Kokernag
Overview
Kokernag is a famous tourist destination, located in the Anantnag district. The place is a favourite picnic spot among locals as well as travellers. It has a stunning spring with waterfalls and many gardens which you can explore. Flowers burst to the core in the garden here. There’s just freshness in the air that you feel once you enter the region. It’s just magical.
For a peaceful time, you can definitely visit Kokernag with your family to enjoy some serenity amidst the nature. It is home to trout fishes and there is Asia’s Biggest trout rearing farm that is unmissable. Also famous by the name of “Golden Crown of Kashmir”, this place has been mentioned in ancient books too, given the purity of the water here and the healing power that it possesses.
Summer is an excellent time to visit the site as scenic views are clear with enjoyable weather. The picture perfect scenery here is just surreal. You can even go to a local market nearby where inhabitants make handicrafts worth spending money on. You can promote the local handicraft in this way.
Some of the places that are close to it are Daksum, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Achabal etc. Below, we have mentioned every little detail about Kokernag from best times to activities to do and transportation and what not.
Popular Kashmir Tours
7D/ 6N
6D/ 5N
5D/ 4N
7D/ 6N
Activities To Do In Kokernag
Explore Botanical Gardens
Kokernag is home to many types of flora. You can take a look through them in the botanical gardens set up there. They are built around the spring, forming a perfect scenic view. You will see ornamental lamps on the pavements. These gardens were developed by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department. Chinar Trees surround them and in the gardens you will see about 1 lakh species of trees, shrubs, bushes, herbs and flowers. March to October is considered the best time to visit the place but going there even in November will give you an excellent display of colours.
Visit Kokernag Spring
Kokernag spring is famous for containing waters that suppress hunger and thirst. It seems to have some medicinal power of healing indigestion. It is the highlight of the place. A picnic by the shores is a must-thing to do. There exists a Tout Fish Hatchery near the spring where trout fishes of all ages and sizes are reared. It is surrounded by forests and mountains, hence replicating a mesmerising sight. The spring has gained immense popularity all the way back from mediaeval times.
Take a drive to Daksum
Daksum is a breathtaking place, located near Kokernag. It is at a distance of about 14 kilometres from kokernag and in half an hour drive, you will be there. It is located on the Anantnag-Sinthan-Kishtwar road and both the places can be explored in a single day. In Daksum, Bringhi river is the main highlight with its gushing water, flowing through the valley. It also forms a great spot for picnics. Home to trout fish, Daksum has varied flora like flowers and tress.
Visit Achabal Garden
When you visit Achabal from Kokernag, you can take a stroll in the Achabal Mughal Garden, which is some of the most gorgeous Mughal gardens in Kashmir. It is an unexplored garden but no-less than the famous ones in terms of beauty and serenity it offers.
It is an exquisite place for family outings and picnics, chosen by locals. You must include it in your itinerary to experience some lesser-known aspects of Kashmir valley.
Arrange picnic
Kokernag Spring as well as Kokernag botanical gardens are some of the most-liked spaces for picnics among the locals and also tourists. There are clean and spacious spots and where you can set up your picnic. Bring a basket full of snacks and a blanket and enjoy some quality time with your family. In your surroundings, there’s just lush trees and an environment offering tranquillity to the mind.
Go on trekking
If you want to add adventure to your day, you can do trekking in Kokernag. There are some great trekking and hiking trails that you can pick. They are, namely, Mawar Nag Lake Trek, Achabal Bagh trek and Arshan Valley trek. Arshan Valley trek is the most challenging one among these while Mawar Nag Lake Trek covers the longest distance of around 20 kilometres but it is the most popular one too.
These are just perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and you can totally go for them.
Engage in photography
Kokernag is quite a picturesque place with its spring and waterfall and botanical gardens. Everything you will see around is just postcard perfect. It is an ideal destination for nature photographers where you can click a bunch of pictures that need absolutely no filter.
Bring your cameras and have a fantastic time capturing pictures that are no less than memories for a lifetime.
Go on shopping
In Kokernag Market, you can have a shopping spree. At the rural mart, you can buy handicrafts that local women made themselves. This is a great way to buy souvenirs for your friends and family and also support local art.
You can interact with the shopkeepers there who will tell you more about legends and anecdotes related to Kokernag and the reason behind its name.
Popular Offbeat Tours
14D/ 13N
6D/ 5N
16D/ 15N
12D/ 11N
Best Time To Visit Kokernag
Kokernag in Summer: Summer lasting from June till August is the best time to visit Kokernag as the whole place feels alive with numerous varieties of flowers and greenery all around. The weather is quite good with temperatures ranging from 15-30°C. The streams offer clear views with sun all out and about. Various activities like picnicking, trekking, sightseeing are great options and totally accessible.
Wear cotton clothes during daytime but don’t forget to pack some warm clothes as temperature drops at nights.
Kokernag in winter: People visit Kokernag in winters too but probably in the start of November as from December, snowfall starts, covering the whole valley and blocking the routes. The temperature falls below zero and fluctuates between 0°C to -5°C. It drops down more during night time. The streams freeze during this time of the year. Located at a distance of about 70 kilometres, Kokernag is popular for Papa-Shudan Nag spring. People spend some time around here, soaking in the beauty
Kokernag in autumn: In September and October, if you visit Kokernag, all you can see is brown and gold leaves falling around on the ground as trees start to shed them. Endless shades of hues cover the area. The weather is more towards the colder side but still tolerable.
