Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Kashmir Valley, Verinag holds a unique charm with its natural beauty. Roughly 80 kilometres away from Srinagar, it is a lovely location encircled by towering pine trees, with tranquil, crystal-clear waters.
About Kashmir’s Verinag
Verinag, the origin of Vitasta, the lifeline of Kashmir.
The place is absolute magic!
The moment you enter, your mind just feels light as a feather, as if the biggest weight has been lifted.
I say this absolute conviction, Verinag is special. 🙏🏼#kashmir #verinag #Srinagar… pic.twitter.com/IWZFdVmtCa
— guyfromvalley🏕🏔⛷ (@vineetkaul) June 14, 2023
Verinag is one of the off-beat places in Kashmir. It is renowned for its mesmerising spring. It is considered to be the primary source of the Jhelum River. The spring is located at the foothills of the Pir Panjal mountain range, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the site. The crystal-clear water emerges from a deep gorge and forms a large circular pool, surrounded by manicured gardens and Chinar trees. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir is credited with establishing Verinag in the 17th century when he ordered the construction of a pavilion around the spring.
Legend has it that the spring was discovered by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir during his sojourn in Kashmir in the early 17th century, and its enchanting charm inspired the construction of the grand octagonal pavilion. Beyond its natural splendour, Verinag holds a special place in the annals of history as a strategic hub and a cultural melting pot. Over the centuries, it has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from the Mughals to the Afghans to the Sikhs. Yet, amidst the echoes of the past, Verinag remains a vibrant centre of Kashmiri culture and tradition.
Also Read: 2.5 Km Away From Srinagar, Tosa Maidan In Kashmir Is A Hidden Gem Discovered By Only A Few
What To Do Here?
Verinag is a spring of great importance and beauty with deep blue water which also issues from the bottom of high scarp of a mountain spur and here again Jehangir built a pleasure garden and a summer house. An octagonal pavement has been raised around the spring by the Emperor.… pic.twitter.com/oiKiEkivAb
— JKTDC (@jktdcofficial) July 15, 2023
Verinag Spring: At the heart of Verinag lies its crown jewel, the Verinag Spring, a magnificent fountainhead that gushes forth with crystal-clear waters. Encircled by verdant gardens, towering chinar trees, and snow-capped peaks, the spring exudes an aura of tranquillity and serenity.
Kapran Village: Karpan Village is situated 79 km from Srinagar and 21 km in the direction of Anantnag. Kapran Village is a must-visit if you want to experience Kashmir’s serene rural lifestyle.
Jhelum River birthplace: This very spot, above Verinag, is the source of the powerful river that is known as the mother of all of Kashmir. This implies that tourists can follow the Jhelum River as it grows from a little, trickling brook to a massive river by visiting the site of the river’s origin.
Verinag Mughal Gardens: The Mughal gardens of Verinag are often underestimated; with fewer tourists and an extensive collection of beautiful plants, they rank among the most popular tourist destinations in Kashmir, not only in Verinag.
Pir Panjal Range: The Mughal gardens of Verinag are often underestimated; with fewer tourists and an extensive collection of beautiful plants, they rank among the most popular tourist destinations in Kashmir, not only in Verinag.
In recent years, Verinag has emerged as a popular tourist destination. So, when are you going?
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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