Category: Offbeat Tours

The famous Martand Sun Temple is a Hindu temple in the beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir. The name Martand is a Sanskrit name for the Sun God in Hindu mythology. The temple is a standing proof of the great architectural prowess of the 8th century CE. It is located at a distance of more than 5 miles from Anantnag. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to Anantnag and visit the beautiful shrine to pay respect of the Sun God. You will notice carefully carved markings and intricately fused designs that make the tourists still go “Wow” with the finesse they were built.

Construction

Built by the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty, king Lalitaditya, the Martand Sun was constructed between the 7th and the 8th century. The structure, located near Anantnag, is of great national and historical and architectural importance which is why it comes under the The Archaeological Survey of India. The temple is built on a plateau, at an elevation. It is made up of limestone and has yet stood the test of time. The structure has been declared as a tourist place by the Government of India, and every year hundreds of tourists visit the ruins to witness the marvel of Hindu architecture.

Such is the grandeur of the temple that famous Bollywood movies, such as Aandhi and Shahid Kapoor-starrer Haider were shot here. The ruins have also been featured in many documentaries and important projects. Make sure you spend some time in temple in peace to admire it beauty and feel it speaking its story to you.

History of Martand Sun Temple

The Martand Sun Temple was built in the 8th Century CE. It was built by the then ruler King Lalitaditya Muktapida. King Lalitaditya, between 350 and 500 CE. Not the entire temple was built during his reign. It is believed that a few parts of the shrine were built during the reign of Gonanda Dynasty’s III Ranaditya, who was the son Narindraditya. He too was from Kashmir. The reign of Gonanda Dynasty was before the rule Karkota Dynasty. When the Gonanda Dynasty fell down, the Karkota Dynasty came into power and took up the responsibility of completing the Sun Temple to honor the Sun God, as in known in Hindu mythology.

Not all texts say that the temple was named Martand after Surya, the Sun God. Some believe that the name was given as a tribute to the fishermen. It is said that these fishing and trading were the most popular professions during those times. Some people in Kashmir also call the temple as Mattan. However, the temple saw bad times as well. When Muslim rulers invaded Kashmir, Sikandar Butshikan ordered that the temple be demolished completely. As a result, the temple complex was razed over the period of one year because it was not easy to destroy the strong and sturdy structure

Architecture of Martand Sun Temple

The Martand Sun Temple exhibits architectural forms of multiple cultures that stretches over an area of 32,000 square feet. It was constructed under the guidance of experts who brought together Syrian, Chinese, Gupta Gandharan, Roman and Greek forms of architecture to erect a masterpiece that developed in the form of the temple complex.

The temple has beautiful engravings of the Hindu Gods. Situated on the western side of the shrine’s complex, it leads to the courtyard of the temple, which is followed by the main shrine in the center. It is shared like a tank and has stairs leading to the bottom. You will also notice the images of Lord Vishnu, the river Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna, and Surya, the Sun God carved beautiful in the antechamber built within the main shrine.

Archeologists believe that the main shrine of the Markand Sun Temple had a pyramid-shaped structure, as is found in many Kashmiri temples. It is not clearly known because the structure was demolished by a Muslim ruler, but archeologists have tried to develop an impression of the entire temple as it was built. The main shrine of the Markand Sun Temple is surrounded by nearly 83 smaller shrines and that adds further to its beauty. The main complex is connected by limestone colonnades. These are inspired by the ancient Greek architecture, which makes the shrine even more valuable. The temple’s ceiling and walls display beautiful Sanskrit inscriptions and images of Hindu Gods and deities.

Important Things to Keep in Mind while Visiting Martand Sun Temple

1. The temple does not has guides to help tourists. So do a bit of research before visiting.
2. There are no restrictions on carrying your own food and water into the temple premises.
3. Keep the template premises clean.
4. Since the temple is left into ruins, be careful while exploring.
5. The temple is in one of the coldest areas of India. Please carry warm clothes or as is suitable for the weather.

How to Reach Martand Sun Temple

Reaching the Martand Sun Temple is pretty easy. Since it is close to the beautiful city of Pahalgam, you can reach in approximately an hour if you hire a cab from a local agency. Located at a distance of nearly 9 kms from Anantnag, at a place called Kehribal, the temple is easily accessible.

Tourists can reach the shrine from Pahalgam. It is only one-hour drive away from a cab or a taxi.

