Anantnag

Anantnag is a city and the administrative headquarters of Anantnag district in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated in the Kashmir Valley, in south Kashmir, and lies within the Jhelum river basin. The city serves as a regional commercial and administrative hub, hosting government offices, markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities that serve residents of the district and surrounding areas.

Historically, the Anantnag region has been a crossroads of trade and culture in Kashmir, with influences from ancient, medieval, and more recent periods. Notable sites in and around the area include the Martand Sun Temple, an 8th-century ruined temple built by Lalitaditya Muktapida, which remains an important archaeological landmark. Nearby Verinag is the spring that figures as the source of the Jhelum River, and Kokernag is known for its springs and manicured gardens. The region features scenic landscapes that contribute to seasonal tourism and access to other valley destinations such as Pahalgam.

Demographically, Anantnag district has a Muslim majority with Hindu and Sikh minority communities. Kashmiri and Urdu are commonly used in daily life and administration, with English widely employed in education and governmental affairs.

Transport in Anantnag relies mainly on road networks linking to Srinagar and other parts of the valley. The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport. The city does not have a railway station; the closest broad-gauge links are in Udhampur or Jammu.