It is a great time for fishing in the spring. Trout fishes are a specialty of this place. It is a great time for photography too. People who are into photography must include this attraction as it serves some really good pictures.
Still confused, why visit Kokernag?
Natural beauty: The place has been blessed in terms of natural beauty. There are tall trees encircling the whole region, flowers blooming and blooming, fishes swimming faster than light and that ever-calming environment is worth everything.
Kokernag Spring: It is the high-spot of Kokernag, offering an ultimate place for picnics, fishing and sightseeing. Its significance has been a tale for generations and the water here is as cool as a cucumber.
Botanical gardens: For a diversity tour in terms of vegetation, the botanical gardens set up in Kokernag are just quintessential. You can take a look around and feel the refreshness in the air.
Nearby places: Kokernag will take only half of your day to explore the region. It is a small yet surreal place. From here, you can visit Daksum, Sinthan Top, Achabal and more. Making the most out of a single day is the perfect definition of a trip.
When you will be there, you will see that you don’t need any reason to come to Kokernag. It is simply lovely in every possible way.
Tips To Visit Kokernag
- Packing tips: Pack clothes that are full-sleeved. Cotton clothes should be in your bag in summer. You should carry some woollen clothing too given the unpredictable nature of weather here.
- Essentials: carry sunscreen, moisturiser, lip balm, some snacks, a bottle of fresh water etc. . Have some basic medicines such as painkillers and personal meds if any.
- Protect the environment: Don’t go around throwing garbage here and there. The place showcases natural beauty, you must preserve it.
- Conservation of biodiversity: some people are seen throwing stones in the spring. This act disturbs the fishes, living in the waters. Don’t pluck flowers without any purpose.
How To Reach Kokernag
By air: Reach Srinagar by taking a flight from your hometown to Srinagar Airport. From there,cover a distance of about 70 kilometres via a bus or cab to reach Kokernag.
By train: The nearest railway station is in Anantnag, which is at a distance of about 30 kilometres from Kokernag. Pick a cab or take a bus to reach the place.
By road: Anantnag to Kokernag: Kokernag is located about 35 kilometres away from Anantnag district and a road trip is completely possible.
Achabal to Kokernag: 17 kilometres separate Achabal from Kokernag and only half an hour is the time taken to reach there.
Srinagar to Kokernag: The distance between Srinagar and Kokernag is about 70 kilometres, which will take approximately 1 hour to cover the distance.
Essential Information
Transportation in Kokernag
- Packing tips: Pack clothes that are full-sleeved. Cotton clothes should be in your bag in summer. You should carry some woollen clothing too given the unpredictable nature of weather here.
- Essentials: carry sunscreen, moisturiser, lip balm, some snacks, a bottle of fresh water etc. . Have some basic medicines such as painkillers and personal meds if any.
- Protect the environment: Don’t go around throwing garbage here and there. The place showcases natural beauty, you must preserve it.
- Conservation of biodiversity: some people are seen throwing stones in the spring. This act disturbs the fishes, living in the waters. Don’t pluck flowers without any purpose.
Accommodation options in Kokernag
Kokernag takes only 6-7 hours to explore the entire region or 12 hours maximum. It is a one-day trip destination but even though you want to spend a night or two, there are some hotels and resorts where you can stay. They offer delicious meals and comfortable stay in spacious rooms. Apart from being affordable, they offer good service to the tourists too.
If you want to have a better experience, Anantnag offers some great options of accommodation from hotels to government guest houses. They have better services.
Camping is another choice that you can pick. Don’t forget to carry camping gears such as a sturdy tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and other stuff.
Network & Connectivity in Kokernag
Network is overall good in Kokernag. Major mobile networks Like BSNL, Jio, and Airtel have decent coverage here. You must have a postpaid sim. If you have a prepaid sim, your phone will be dead as soon as you enter the Kashmir valley.
4G network works here and you can use google maps for directions.
You might contact your network provider to see the coverage of your sim. Along with your phone, you must carry a power bank, portable charger and other gadgets like a torch and a camera if you want to do some photography in Kokernag.
Transportation in Kokernag
Road transport: Cabs and taxis are available in Srinagar that readily takes you to Kokernag. They offer great seating with comfort and an awesome road trip all along.
Local transport: Buses are the model of local transport that you can choose to reach Kokernag. The fares are reasonable and affordable.
Rental vehicles: Rental Services in Kashmir at hotels, shops or with travel agencies can get you cars and bikes that you can rent and drive yourself to reach Kokernag. It is a great way to do things at your own place.
Location and accessibility of Kokernag
Road transport: Cabs and taxis are available in Srinagar that readily takes you to Kokernag. They offer great seating with comfort and an awesome road trip all along.
Local transport: Buses are the model of local transport that you can choose to reach Kokernag. The fares are reasonable and affordable.
Rental vehicles: Rental Services in Kashmir at hotels, shops or with travel agencies can get you cars and bikes that you can rent and drive yourself to reach Kokernag. It is a great way to do things at your own place.
