Kokernag, Verinag and Achabal: South Kashmir's Springs and Mughal Gardens
The source of the Jhelum, a Mughal octagonal spring and gardens built for a queen. How to plan a south Kashmir springs day, and what is open in 2026.
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Quick answerThree spring gardens in south Kashmir make a rewarding day: Achabal, a Mughal garden fed by a powerful spring; Verinag, an octagonal stone tank built in Emperor Jahangir's time and regarded as the source of the Jhelum; and Kokernag, with its springs and botanical garden. They lie roughly 60–90 km from Srinagar in Anantnag district.
The Mughals adored Kashmir's springs and built gardens around the best of them. Srinagar's gardens are famous; these southern ones are quieter, greener and steeped in history. Jahangir loved Verinag so much he asked to be buried there (he was not, but the sentiment stands).
Achabal
A terraced Mughal garden around a gushing spring, associated with the Mughal court and Empress Nur Jahan. Water channels, fountains and chinar trees make it lovely in autumn.
Verinag
An octagonal stone tank surrounded by arched cloisters, built in the early 17th century under Emperor Jahangir. The deep blue spring is traditionally considered the source of the river Jhelum.
Kokernag
Known for its cold springs and a botanical garden, and for trout farming nearby. It makes a peaceful stop on the same route.
What is closed nearby
Daksum, beyond Kokernag, is on the Anantnag district closure list dated 7 July 2026 (end date 31 December 2026). Achabal, Verinag and Kokernag are not on that list, but check locally before you set out.
A sample route
| Stop | Approx. time from Srinagar |
|---|---|
| Achabal | About 2 hours |
| Kokernag | About 2.5 hours |
| Verinag | About 2.5–3 hours |
It is a long day from Srinagar. If you are staying in Pahalgam, the springs are closer via Anantnag.
Best time
- May–June: green and fresh.
- October–November: red and gold chinars, the prettiest season.
Plan it into your trip
Combine the springs with Martand and Avantipora on the way to Pahalgam, or ask our team to add a south Kashmir day through Get My Travel Plan.
Plan the rest of your Kashmir trip
- Trout Fishing in Kashmir: Brown and rainbow trout in cold mountain streams, a licence system dating back over a century and trout farms you can visit.
- Mughal Gardens of Srinagar: The history, highlights and best visiting times for Srinagar's Mughal gardens, the terraced royal gardens built along Dal Lake in the 17th century.
- 6 Best Day Trips from Srinagar: Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Pahalgam and the saffron fields of Pampore: the best day trips from Srinagar, with drive times and tips.
- Kashmir 6 Nights 7 Days Package: Six nights finally lets you sleep near a glacier. A full-circle Kashmir package with a Sonamarg night, two Pahalgam nights, winter options and honest costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Verinag the source of the Jhelum?
Verinag spring is traditionally regarded as the source of the river Jhelum.
Who built Achabal garden?
It is a Mughal-era garden associated with the Mughal court and Empress Nur Jahan.
Is Daksum open in 2026?
Daksum is on the Anantnag district closure list dated 7 July 2026, with an end date of 31 December 2026.
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