Martand Sun Temple is a ruined eighth-century temple to Surya standing on a plateau in Anantnag district, and the finest surviving example of classical Kashmiri architecture. It was built between roughly 725 and 756 CE on ground that overlooks the whole valley. The central shrine stands inside a colonnaded court of smaller cells, all of it roofless now and all of it still monumental.
Duke Kashmir Travels, a Srinagar agency registered as JKTA00003978 with the Department of Tourism since 2011, includes Martand on south Kashmir itineraries. Kashmir packages open near ₹6,350 per person, twin sharing.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- Built about 725 to 756 CE and dedicated to Surya, the sun.
- Set on a plateau with the valley spread out below.
- A central shrine ringed by a colonnaded court of subsidiary cells.
- Its style blends Gandharan, Gupta and local Kashmiri elements.
- Declared a national heritage site and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Roughly 65 km from Srinagar, near Anantnag.
What survives at Martand?
The plinth, the walls of the central shrine, and the ring of columned cells around the court — enough to read the whole plan from the ground.
Trefoil arches, fluted columns and carved panels remain visible, and the scale is what surprises visitors: this was the largest temple complex in the valley. The stone is grey limestone, the same as at Wangath and Shankaragaurishvara.
Why is it important?
It is the high point of classical Kashmiri temple architecture and the reference against which the valley's other stone temples are read.
Built under the Karkota kings during the valley's most expansive period, it fused Gandharan, Gupta and local traditions. Its ruin is later; what remains has been protected as a national monument.
How do you visit?
It stands near Mattan in Anantnag district, about 65 kilometres from Srinagar, an hour and a half by road.
Give it an hour. It pairs naturally with Aharbal or the Kokernag and Sinthan Top side of the valley on a south Kashmir day. See Kashmir tour ideas.
Booking this with us
Behind the itineraries: Duke Kashmir Travels, a Srinagar agency carrying tourism registration JKTA00003978 from March 2011, IATO membership ALD150928 and a seat in the JK Tourism Council. Details on About Us.
Give us the dates and the number of travellers; the itinerary and the quote come back the same day. +91 9018 44 0000, info@dukekashmirtravels.com, or the contact page.
About the founder
Duke Kashmir Travels is owned and run by its founder, Rayies Ahmad Zargar, who set it up in Srinagar in 2011 and checks these destination pages himself. LinkedIn.