Overview
Achabal, in Anantnag district, is home to one of Kashmir's finest Mughal gardens, built in 1620 AD for Empress Nur Jahan around a strong natural spring. Its name comes from "Achha-Baal", meaning "good water". The garden was later remodelled around 1634-40 by Jahanara, Shah Jahan's daughter, adding to its three terraces of cascades, fountains, and chinar avenues. It remains one of the most peaceful heritage stops in south Kashmir, close to Anantnag town and the other springs of the region.
Achabal on the Map
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Achabal
Achabal Mughal Garden
View on map →A three-terraced Mughal garden built in 1620 for Nur Jahan, with cascades and fountains fed by a natural spring, shaded by ancient chinars.
Spring-fed Water Channels
View on map →The garden's defining feature: water drawn straight from the spring runs through carved stone channels and drops in a series of cascades across the terraces.
Food & Restaurants in Achabal
Achabal has small local eateries near the garden entrance serving simple Kashmiri food, and it is an easy picnic stop - many visitors bring food to eat within the garden grounds.
Find restaurants in AchabalHow to Reach Achabal
Achabal is about 60 km south of Srinagar (around 1.5 to 2 hours), a short drive from Anantnag town. It pairs well with Kokernag and Verinag on a south Kashmir gardens-and-springs circuit.
Stay and Travel: Achabal
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Achabal FAQs
What is Achabal known for?
Achabal is known for its Mughal garden, built in 1620 AD for Empress Nur Jahan around a powerful natural spring, with terraces, cascades, and chinar avenues. It was later remodelled by Jahanara, Shah Jahan's daughter.
What does the name Achabal mean?
Achabal comes from "Achha-Baal", meaning "good water" in Kashmiri, a reference to the strong natural spring the garden is built around.
How long does a visit to Achabal take?
An hour or so is enough to walk the terraces and see the spring and cascades. Most visitors combine it with Verinag and Kokernag in a single south Kashmir day trip.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.
Planning to visit Achabal?
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