls, carpets, and other local handicrafts
• Tourism: A key part of the economy, attracting pilgrims and nature enthusiasts to visit its temples, gardens, and lakes

Connectivity

• By Air: The nearest airport is Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar Airport), about 58 km away
• By Rail: Anantnag has a railway station, with limited connections to other regions of Jammu & Kashmir
• By Road: Well-connected by road to Srinagar and Pahalgam via National Highways, with good road access to other towns in Kashmir

 Climate

• Type: Temperate climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers
• Summer: Pleasant and cool (15–30°C), ideal for sightseeing
• Winter: Cold and snowy (0–10°C), with temperatures often dipping below freezing in the peak winter months (December–February)
• Best Time to Visit: April to October for sightseeing and nature walks; December to February for snow activities

 Festivals

• Shivaratri – Celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindus in the region, particularly as a pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave
• Eid – Celebrated by the Muslim community with religious fervor
• Diwali, Navratri, and Holi – Widely celebrated in the town, reflecting the diverse culture of Anantnag
• Baisakhi – Celebrated by the local Sikh community, marking the harvest season