Baramulla District · Kashmir Valley
Sopore: Things to Do, Food, Markets & Local Guide
The Apple Town of Asia, on the banks of the Jhelum near Wular Lake, home to one of Asia's largest fruit markets.
Overview
Sopore, in Baramulla district on the banks of the Jhelum near Wular Lake, is known as the "Apple Town of Asia" and is sometimes called Chota London. It is famous for its vast apple orchards and for hosting one of Asia's largest fruit mandis (wholesale markets), which trades apples from across the valley. Sopore is also a gateway to Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India.
Sopore on the Map
Things to Do & Places to Visit in Sopore
Sopore Fruit Mandi
View on map →One of Asia's largest apple markets, busiest during the autumn harvest. A window into Kashmir's fruit economy.
Apple Orchards
View on map →The town is ringed by orchards, most spectacular during blossom in spring and harvest in autumn.
Wular Lake (nearby)
View on map →The largest freshwater lake in India, a short drive away, with birdlife and views.
Watlab & Baba Shukruddin Shrine
View on map →A hilltop shrine above Wular Lake with sweeping views over the water.
Food & Restaurants in Sopore
Sopore is a market town with local Kashmiri eateries and bakeries. The surrounding area is orchard country, so fresh fruit is everywhere in season. Combine a visit with a meal in Baramulla or Srinagar.
Find restaurants in SoporeMarkets & Bazaars in Sopore
The Sopore Fruit Mandi is the town's defining feature, one of the largest wholesale fruit markets in Asia. Beyond fruit, the main bazaar serves the town and surrounding villages.
Find markets in SoporeLocal Specialities of Sopore
Kashmiri Apples
Sopore is the heart of Kashmir's apple belt, producing crisp, prized varieties traded across India from its famous mandi.
Pears & Cherries
The orchards around Sopore also yield pears, cherries, and other stone fruit in season.
How to Reach Sopore
Sopore is about 50 km north-west of Srinagar (a 1.5-hour drive) and around 18 km from Baramulla. It is reached via NH 701 and is close to Wular Lake and Bandipora.
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Sopore FAQs
Why is Sopore called the Apple Town of Asia?
Sopore is called the Apple Town of Asia because it sits at the heart of Kashmir's apple belt and hosts one of Asia's largest fruit mandis, trading apples from across the valley. It is also nicknamed Chota London.
What is Sopore famous for?
Sopore is famous for its apple orchards and its enormous fruit mandi, one of the largest in Asia. It also lies near Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India.
Planning to visit Sopore?
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