Anantnag
is one of the six districts of the Kashmir Valley situated in its south and
south western direction. Its entire southern sector and major part of the
eastern region is strewn with thick forests and mountains. The height of
these mountains in the east, south and west of the district ranges between
2438 meters to 3048 meters and in some areas, the peaks even soar to a
height of 4572 meters. On the west the district is bounded by mighty Pir
Panchal range mountains, through which passes the world famous Jawahar
Tunnel.
Situated at a distance of 55 Kms. of the south east of
Srinagar, Anantnag is
spread over an area of 3984 Sq. Kms. with a population of 11.70 lacs as it
stood in 2001. The Anantnag is gateway of the Kashmir Valley and is called
the granary of the Kashmir Valley as it is agriculturally very fertile. The
district is predominantly rural and situated at an average height of 1700
meters above sea level. The people of the district are mostly engaged in
agriculture, principal crops being Rice and Maize.
The Anantnag district is not only the rice bowl of the
Valley, it is equally rich in landscape. The nature has been generous in
gifting the district with places of unparallel beauty. The district can
rightly boast of possessing the largest number of health resorts in the
whole State. Of them particular mention may be made of Verinag, Kukernag,
Achabal, Daksum and world famous health resort of Pahalgam. Before the
advent of militancy in the state, during the summer months these places used
to be filled to the brim by tourists coming from all parts of the country
and a large number of foreign tourists also used to visit these places. Now
the Government is pursuing hard through sustained efforts in putting the
tourist industry back on the rails and efforts are on for face-lifting the
physical appearance of these places. The damaged tourist infrastructure like
Huts, Dak Bungalows and Rest Houses are being re-constructed and it is hoped
that the past glory of the places of tourist interest get restored and
tourist industry will again flourish in the district.
Anantnag District, famous for countless springs and streams, is situated in
South Kashmir having an area of 3984 Sq. Kms. Anantnag district has largest
number of health resorts in the State, of them particular mention is made of
Verinag, Kokernag, Achabal, Daksum and Pahalgam. These health resorts
attract a good number of tourists which helps in raising the income level of
persons engaged in tourist industry.
Anantnag is also popular for Holy Amarnath Cave situated in Pahalgam, which
is visited by thousands of Pilgrims every year from all over the Country.
Religious And Historical Places if Interest
Shrine of Aishmuqam
Aishmuqam is well known in every part of Kashmir on account of the Historic
Shrine of Shiekh Zain-ud-din (RA), who lived in 15th century A. D and was
the one of the principal disciples of Shiekh Noor-ud-din (RA), the leading
Reshi of Kashmir.
Tomb of Baba Hyder Reshi
The tomb of Resho Molu who was born on 29th Rajab 909 Hajri (27-01-1540 A.
D) in village Danter in Tehsil Ananthnag in the house of Shiekh Abdullah a
black smith by profession.
Masjid Syed Shab
The mosque of Syed Sahab has been constructed in the memory of one Hazrat
Syed Mohammad Inayat-ullah Qadri Samnani.
Amarnath Ji
The district is also famous for the Amarnath Ji cave situated 20 Km away
for Shah Nag in Tehsil Pahalgam, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every
year.
Martand Temple
(Sun God Temple) Martand temple is impressive and grandest of all old
monuments of Kashmir and is situated at a distance of 6 Kms from Ananthnag.
