Verinag Travel Guide – The Source of the JhelumDuke Kashmir Travels
Verinag is a Mughal spring and garden in Anantnag district, Kashmir, India, and the source of the river Jhelum. It lies 78 km from Srinagar, and the spring was enclosed in an octagonal stone tank by Jahangir in 1620.
It is the first place you reach on entering the valley through the Jawahar Tunnel, which is why it is called the gateway of Kashmir. The water is startlingly clear and holds trout that visitors feed from the parapet.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- Distance: 78 km from Srinagar, about two hours through Anantnag.
- What it is: the source of the Jhelum, enclosed by Jahangir in 1620.
- Best time: April to October; the garden is at its best in spring and autumn.
- Time needed: an hour at the spring, longer with the garden.
- Combine with: Achabal and Kokernag on the same south Kashmir loop.
What is Verinag known for?
The spring itself: an octagonal tank of deep blue water that feeds the Jhelum. The arcade around it dates from Jahangir, who ordered the enclosure in 1620, and the terraced garden behind was added under Shah Jahan.
Nearby, Martand Sun Temple, an 8th-century ruin on a plateau above Anantnag, and Aharbal waterfall are the two other stops on this side of the valley.
How do you visit Verinag from Srinagar?
78 km south, about two hours, usually as part of a south Kashmir day. Verinag on its own does not fill a day, so we normally run it with Achabal and Kokernag, which are within half an hour of each other.
Book Verinag with Duke Kashmir Travels
We are a J&K Tourism-registered agency (JKTA00003978) running our own vehicles in Kashmir since 2011. The south Kashmir gardens loop is a full-day trip from Srinagar or a stop on the way to Pahalgam. Tell us your dates.
Insider tip from our local team
Verinag takes an hour, so pair it with Achabal and Kokernag in one loop and drive them anti-clockwise: Verinag first, Kokernag at midday when the garden has shade, Achabal last for the late light on the chinars.