ACHABAL

Achabal Garden “the places of the princess”, is a small Mughal garden located at the southeastern end of the Kashmir Valley in the town of Achabal, Anantnag district, India. It is about 8 kilometers away from Anantnag and around 60km from Srinagar city. It was in Kashmir that the Mughal style gardens was brought to perfection and Achabal is one such masterpiece. This place is famous all over due to an ancient spring surrounded by a terrace garden, which was developed by Mughals. The historical significance of this place strikes the visitor with awe.Achabal Garden, once the pleasure retreat of the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan is a beautifully created garden in Kashmir with its own special allure and character. Its picturesque beauty makes it one of the best Mughal gardens of the Indian subcontinent. It is difficult to describe in words the mesmerizing beauty of this Mughal style garden. The upper portion of the garden is popularly known as `Bag-e-Begum Abad` and was developed by Malika Noor Jehan Begum in 1620 A.D. Later it became renowned as Sahib Abad in which there was a `Hamam` or treasure of water getting heat from a logical lamp or `tosng`. The garden was created at the site of a powerful spring, which enters the garden as a waterfall. The design of this wonderfully created garden is ascribed to the beloved wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The Garden of Achabal is located at the foot of a hill covered with dense forest, which is 8 kilometers from Anantnag and 56 kilometers from Srinagar. The daughter of the Mughal monarch Shah Jahan built the garden in the year 1620 with cascading outpourings and pavilions. The most beautiful of all springs is Achabal and it gushes out of the Sosanwar Hill. In the garden of Achabal the water gushes out of the spasm with great vigor throughout the entire year. In the later ages the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh built a mosque in the garden. There is also a trout farm for seed fish nearby. There are tourist bungalows and tourist huts nearby where the tourists can spend some moments in the lap of the beautiful setup. This garden is universally regarded as a visual treat for the eyes. This garden is also well adorned with sprawling Chinar trees. Stepped terraces, ornamental shrubs and conventional elegance, are the added attraction, which not only mesmerizes one but also attracts thousands of tourists from all over the globe every year. Accommodation is available at the nearby tourist bungalows or rest houses. Achabal not only serves as a breathtaking splendor but also is a reviving experience for all tourists. Located near the Himalayan Mountains, the site may have been a Hindu sacred site known as “Akkshavala” previously.

It was built about 1620 A.D. by Mughal EmpireEmperor Jahangir’s wife, Nur Jahan, called the “greatest garden lovers of them all.” The garden was rebuilt on smaller scale by Gulab Singh and is now a public garden. A main feature of the garden is a waterfall that enters into a pool of water.

This place is also noted for its spring, which is finest in Kashmir and is supposed to be the reappearance of a portion of the river Bringhi, whose waters suddenly disappear through a large fissure underneath a hill at the village Wani Divalgam in the Brang Pargana. It is said that in order to test this, a quantity of chaff was thrown in the Bringhi river at a place its water disappears at Wani Divalgam and that chaff came out of the Achabal spring. The water of the spring issues from several places near the foot of a low spur which is densely covered with deodar trees and at one place it gushes out from an oblique fissure large enough to admit a man’s body and forms a volume some 18 inches high and about a foot in diameter.

KOKERNAG

Kokernag is a blend of all delicate components of natural beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. Home to a spring with magical, curative powers, a tour to Kokernag is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Srinagar. Located at an altitude of around 2012 meters above sea level, tour to Kokernag also reveals some of the other treasures of this important tourist destination. The moment you enter the green valley of Kokernag, you are welcomed by the cool and fragrant air of the mountains, an air that brings with it the perfume of the blossoming flowers which you see all around this picturesque vale. An array of springs gush out of the base of a thickly wooded hill from where the waters divide into channels, resembling to the claw- foot of a hen, hence its name; Kokernag. Place is famous for gardens, largest fresh water springs and its trout stocked streams. Kokernag has been a famous place from mediaeval times and is mentioned in Ain Akbari that the water of Kokernag satisfies both hunger and thirst and it is also a remedy for indigestion. It is also famous for its trout streams. Trout hatchery department has constructed pools in series where in trout is reared. Different pools have got trout with different weights and ages. Kokernag is situated at a distance of about 22 km from Anantnag on the right side of Anantnag- Kishtwar highway. The easiest and most comfortable way of reaching this place is to hire a Sumo at Anantnag. One can also catch a local bus that is easily available in Anantnag and head towards Kokernag. It takes about one hour to reach Kokernag. Blessed with rich soil which promotes the growth of several varieties of plants and flowers, a tour to Kokernag is made even more perfect by the presence of a number of accommodation options in the region. The total area of Kokernag is 300 Kanals of which 129 kanals is for the purpose of gardens and the rest is forest area. Many fascinating destinations are found in this area including Daksum, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Botanical Garden, Trout Fish Hatchery and Achabal.  

