Verinag

Verinag is a town named after and famous for the Verinag spring and Mughal garden, near Anantnag city in the Anantnag district of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is also called "gateway of Kashmir" and is a notified area committee with tehsil status (Shahabad Bala Verinag) and is about 26 kilometers away from Anantnag and approximately 78 kilometers south-east from Srinagar which is the summer capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Verinag is also the first tourist spot of Kashmir Valley when traveling by road from Jammu, the winter capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir towards Srinagar. There is an octagonal stone basin at Verinag Spring and an arcade surrounding it which were built by Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D. Later, a beautiful garden next to this spring was laid out by his son Shah Jahan. This spring is known to never dry up or overflow. Verinag Spring is also the major source of river Jhelum. Verinag Spring and Mughal Arcade surrounding it is officially recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India as a Monument of National Importance.

Verinag spring is the main source of River Jhelum, (Vyeth in local Kashmiri language) which flows throughout the valley of Kashmir and finally enters into Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

History and Heritage  

Mughal Gardens of Verinag holds an important place in the history of Kashmir. They were laid by an emperor who was fond of natural beauty. Jehangir and his wife Nur Jahan used this place as their pleasure retreat and this was the favorite one for Jehangir. He also expressed the desire to be buried near Verinag Spring but this wish of the emperor could not be fulfilled by his wife and courtiers.

The beauty of Verinag finds its citations in many ancient inscriptions including Ain-i- Akbari, Rajatarangini, and Tuzk-e-Jahangiri. This historical garden was built in typical Persian style with a rectangular garden full of Persian roses, and myriad fragranced blooms. A wide canal with grand entrances to the garden and walkway passing through a grand colonnade taking to the octagonal tank, are the beautiful remnants of Mughal Empire in Kashmir valley.

Geography and Climate
Verinag is located at 33.55°N 75.25°E. It has an average elevation of 1,851 meters (6,076 feet). This town is located in the vicinity of Banihal pass of Pir Panjal mountain range. Major towns located near this place are Anantnag, Kokernag, Achabal and Qazigund.

The climate of Verinag is classified as Humid subtropical climate(Cfa). The average annual temperature in Verinag is 13.4 °C (56.1 °F). About 1,043 mm (41.1 in) of precipitation falls annually. The driest month is November with 35 mm (1.4 in) precipitation.

Flora and Fauna
Verinag is home to a variety of flora and fauna, thanks to its rich biodiversity. The surrounding forests are filled with pine, fir, and cedar trees, providing a habitat for several species of birds and animals. Visitors to Verinag can spot species like the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and a variety of birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Best time to visit
Verinag, constantly hidden in the shadow of farther notorious destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, is a true sheltered gem. With its year-round appeal, it offers a little something for every traveler.
October to March
In Verinag in winter, there’s a 15% chance of rain or snow on an average day. However, during this time the valley transforms into a serene snow-subbed haven. Many would consider this to be a really cold period. The temperature ranges from a high of 44°F (7°C) to a low of 23°F (-5°C).
Not to forget, the Verinag Spring takes on a unique charm in the winter. The girding terrain is like a blanket of snow, offering tranquil terrain. The cool and crisp air is an ideal time for a nice and relaxed walk. Also, if you are seeking adventure, the trekking trails nearby are perfect for those who wish to explore the winter wonderland. Also, the Dachigam National Park just around the corner, is a treat for wildlife aficionados.
April to June
Summer is the time when Verinag undergoes a remarkable transformation. It is as if the region comes alive with lush greenery and vibrant blooms. The temperature in this area ranges from 12 °C to 30 °C, which creates a perfect terrain for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.
Speaking of the Verinag Spring, it is the most beautiful during summer. You can feel the sun hit the spring, like diamonds on water. The clear waters with a backdrop for the majestic mountain range take you away from the hustle-bustle of city life. Also, the gardens girding the spring add to the charm of this place with colorful flowers. This will definitely help you relax and of course, click some amazing pictures.
July to September
July to September is the monsoon season. During this period Verinag experiences mild rainfall. The temperature ranges from 15 °C to 30 °C, making it an amiable time to visit.
You must look out for the gardens and meadows, for they’re in full bloom during the monsoon. This blooming season creates a symphony of colors and scents. The cool and amping air, coupled with the soothing sound of the flowing spring, provides a tranquil escape from the city’s chaos. visitors can enjoy boat rides and explore the girding areas.
In conclusion, whether you seek regard for history, a rendezvous with nature, or a mix of both, Verinag’s serene springs, vibrant gardens, and stirring topographies will leave you with cherished remembrances of a peaceful retreat on the stage of the Pir Panjal mountains.

Tourist Attractions

Verinag Spring:  It is not a secret that Jahangir was completely in love with Kashmir. He spent quite a considerable amount of time exploring the state and came across many brilliant locations which he converted into monuments and gardens. Verinag Spring is a fascinating source of clear, holy water that emperor Jahangir converted into an arcade and reservoir. The spring, therefore, is covered on all sides by beautiful walls dating back to his period, char famous even today because of their scriptures. There are steps leading down to the spring which are mostly not open to visitors. If you hire a local guide, you might have a chance to know the meaning of the scriptures yourself!

Verinag Mughal Gardens: Jahangir did not stop by simply making the spring aesthetic. He also looked at the beautiful Verinag Valley all around and decided that it would be a perfect spot to build a garden that he would admire forever. The Verinag Mughal gardens are so underrated – the less number of visitors and wide range of ornamental vegetation make it not only one of the most popular places to visit in Verinag but rather all of Kashmir. In fact, some visitors have claimed that these Mughal gardens are equal if not better to the gardens of Srinagar.

Evening walk to Jawahar Tunnel: This evening stroll will not be a simple work but an entire experience in itself. While we call it an evening stroll, this work is quite a lonely one and will bring you to several stages of its fulfillment – several patches of forest, a few moderately difficult climbs, watching the doleful sunset, the overhead snow peaks afire, and finally the famous Omoh Village. This village is beautiful in itself and has friendly inhabitants living in it who will welcome you for delicious snacks at any roadside stall. But most importantly, this is where you will be able to set eyes on one of the most underrated places to visit in Verinag, the Omoh Village Mughal Caravanserai. The destination of our walk, the Jawahar tunnel is a viewpoint where cars coming towards the Verinag valley from Jammu often stop.

Cultural Delights
Verinag is steeped in culture and history, with influences from the Mughal era still visible in its architecture and traditions. The local people are warm and welcoming, and visitors can experience the rich Kashmiri culture through traditional music, dance, and cuisine..

Local Cuisine
Verinag is also famous for its local cuisine, which is a blend of Kashmiri and Mughlai flavors. The town is known for its delicious meat dishes, including lamb and chicken, which are cooked in a variety of spices and herbs. The town is also famous for its vegetarian dishes, which are made with fresh vegetables and lentils.

How to Reach
National Highway 1A connects Verinag to Srinagar. This highway is situated around 6 km from Verinag. By road, you can take buses running from Anantnag to reach this place which is just 28 km from Anantnag. Taxis are also available on this route. Qazigund Railway station is just 17 km away from Verinag and has some trains that can take you to this amazing place in Kashmir valley.