Pahalgam is a town and hill station in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. This hill station is famous across the world. It is situated on the banks of Lidder River. Several Bollywood movies shooted at this place. Every year thousands of people come to this place. Plenty of trekking trails start from this place. This place is the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra. Amarnath cave is just 6kms away from this town. This place is also famous for flora and fauna. Along with trekkers this place is famous for anglers and golfers.
What to see in Pahalgam:
Mamaleshwar Temple: This is most ancient temple in this town. As per the historical records this temple belongs to 12th century. Lord Shiva is worshipped here. It is situated on the banks of river Lidder. This temple was built by Jayasimha.
Shikargha: It is a small wildlife reserve situated at this place. This is one of the famous tourist’s attractions of Pahalgam.
Betaab Hill: Earlier name of this place is Hajan Valley. Betaab movie was shooted here. So this hill was renamed as Betaab Hill. Flowing streams and Snow covered mountains looks so beautiful at this place.
What to see around Pahalgam:
Mattan: It is located 34kms away from Pahalgam. In Jammu & Kashmir this is one of the most important pilgrim places for Hindus. To Worship Lord Sun, huge number of pundits and priests come to this place. Beautiful brick structure Shiva Lingam can be seen here. It is surrounded by clear water.
Aru: It is located 11kms away from Pahalgam. This meadows leads to trek via Lidderwat. Visitors can reach this place by walking on the mountain path.
Chandanwari: It is located 16kms away from Pahalgam. This is the starting point of Amarnath Yatra. This place is famous for Snow Bridge. Amarnath Yatra takes place between July to August. Tourists rush is more during this period.
Sun Temple: It is located 36kms away from Pahalgam. This temple belongs to Pandavas era. Some people believe that foundation stone laid between 370 – 500 AD. Some believed that this was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida during 699 – 739 AD.
Panchtarni: It is located 40kms away from Pahalgam. This is situated at the confluence of five rivers. It is the last stop to Amarnath Yatra.
Tulian Lake: It is located 16kms away from the town. It is beautiful snow covered lake. This lake sets trek route via Baisaran. It is surrounded by peaks.
Baisaran: It is just 5kms away from Pahalgam. Snow Clad Mountains looks so attractive. This place is having thickly wooded forest of Pine.
Getting to Pahalgam: Pahalgam is well connected through roadways. From Jammu, Anantang, Srinagar buses are available to reach this place. During Amarnath yatra transport service from Jammu to this town is restricted. For the convenience of Yatris special yatra coaches are available to travel. Nearest railway station is located at Udhampur which is 217kms away from this town. From cities such as Rishikesh, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Indore, Kanyakumari, Delhi and Mumbai trains come to this place. Srinagar airport is the nearest airport which is 96kms away from the town.
Getting around Pahalgam: Buses and horses are available to see the town. Buses are available to visit the surrounding places of Pahalgam.
Best time to visit Pahalgam: Best time to visit this place is between March to November. Snow fall is more during the winter season. Very few tourists visit this place during the winter season to enjoy snow festival which celebrates so grandly every year.
Where to stay in Pahalgam: Plenty of accommodations are available to stay in Pahalgam including luxury hotels, Tourists bungalows ad JKTDC huts. During Amarnath Yatra almost all the budget hotels are booked.
Where to eat in Pahalgam: Only Pure vegetarian food is available. All hotels are having in-house restaurants which serve Continental, Indian and Mughalai dishes.