VERINAG

Located at the foothill of picturesque Pir Panjal mountain range, Verinag is a major tourist attraction in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. It is situated 26 km south of Anantnag and 78 km from Srinagar. It lies just below the entry point of Kashmir Valley after crossing Jawahar Tunnel. With an average elevation of 1,851 m (6,076 ft), Verinag is famous for its spring and a garden. There is an octagonal stone basin at Verinag Spring and an arcade surrounding it which was built by Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D. Next to this spring, a beautiful garden was laid out by his son Shah Jahan. This spring is also the major source of river Jhelum that flows through the entire Valley from south to north before crossing over to Pakistan. 

Verinag spring is situated at the bottom of a hill covered by pine trees and evergreen plants. It was originally an irregular and shapeless pond forming a little marsh. After seeing the dilapidated condition of the spring and its scattered waters, Jahangir’s artistic taste for polishing the beauty of nature could not tolerate the eye- soaring spectacle and he determined to improve it. He built the octagonal tank of sculptured stones round it, so that all water was collected therein, for which carvers were brought from Iran. Seven years later, Shah Jahan, constructed a garden in front of the spring with cascades and aqueducts in straight lines through and around the fine garden.

Traversing the pine- covered mountains of Pir Panjal range, the boisterous waters of Vishav river tumble down straight 25 metres below at Aharbal creating a waterfall. This famous waterfall is located in the south western part of the valley in Kulgam district, some 75 kilometres from Srinagar at an altitude of 2266 metres above sea level. The sheer volume of water that comes crashing down on the rocks below is enough to make its roar audible from a distance. The serenity all around pronounces the sound of waterfall to deafening decibels as one nears it. Of late arrangements have been made for visitors to make it up to the edge of the fall, thus infusing adventure into the sightseeing of Aharbal waterfall.

It is also referred to as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir, owing to the volume of the water that falls down. The source of the water lies deep in the pine and fir forests in the form of gorgeous Kounsarnag Lake (13,500 ft above sea level). Aharbal acts as the starting point for trek to Kousarnag Lake which passes through stunningly beautiful elevated valleys and meadows. All along the way wild flowers, gigantic alpine trees, roaring waters of Vishav and myriad wildlife invigorates the trekker. Famous for its scenic beauty, Aharbal has become a well known picnic spot for school children and the locals who throng the place when plain areas witness sweltering temperatures.

The scenic meadow of Kungwatan lies at the halfway point of the two-day trek to the high-altitude Konsarnag Lake. Surrounded on all sides by dense canopy of verdant alpine trees, the meadow is a calm and tranquil place, mostly inhabited during summers by the cattle herders. One can even enjoy angling in the Vishav river as it teems with trout fish, introduced into it by the Fisheries department. All it needs is just a fishing permit which can be obtained from the Fisheries department stationed at Aharbal. 

Sinthan top is a spot 12000 ft above sea level in Kashmir which is midway on the newly opened Anantnag-kokernag-Sinthan-Kishtwar road. The road has been built and is maintained by BRo in excellent condition. It is 132 km from Srinagar.The journey is in itself an experience and once you reach the top it is 360 degree view, and snow everywhere. You can get down from the car and walk on snow. Sinthan Top is a less-known tourist spot in the outskirts of Srinagar that is gradually gaining popularity because of its natural beauty. It lies midway on the Anantnag-Kokernag-SinthanKishtwar road, which was opened in recent years.

The road is well maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) that provides an easy access to this spot. Lying at an elevation of 12000 feet above the sea level, this place overlooks beautiful sceneries of the low-lying regions. The sprawling cover of snow paints this entire area in white, making it visually appealing. During most parts of the year, the area remains inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, and the best time to visit is between April and September.

Sinthan Top is perhaps one of the best natural beauty area I have seen in Kashmir. The new highway is so clear and safe and easily takes you to Sinthan Top. Most of the tourists are unaware of this place and even the cabbies will not take much pain or even botheration to inform you about this place.

