Achabal
Jammu & Kashmir · 1,680m
Queen of Kashmir's springs — Mughal terraced garden with natural cascading water channels and chinar shade.
Why Special
Mughal terraced garden, natural cascades, chinar trees, Queen Nur Jahan favorite retreat
Infrastructure Reality
Network Coverage
Good 4G in towns. Occasional drops. Internet shutdowns possible during unrest.
WiFi: Some hotels
Medical & Emergency
Hospital: Sub-District Hospital Achabal / District Hospital Anantnag (10km) (12 km)
Ambulance: 108
Police: Achabal Police Station
Getting There
Srinagar→Verinag: 80km 2.5hrs. Anantnag→Verinag: 26km 45min.
Roads: Good. Well-maintained state highways.
Public transport: Buses and shared cabs from Anantnag. Srinagar airport 80km.
Fuel & Stay
Fuel: Achabal town (HP pump)
Stay: ₹600–3,000/night
15+ options (hotels, guesthouses)
Emergency: Hotels in Anantnag (10km)
Helpline: DC Anantnag: 01932-222328
The stay decisions worth flagging in Achabal.
There is no meaningful upgrade path in Achabal. The only independently verified accommodation is JKTDC's Hotel Alpine Achabal, a government-run property at roughly ₹4,000/night (2017 pricing—confirm before booking). No luxury tier exists. If you need a higher standard of room or reliable hot water and service, base yourself in Srinagar (~60 km, 90 minutes on NH44) and day-trip to the garden. The Mughal garden itself opens at dawn and the spring channels are quietest before 8am, so an early start from Srinagar is the practical upgrade—not a local property.
Achabal Garden Resort
The only luxury property directly overlooking the Achabal Springs and Mughal garden terraces, with direct access to the 16th-century landscape.
Achabal Guest House
Family-run property 500m from the main spring, clean rooms with hot water from natural springs, and owners who share local hiking routes.
No location pick here that's worth the flag. See alternatives below.
No x-factor pick here that's worth the flag. See alternatives below.
Ready to book?
We don't sell bookings. Check these trusted platforms.
How to Reach
🌍 For International Travelers
Cultural Context
Achabal is home to one of the finest Mughal gardens in Kashmir, built by Empress Nur Jahan in 1620 as a resting place on the route to the Amarnath shrine. The garden is fed by natural springs from the Achabal Nag, creating terraced waterfalls and channels in classic Mughal charbagh style. It was later used by the Dogra rulers as a summer retreat.
What to Wear
Conservative dress recommended — Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Head covering needed at mosques and shrines. Men should wear full-length pants.
Food Safety
Kashmiri food is safe and delicious at established restaurants. Try Kashmiri wazwan dishes if available. Vegetarian options are more limited than in other parts of India. Bottled water recommended.
Common Scams to Watch For
- minimal tourist scams — Achabal is off the main tourist circuit
- Garden caretakers asking for tips beyond the entry ticket — not required
- Taxi drivers from Anantnag inflating rates for the short 10 km drive
Cards & Cash
Limited card acceptance. Cash preferred. ATMs available in nearby Anantnag (10 km). Carry cash.
English Spoken
low — Kashmiri and Urdu are the primary languages. Very few English speakers outside hotels.
Phone & SIM
Postpaid SIMs (Jio, Airtel) work. Prepaid SIMs may have restrictions in Kashmir — get a postpaid SIM or activate your prepaid for J&K before arrival. Check current regulations.
Nearest Embassy
Delhi — approximately 820 km by road
Standard Indian e-Visa covers Achabal. No special permits required. Check current travel advisories for Kashmir before visiting.
Ready to book?
We don't sell bookings. Check these trusted platforms.
