Sweet Escapes · Offbeat places · Verinag
Anantnag districtVerinag
Verinag is where the Jhelum begins. The spring comes out at the foot of a pine-covered hill, and in 1620 the emperor Jahangir had carvers brought from Iran to set it in an octagonal basin of sculpted stone. Seven years later his son Shah Jahan laid out the garden in front of it. It is the first stop in the valley for anyone driving up from Jammu.
- From Srinagarabout 78 km south-east, 26 km from Anantnag
- Best timeMarch to November. The garden is best from April.
About Verinag
The water in the basin is a clear deep blue and full of large fish; it is said never to dry up or overflow. From the basin it runs down a 300-yard canal into the garden and on to become the river that flows the length of Kashmir.
The spring and the Mughal arcade around it are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a Monument of National Importance. The construction date is carved on a stone in the southern wall.
It is about 26 km from Anantnag and 78 km from Srinagar, and is usually seen with Kokernag on the same day.
Adding Verinag to your trip
A day trip from Srinagar with Kokernag, or the first stop on the way in if you arrive by road from Jammu.
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 Verinag Call 7006488952
Questions about Verinag
How far is Verinag from Srinagar?
About 78 km to the south-east, and 26 km from Anantnag.
Who built the Verinag spring garden?
The octagonal stone basin and the arcade were built by Jahangir in 1620; the garden, cascades and channels were added by Shah Jahan seven years later.
Can you add Verinag 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.
Is Verinag really the source of the Jhelum?
Yes — the spring is considered the main source of the Jhelum, which flows through the whole valley and on into Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Other offbeat places
Doodhpathri · Yusmarg · Aharbal · Lolab Valley · Bangus Valley · Tosamaidan · Naranag · Kokernag · Daksum · Gurez Valley
Or see all offbeat places in Kashmir.
Want Verinag in your trip? Tell us your dates.
We'll send back a plan with Verinag in it, and a price, the same day.