 The new highway is well-built and secure and almost effortlessly takes you to Sinthan Top. The vast majority of tourists are unaware of this place. The Sinthan top is around 12000 ft above sea level and is one of the finest experiences ever. Getting there may take a lot of time and energy for those who are occasional travelers but it is a place which is a must see for everyone. The road up is usually met with snow-formed streams at many places. The water level in these creeks is less and moves slowly throughout the year, thus offering an ideal spot for photo snappy tourists. Stop by, sit and relax on this gigantic stone with calm but cold stream flowing beside; a sight that simply mesmerizes your senses. Once you reach the very top, you would be simply blown away by the amazing vastness of the green mountains.

Best Time To Visit Sinthan Top 

• Summers:Commencing from May, the summer season goes all the way up to the end of August. The weather and climate of Kashmir during summers is not very hot. In Srinagar, one may need to put on woolen clothing even in summers.

• Autumn: The start of September ushers in the season of autumn. The entire area gets wrapped in the colors of gold, then brunette and then red. The season goes on till late November and reaches the point where the requirement for weighty woolens starts to increase. 

• Winters: The winter season in Kashmir lasts from December to early March. During this time, the entire region gets completely covered with snow. At this time, Kashmir can be compared to a scene straight out of an enchanted painting. 

• Springs: The spring season usually begins in March and last all the way to the month of May. The regular temperature all through the spring season falls between 23° C to 6° C. Short showers, colorful winds and enchanting flowers mainly characterize this period. Along with that, the entire region of Kashmir place is blanketed in radiant shades of green

Any road trip itinerary list would be incomplete without involving a trip to the majestic Himalayas in the north. The Mughal Road, a historically significant and picturesque road of the country, makes for a must in this list. The 330 km of panoramic picturesque stretch runs through the verdant valleys of Kashmir, with the towering snow-capped peaks against the azure blue skies, as the backdrop. This particular road trip is that quintessence beauty of a little bit of heaven and wild served together. Get lost in the majestic vistas of Kashmir with steep serpentine curvy roadways, ample apple orchards and gurgling waterfalls and rivulets that come along.Located in the Pir Panjal Range in Jammu and Kashmir, the Pir Panjal Pass also called Peer Ki Gali (or Peer Gali), is a mountain pass and a tourist destination. It connects the Kashmir Valley through the ‘Mughal Road’ to the Rajouri and Poonch districts. At 3,490 m (11,450 ft), it is the highest point on the Mughal Road and lies southwest of the Kashmir Valley.

Historian Mohibbul Hasan states that the Pir Panjal Pass was one of the main passes into the Kashmir Valley and exercised a great influence on its history. A route linking Hirapur (modern Hirpora) in the Kashmir Valley with Rajauri via the pass is known to have been used from ancient times. During the period of the sultans, it seems to have been extended up to Bhimber.

Aliabad Sarai is a historic resting place in the Pir Panjal Pass, said to have been built by the Emperor Jahangir towards the end of the 16th century. It was one of the 14 stops built between Lahore and Srinagar along the Mughal Road. An Iranian engineer named Ali Mardan Khan was in charge of the construction, with the assistance of local chieftains.

Daksum is a beautiful picnic spot, situated at an altitude of 2,438 m above sea level, about 40 km south-east of Anantnag, in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a trekker’s paradise covered with coniferous forests, gurgling streams and hidden grassy meadows with the melodious sound of the gushing Bringi River forming the backdrop. Daksum is also famous for its trout – an angler’s heaven. 

A gushing stream flows through Daksum which is rich in trout fish. It is a forest retreat girdled by mountains. The surrounding forests are famous for fauna and flora. This famous tourist spot is in the south east of Anantnag town and is about a distance of 40 kilometers from district headquarter. The invigorating mountain air, the calm and serenity, the densely clad hills, all make the trip to Daksum a memorable experience. Then, there are the snow-capped mountains in the background that further enhance the beauty of this place.

The scenic spot falls on the Anantnag Simthan Kishtwar road where a gushing stream is rich in trout fish. The surroundings forests of Daksum are famous for flora and fauna. It has a rest house, tourist bungalow and plenty of camping spots. From Daksum the trail rises fairly steeply to the Sinthan Pass at 3,748 meters. The pass is open from April to September for trekkers. Daksum: Past the Mughal Gardens of Achabal, with their tinkling fountains, through the breathtaking splendour of the springs at Kokarnag, lies Daksum.

