by Wajeeha Hajirah
A serene Anantnag park blending chinar-lined greenery, a trout-breeding stream, and family-friendly facilities, all framed by nearby historical landmarks near Pahalgam
Along the Khanabal-Pahalgam road, popularly known as KP road, lies Akad Park. Known for its greenery, clear mountain stream and relaxing environment, it is a perfect spot for a peaceful family picnic, for tourists stopping on their way to Pahalgam, or for a quiet evening outing.
Located 18 to 20 kilometres from Anantnag town, the park showcases the region’s rich natural beauty. Surrounded by a landscape of mountain ranges and hills, it is home to a variety of local trees and vegetation, including chinar, poplar and willow trees alongside ornamental and flowering plants.
The park is green and colourful through spring and summer, ideal for walks and picnics, before transforming into a rustic palette of golden and crimson chinar leaves in autumn. Despite its proximity to the town, the mountain backdrop, garden landscapes and clean air give Akad Park a distinctly natural charm.
Beyond its scenic beauty, the park is also known for its brown trout fish farm. Brown trout, a freshwater fish native to Europe, was introduced to Kashmir because the region’s cold, clear streams proved ideal for its survival.
The fish farm, managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department and located near the park, sets Akad apart from other parks by offering visitors a glimpse into the breeding and conservation of brown trout.
Alongside it, the park also serves as a breeding ground for rainbow trout, a species native to North America that was introduced to the valley for the same reason, its cold streams provide ideal conditions for both varieties.
The stream running through Akad Park is among its most captivating features. Crystal-clear and fresh, it complements the park’s greenery and flora, adding to its overall charm. The stream is believed to be fed by natural springs of the Anantnag region, renowned for cold, oxygen-rich water that is equally suited to breeding both brown and rainbow trout. Beyond supporting aquatic life and surrounding vegetation, the stream enhances the park’s ecological value, making it one of Akad Park’s most popular attractions.
The park offers a range of facilities for tourists and visitors. Maintained green lawns, flower beds and shaded areas create a pleasant setting, while well-laid walking paths allow for convenient morning and evening strolls. A separate play area for children and open grassy spaces round out the offerings, making the park an ideal destination for families.
As one of the popular parks in South Kashmir, Akad Park, like other beautiful destinations, faces its share of environmental challenges. Increased visitor numbers bring increased litter, and improper disposal pollutes the park, affecting its beauty. The rearing of trout depends heavily on the quality of the freshwater stream, and pollution in the water body can disrupt this process. Even climate change or shifting rainfall patterns can influence the water source, eventually affecting the fish farms. Heavy footfall, meanwhile, takes a toll on the lawns, flower beds and young plants.
Akad Park is surrounded by several well-known tourist attractions. The Martand Sun Temple, situated 10 to 12 kilometres away, is one of Kashmir’s finest archaeological monuments, built in the 8th century by Lalitaditya Muktapida.
Pahalgam, one of Kashmir’s most popular hill stations, lies 40 kilometres from the park and remains among the valley’s most visited destinations.
Visitors can also explore the Kokernag botanical garden, known for its freshwater springs and flower beds, or Verinag, the historical source of the Jhelum River. Near the Martand Sun Temple stands the Mattan Temple, an ancient shrine and an important cultural site in the district.
A symbol of Anantnag’s natural beauty, Akad Park is the perfect stop for tourists en route to Pahalgam, for families seeking a picnic spot, and for anyone wishing to take in mountains, greenery and flowing water in one place. It offers a glimpse into fisheries and botanical science, while its surrounding historical landmarks give visitors even more reason to linger. A place that welcomes locals and non-natives alike to a refreshing, scenic retreat.
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