Destinations / Verinag Spring

Verinag Spring

The source of the Jhelum river — a bottomless Mughal spring built by Emperor Jahangir in 1620, producing 7 million litres daily.

📍 75 km from Srinagar (approx 2 hours) from Srinagar

About Verinag Spring

There is a spring in the Anantnag district of Kashmir where a column of water rises from unplumbed depths through an octagonal stone basin built on the orders of Emperor Jahangir in 1620. This is Verinag — the source of the Jhelum river, one of the five rivers of Punjab, which begins its journey to the sea here. The Mughal emperor was so moved by the spring that he built an octagonal enclosure of stone around it, with a garden of elaborate design. The spring itself produces seven million litres of water per day. It is said to be bottomless — divers have reportedly found no floor, and the water appears different colours in different lights, shifting from deep blue to luminous green. Akbar apparently visited the spring and was astonished by it. Jahangir visited twelve times. Shah Jahan met his wife Mumtaz Mahal here in the gardens. The combination of water, Mughal geometry, mature chinar trees, and mountain backdrop creates one of the most meditative places in Kashmir. Most tourists drive past on the way to Pahalgam. We always stop.

Things to Do

The Spring and Garden Walk

The octagonal spring basin and surrounding Mughal garden take about 90 minutes to explore properly. Our guide explains the Mughal history, points out the original stone channels, and identifies the specific trees that are centuries old.

💰 Entry fee approximately 25 rupees per person

Jhelum Source Walk

A trail follows the infant Jhelum river as it emerges from the spring and begins its long journey through Kashmir. Walking this stretch — where the river is a mere stream — is a strangely moving experience.

💰 Free

Combination with Kokernag

Kokernag Spring and Garden is 12km from Verinag — another Mughal garden with different character (wilder, more botanical). We combine both in a single day, with a packed lunch in between.

💰 Arranged by Trivilio

Best Time to Visit

Spring

March to May

The chinar trees are budding and the garden flowers are fresh. The spring runs at full volume. Perfect combination of colour and water.

Summer

June to August

Warm and green. The spring is at its most voluminous. Pleasant temperature for a day trip.

Autumn

October

The chinar trees in the Mughal garden turn spectacular gold. The water takes on a deeper blue. Arguably the most beautiful time to visit.

🚗 How to Reach Verinag Spring

Drive south from Srinagar on the Jammu National Highway (NH44) to Anantnag, then follow signs toward Verinag — approximately 75km in total, taking about 2 hours. The spring is well signposted from Anantnag town. Easy to combine with Pahalgam as a stop on the way there or back.

Plan Your Verinag Spring Trip

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