Tucked away in a densely forested gorge at an altitude of 2438 m, Daksum would be completely silent but for the Bringhi river which gushes through it.

Daksum is a walker’s paradise. Up the hills which are swathed in coniferous trees, past gurgling brooks, the simple, haunting notes of a flute will waft down to you from where an unseen shepherd tends his flock. For in the hills surrounding Daksum, suddenly you will find yourself in grassy meadows where sheep are taken to pasture.

Daksum is a reviving experience the bracing mountain air, the solitude, the densely clad hills, and beyond them, snow covered mountains, all contribute to Daksum’s mystique, making it the perfect retreat. Located in the dense forests, this scenic spot falls on the Anantnag-Simthan-Kishtwar road.

Tourist Attraction in Daksum

Daksum is blessed by nature. The valley is perfect for picnics. Once you are here you are mesmerized by the melody of Bringhi River flowing through it. The scenic beauty enjoys rolling hills, gurgling streams, traditional villages and natural springs. The attraction is its ethereal location. The Himalayan glory is well preserved here as the area remains untouched by tourist except the absolute nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. 

All the delights of the Daksum Valley are best enjoyed with trekking. There are abundant trekking trails in the region some going up to the heights of Sinthan Top. All trails enjoy their share of enthralling natural beauty. Camping is another activity which lures the adventure loving enthusiasts. Pitch your camps anywhere as the whole area is lush and scenic. Spend days in the meadows, nights under the blanket of stars. Savor the blissful ambiance of serenity. Fishing is an exciting attraction of Daksum. The Bringhi River is full of trout. It is also known as Angler’s Heaven. Fishing is allowed but only after permission from Jammu and Kashmir Forest Departmen.

Chatpal — an offbeat destination in Kashmir has largely remained untouched by touristic activities. The theatrical view comprising large forests is probably more than what a tourist can ever ask for. When the clouds incompletely engulf the pine woodland with the majestic sun-kissed Himalayas at the backdrop and the light blue river flowing at the base, it is a show that would awaken the poet in the beholder. If you make up your mind to visit this Kashmir then Chatpal should be in your list. The tourist accommodation in Chatpal stands next to a stream of rivulet with waters so clean and sweet. A typical autumnal day in Chatpal could be cold and drizzly. To keep yourself warm, the locals rely on close blankets and kangri, a traditionally scorched clay flatmouthed vessel having live coals in it, and kept in a ligneous basket. The local men dress ardently in a firan, a traditionally woolen cover, which snugly hides a basket of kangri.

Chatpal Kashmir – Off Beat Gem Of Kashmir

Chatpal offers you a taste of simple life where you enjoy sights like children running along mountain slopes with their metal rings, or a sheepherding patiently attendance for his prodigal sheep to return from her pasture trip, and the climate playing even in the cold lavish. Night time, for a excursionist, is having dinner in the candle happiness and then escaping into the layers of sew made keen by the kangri. Sightseeing in Chatpal There is no sightseeing options in Chatpal . Tourists may go for a short trek with a local. The mountain trails link this village to the rest of the Kashmir valley. There is a village called Thimran nearby located on a hill slope. It has some shops and a primary school, as well as apple and walnut orchards. Beyond Thimran are located the grand mountains where the Gujjar community lives in mudy houses. They are friendly and would walk out of their comfort zone to extend support to the hungry travelers. Striking up a conversation with the locals will not be a difficult task due to their propitious nature. Since they are cut off from the modern society, they tend to get awed by looking at things like a mobile or camera. Here, it is recommended that tourists should carry cosmetics, confectionery or bawble for the local children and females as a token of sheer delight. All in all, Chatpal is a big indemnification from the touristic Pahalgam. There might rarely be any place to examination in this small village, but if you are solicit a tryst with nature and innocent folks, Chatpal is the place to be. How to reach Chatpal Chatpal is located in Shangus area. Jammu Tawi Railway station is the nearest railhead to Chatpal. At short distance from Anantnag – Chitergul roads leads to the destination.

Endowed with lush immature forests, dignified mountains, melodious springs bustling with milky white water gushing down the mountainous terrain and serene ambiance a blissful change from chaos of cities. The skies are shaded in clear blues which in evenings are washed by fiery red of the sunshine. The beautiful environs can only be justified by saying it’s a fairytale annulment in the flap of Himalayas. There are not much accommodations available and the weather is intolerable most of the clock.