ANANTNAG, Jammu and Kashmir

Main Attractions

Amarnath Cave

Pahalgam lidder

Pahalgam is town and a notified area committee in Anantnag district of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination, and every year, many tourists visit Pahalgam This world famous hill station is 45 km. from the District Headquarters at Anantnag and located on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level. Pahalgam is one among the five tehsils of Anantnag district and tehsil headquarters are located in the main town of Pahalgam. It was once a tourist attraction and a favorite place for shooting of Bollywood films, and is still a health resort. Besides tourist huts, several hotels in private sector have come up here and these hotels provide modern facilities to their guests.

A number of treks in this region also begin from Pahalgam, as the 35 km trail traverses through pinewoods to the spectacular Kolahoi Glacier.Pahalgam is also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August). The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 km away is the last stop, Panchtarni.The Amarnath cave is 6 km from there. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling in the Amarnath cave

Brief History

According to a well-known archeologist, Sir A-Stein, the name of Anantnag District has been derived from the great spring Anantanag that issues at the southern end of the town. This is also corroborated by almost all local historians including Kalhana, according to whom the town has taken the name of this great spring of Cesha or Anantanaga a land of numerous springs which are found in the close neighborhood of the main spring. The district as well as its headquarter town are also called Islamabad. It is said that the name Islamabad was assigned to the town by slam Khan, who was the Governor of Kashmir in 1663 A.D.

However, no mention is to be found in the old chronicles of Kashmir. The change in its nomenclature proved temporary and in course of time the principal town as well as the district assumed their old name Anantnag district is the southern sector of Jhelum valley, one of the four natural regions into which Geologists have divided the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Before the advent of Muslim rule in 1320 A.D. Kashmir was divided into three divisions viz; Maraj in the South, Yamraj in the center, and Kamraj in north of the valley. Old records reveal that the division, was the culmination of the rift between Marhan and Kaman, the two brothers who fought each other for the crown of their father. Marhan conquered the region between Pir Panjal and Srinagar and this part of the valley constitute the district of Anantnag was named after him as Maraj.The part below Srinagar fell to Kaman and was known as Kamraj. Srinagar is no longer known as Yamraj, but the areas to its north and south are still called Kamraj and Maraj respectively.

Anantnag district like the rest of Kashmir valley has witnessed many culture from ancient times. These magnificent architectural structures still bear evidence. The Buddhist monasteries of large chiseled stone palaces of Laltaditya and Awanitvarman lying mid way between Srinagar and Anantnag town at Awantipora dating back to several thousand years, the majestic Martand temple situated at a distance of nine kilometers from the district headquarters are a few of the heritages of the district which speak of its past glory. Even in their present ruinous condition these monuments do not fail to impress the eye or excite the imagination of the beholders.

The Anantnag district is not only the Rice bowl of valley , it is equally rich in landscape of lush green meadowsThe nature has been generous in gifting the district with places of unparalleled beauty The district has a features of possessing the largest number of health resorts in the whole state. Of them particular mention may be made of Kukernag, Verinag Daksum, Achbal and worlds famous resortPahalgam.During the summer months tourists coming from all parts of the country usually fill these to the brim. The Government in putting the tourist industry of the State on a sound footing has made great effort. These resorts not only have been given a face lift in physical appearance but a large number of huts, dak bungalows and rest houses have also been constructed at each place for accommodating the visitors in all possible comfort. The name of the district is also derived for the pilgrims attracted from every part of India to the holy cave of Amarnath situated at a distance of 46 kms. from PahalgamThe cave is located at the upper reaches of District Anantnag at an altitude of about 13,000ft , because of this height it is covered by snow for most of the year.

Onlyfor short period in summer ,the entrance is accessible.he cave is an ice cave, it contains a certain amount of ice stalagmites. The cave is holy for Hindu Pilgrims, because of its ice contents. The ice pillars inside the cave are also ice lingham, the phallic symbol of lord Shiva. Two smaller ice stalagmites representParvati, his wife and Ganesh his son.The Hindus also believe that the height of lingham increases and decreases with the phases of the moon. In the month of Shravan, on the full moon in August, thousands of Hindus go on a pilgrimage up to the cave .At this time the lingham reaches its biggest size. The majority community in the district always welcome the devotees with wide open arms, while the yatries are on their way to and from cave.The annual Amarnath pilgrimage, which passes through this district, is the most impressive spectacle with the mace of lord Shiva carried at the head of a long colorful and devout procession. Enroute one can come through scenic beauty of Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panjtarni.The temples of Mattan, Martand, Anantnag and Bijbehara which fallsenroute are also worth seeing.