Sweet Escapes · Offbeat places · Kokernag
Anantnag districtKokernag
Kokernag is a town built around water. The springs come out at the foot of a wooded hill and split into channels — the shape of a hen’s foot, one story says, and hence the name. It is the largest freshwater spring in Kashmir, the centre of a botanical garden, and the site of the trout farm that stocks the whole valley.
- From Srinagarabout 25 km beyond Anantnag, on the Kishtwar road
- Altitude2,000 m
- Best timeApril to October; the gardens are at their best from May.
About Kokernag
The town sits at about 2,000 metres in the Breng valley, which the saint Sheikh ul-Alam called the golden crown of Kashmir. The Ain-i-Akbari records that its water satisfies both hunger and thirst.
The trout farm, set up in 1984 with European help, is the mother unit for rainbow and brown trout across Jammu and Kashmir. Trout is sold at the farm.
It is one of the most popular weekend outings from Srinagar and is often joined with Verinag and Daksum, which lie on the same side of the valley.
Adding Kokernag to your trip
A day trip from Srinagar, best combined with Verinag and, if you have the appetite, Daksum further up the same road.
It is not part of the standard 4 nights / 5 days route. We add it as an extra day, or in place of a day you would rather skip, and price the change for your dates — there is no fixed add-on rate.
Ask about Kokernag Call 7006488952
Questions about Kokernag
How far is Kokernag from Srinagar?
About 25 km beyond Anantnag on the Kishtwar road (NH-244); Anantnag itself is roughly an hour and a half from Srinagar.
What is there to see at Kokernag?
The springs and the botanical garden around them, and the trout farm. It is a garden-and-picnic sort of place rather than a trek.
Can you add Kokernag to a Kashmir package?
Yes. None of these places is on the standard 4 nights / 5 days route, so we add it as an extra day, or swap it for a day you would rather skip, and price the change for your dates. Tell us when you write and we plan it in.
Can I do Kokernag and Verinag on the same day?
Yes — they are on the same side of the valley and are usually done together, with Daksum as an optional third stop.
Other offbeat places
Doodhpathri · Yusmarg · Aharbal · Lolab Valley · Bangus Valley · Tosamaidan · Naranag · Verinag · Daksum · Gurez Valley
Or see all offbeat places in Kashmir.
Want Kokernag in your trip? Tell us your dates.
We'll send back a plan with Kokernag in it, and a price, the same day.