Overview
Kulgam is a district in south Kashmir known for its rice fields, apple orchards, and the Aharbal waterfall, sometimes called the "Niagara of Kashmir". It is a base for the trek to the high alpine lake of Kausarnag and offers quiet, green countryside away from the tourist trail.
Kulgam on the Map
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Kulgam
Aharbal Waterfall
View on map →A powerful waterfall on the Veshaw river amid pine forest, nicknamed the Niagara of Kashmir.
Kausarnag Lake Trek
View on map →A high alpine lake reached by trek from the Aharbal side, for the more adventurous.
Kongwattan & Chirsar
View on map →Forest meadows beyond Aharbal, trailheads into the Pir Panjal.
Food & Restaurants in Kulgam
Kulgam is a rural district with local Kashmiri eateries in the main town and near Aharbal in season. Most visitors combine a meal with Anantnag or a picnic.
Find restaurants in KulgamLocal Specialities of Kulgam
Rice
Kulgam is part of the fertile south Kashmir rice belt.
Apples
The district's orchards produce quality Kashmiri apples.
How to Reach Kulgam
Kulgam town is about 65 km south of Srinagar (around 2 hours). Aharbal waterfall is roughly 25 km further into the district, reached by road through orchard and forest country.
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Kulgam FAQs
What is Kulgam famous for?
Kulgam is famous for the Aharbal waterfall, known as the Niagara of Kashmir, and for its rice fields and apple orchards. It is also a base for the trek to the alpine lake of Kausarnag.
Is Aharbal waterfall worth visiting?
Yes. Aharbal is one of Kashmir's most impressive waterfalls, set amid pine forest on the Veshaw river, and is a rewarding, offbeat day trip from south Kashmir. It also serves as a trailhead toward Kausarnag.
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.
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