Anantnag District · Kashmir Valley
Anantnag: Things to Do, Food, Markets & Local Guide
South Kashmir's largest town and the gateway to Pahalgam, Kokernag, Verinag, and the Martand Sun Temple, named for its many springs.
Overview
Anantnag (also called Islamabad) is the largest town and district headquarters of south Kashmir. Its name means "countless springs", and the region is dotted with them. It is the commercial hub of the south and the gateway to Pahalgam, Kokernag, Verinag, Achabal, and the ruins of the Martand Sun Temple at Mattan. For travellers heading to Pahalgam, Anantnag is the main town they pass through.
Anantnag on the Map
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Anantnag
Martand Sun Temple (Mattan)
View on map →The ruins of an 8th-century sun temple on a plateau, one of Kashmir's most important heritage sites.
Mattan Spring
View on map →A sacred spring with fish, beside the temple complex at Mattan.
Gateway to Pahalgam
View on map →Anantnag is the main town on the road to Pahalgam and its valleys.
Kokernag, Verinag & Achabal (nearby)
View on map →The famous springs and Mughal gardens of south Kashmir are all a short drive from Anantnag.
Food & Restaurants in Anantnag
Anantnag is a large town with plenty of Kashmiri restaurants, bakeries, and roadside eateries, especially around KP Road and the town centre. It is a good place to eat on the way to or from Pahalgam.
Find restaurants in AnantnagMarkets & Bazaars in Anantnag
KP Road (Khanabal-Pahalgam Road) and the Lal Chowk and Cheeni Chowk areas form the main commercial centre of Anantnag, one of the busiest market towns in south Kashmir.
Find markets in AnantnagShopping, Crafts & Clothes in Anantnag
Anantnag's bazaars sell everyday goods, textiles, and Kashmiri handicrafts. It is a practical shopping town rather than a craft-tourism centre like Srinagar.
Find shops in AnantnagLocal Specialities of Anantnag
Springs & Trout
The district's many springs feed trout streams; Kokernag is famous for its trout.
Rice & Apples
South Kashmir around Anantnag is rich agricultural country, growing rice and apples.
Business & Commercial Zone in Anantnag
KP Road and the town centre form the main business and commercial zone of Anantnag, the largest such hub in south Kashmir, with banks, showrooms, and markets.
View commercial area on mapHow to Reach Anantnag
Anantnag is about 55 km south of Srinagar (around 1.5 hours) on NH 44, and roughly 45 km from Pahalgam. It is the main junction town for south Kashmir's springs and gardens.
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Anantnag FAQs
What is Anantnag known for?
Anantnag is the largest town in south Kashmir, known for its many springs (its name means "countless springs"), the Martand Sun Temple ruins at Mattan, and as the gateway to Pahalgam, Kokernag, Verinag, and Achabal.
How far is Anantnag from Pahalgam?
Anantnag is about 45 km from Pahalgam, roughly a 1.5-hour drive. It is the main town travellers pass through on the way from Srinagar to Pahalgam.
Planning to visit Anantnag?
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