Anantnag

Located in the southern region of the famous Jhelum Valley, this city is a popular tourist destination in Jammu & Kashmir. Lofty mountains with snowy peaks and sweet streams of freshwater are the true identity of this heavenly place. Moreover, its close proximity to other famous places such as Pahalgam, Srinagar, and Patnitop makes it a worth-visiting destination. The picturesque scenery of this city depicts the beauty of Jammu & Kashmir throughout the whole year. And during certain times of the season, each Anantnag place becomes an undisputed example of heavens existence on earth.

Further, the city hosts various serene and lush gardens that were once the most preferred destinations of Indias royal families. Apart from these, Martand Sun Temple, Amarnath Temple, Aru Valley, and Sinthan Top are some other popular tourist places in Anantnag.

Anantnag Overview

Best Time to Visit Anantnag

Similar to any other prominent hill station, the best time to visit this city is also during the summer season, from May to September. The weather in Anantnag during this season remains pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and other activities. In fact, the famous religious pilgrimage Amarnath Yatra usually starts during the same season as well as Anantnag temperature becomes suitable. The Anantnag temperature during such months remains consistent at around 8 to 22 degrees only with clear visibility. On the other hand, winters here are quite harsh as months like December record -10 degrees temperatures. To avoid huge flocks of tourists, travellers can also choose to visit here during the late monsoon season in September.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Anantnag

As a major tourist destination and religious site, this city shares decent connectivity with other parts of the Jammu & Kashmir territory. Generally, it takes around only an hour and 58km of distance from Srinagar to reach here via NH44. Moreover, the famous district has its own train station known as Anantnag Railway Station. Currently, this station is a part of Northern Railways, and more than 30 local trains pass through its corridor every day. For tourists visiting from the capital New Delhi, the best way to reach here is by flight. The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, at a distance of 60km. From there, tourists can easily book a private cab or taxi to visit various tourist places in Anantnag.

What are the things to see and do in Anantnag

Surprisingly, Anantnag city in Jammu and Kashmir is often called the Garden City of Kashmir. Hence, it makes sense for tourists to explore its adoring parks and gardens and enjoy picturesque views. Most of such parks were originally built in ancient times but have been renovated quite well. Apart from this, Anantnag Jammu and Kashmir is mostly known for the famous Amarnath Yatra. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit her to pay their respect and show their devotion to Lord Shiva and the famous Amarnath Temple. The city is home to several other religious and holy places, such as Uma Devi of Uma Nagri, Masjid Baba Dawood Khaki, Aishmuqam Shrine, etc. Further, places like Aru Valley are usually quite popular among newlywed couples for their honeymoon due to the massive number of resorts available. Lastly, Sinthan Top is another popular Anantnag place that offers the rarest sightseeing and enthralling trekking experience.

Places to Visit in Anantnag

As a popular hill station that usually remains busy during the tourism season, the city offers several renowned restaurants and hotels. Meanwhile, there are plenty of natural offerings, such as massive mountains, lush green forests, hidden waterfalls, and sacred sites.

Amarnath Cave & Temple

Unlike any other site, Amarnath Temple holds huge importance in Hinduism, and its one of the holiest shrines in the world. The pilgrimage to this sacred site is organized by the Indian government itself, with the highest possible security every year. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Amarnath Temple records thousands of devotees reaching its gates every year.

Aru Valley

Aru Valley is a stunning resort village site in the vicinity of Pahalgam. Picturesque views with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop are the true identity of this place. During the summer season, Aru Valley sees hundreds of couples visiting its corridor to enjoy some of the best natural views in the world.

Sinthan Top

Located at the height of 12000 ft, Sinthan Top is a recently discovered destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. While the place remains covered in snow all year, months like April to June are the best time to enjoy activities like trekking, skiing, and mountaineering.

Restaurants

To enjoy traditional Kashmiri cuisine in this city, tourists wont have to hassle too much. Luckily, there are several famous restaurants and eateries available throughout the district.

The Delhi Darbar

Famous for its finest dining experience and lovely ambience, The Delhi Darbar is a famous Kashmiri restaurant in this city. Above all, the place serves pretty much all traditional dishes at quite affordable prices.

Pamposh Restaurant

Located quite close to the national highway, Pamposh Restaurant is one of the most renowned eateries in this city. Unlike others, the restaurant specialises in aesthetic seating arrangements as well as various Kashmiri cuisines.

Places to Stay

Like any other hill station, this city also has various luxurious and affordable hotels available for tourists. Some of the most highly rated and well-known hotels are as follows:

The Spring

Located in the Imooh region, The Spring is a famous hotel that offers spacious accommodation units with a stunning view of the valley. Moreover, the staff here is well-skilled and spoken, offering inimitable house services.

Paradise Retreat Daksum

Paradise Retreat Daksum is one of the most popular luxury hotels in this city. Unlike any other hotel, this place offers facilities for outdoor sports and activities with luxurious rooms and exclusive amenities.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Anantnag

Most of the popular destinations in Kashmir are known for their stunning mountains and delicious Kashmiri Food. Luckily, this city has both of them, as most of the restaurants here specialise in Kashmiri cuisine and Mutton. The citys love for non-vegetarian food is undoubtedly unhidden with the rarest aromatic flavours and preparations. Rogan Gosh, Yakhni Pulao, Aab Gosh, Kashmiri Kebab, and Syun Aloo are some of the most prominent and mouthwatering dishes from this region. Apart from this, the salted tea with pinkish colour thats famously known as Nun Chai is also quite popular in this city. Lastly, the city has various other restaurants serving Chinese, Continental, and South Indian dishes on a daily basis.

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Anantnag

As a prominent tourist destination, this citys markets never disappoint tourists in any possible way. Above all, the local markets of this city are known for fresh apples. The apples here are usually of high quality and are known for their rarest sweet taste.

Lal Chowk

Most local shops in Lal Chowk are well known for smartly designed handicraft items such as Pashmina Shawls, Carpets, Rugs, and other souvenirs.

Iqbal Market

Iqbal Market is a bustling shopping site from where you can buy anything and everything, including stationary items.

Springs Mall

The city has a few modern shopping complexes, such as Springs Mall, for branded items and other products.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour's are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren't just "local" tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn't normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn't get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what's going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

Conclusion

At last, itd be quite safe to say that this city not only serves as a major religious site but is also a stunning tourist destination. With mesmerizing Himalayan mountains in the backdrop, this city's views are truly unmatchable. While Amarnath Temple receives thousands of devotees every year, places like Aru Valley attracts young couples and all other kinds of tourists. The natural gorgeousness of this city is visible in its food and local markets too. And during the summer season, when the weather in Anantnag becomes pleasant again, the whole district turns into a pristine replica of heaven. So, if you have the chance to explore this magnificent destination, stay assured that youre all set for a memorable journey among the mountains.