Kokernag is a collection of many small springs and it resembles the claws of a Koker (cock). Kokernag is the largest freshwater spring in Kashmir. The word Koker has been derived from the Kashmiri word “Morgee” meaning chicken, while the word nag has been taken from the Sanskrit word “Nag” meaning snake. Talking about the name of this place, there are different tales. According to a famous legend, it was a saint (Gushwami) who came from an unknown place to this place along with his bucket. Talking about the name of Kokernag, there are different tales. According to a famous legend, it was a saint (Gushwami) who came from an unknown place to this place along with his bucket.

During his rest, some women came from the nearby dense forest area in search of water and failed to find any water. The woman saw the saint in a deep sleep with his bucket in front of him. The women went towards him in order to kill his thirst with his water, but when they opened the lid of the bucket they found a snake in it which escaped and crept onto the ground.

As soon as it crept, its shape changed into a chicken called “Koker” in Kashmir, It dug the soil of the land with paws and water gushed out from these places, wherever it dug. This is the legend that they call the place Kokernag today. Saint was seeing all this in his dream. Legend is that if he would have not opened his eyes all areas of this place would have become a big lake or a flood may have taken place.

Places to visit in Kokernag

Kokernag Trout Fishery

The botanical garden has the largest trout fishery in Asia. The research students at the training institute work on the steps involved in breeding the fish.

Kokernag Rose garden

Kokernag Rose Garden is surrounded by thousands of colorful flowers that make the landscape bright and picturesque. Travelers from different parts of the country visit this beautiful place. The rose garden every day indicates that it has kept the Mughal’s fetish for roses alive. Thousands of varieties of roses such as Shrub roses, Old garden roses, Musk roses, Miniature roses, climbing roses, and China roses.

Achabal Garden

Mughal-time garden, which is said to have been worked by Emperor Jehangir’s wife Noorjahan in around 1620 AD as a late spring retreat. The Garden has common springs, symmetrically orchestrated wellsprings, 400-year-old structures, and a scope of bright blooming plants all canopied under immense chinar trees. One can witness blossoms of incredible assortment, esp. rose and dahlia. Also, there are fancy plants and ornamental bushes. The garden is perfect. Moreover, the symmetrical structures of the tomb and the wellsprings will make you recall the beautiful Taj Mahal and architecture of the Mughal age landmark.

Kokernag Waterfall

Kokernag Waterfall is also famous as “Papashudan nad”, which means “the cleaner of sins” owing to its incomparable medicinal value. The waterfall is a paradise for travelers and a vision like no other. Situated between colorful flower orchards surroundings the whole area, Kokernag is the most beautiful waterfall and spring on the list of waterfalls in Kashmir. Moreover, the aroma of a thousand plants and herbs spread across the air adding to its charm! Kokernag is the largest freshwater spring in Kashmir and is essential to a collection of springs spread out and is full with healing properties owing to the medicinal flowers surrounding it.

Best Time To Visit Kokernag

Kokernag is a year-round destination, and hence its beauty can be witnessed anytime during the year. However, if you want to avoid the chilling winter season, the best time to visit Kokernag is from July until the end of September.

How To Reach Kokernag

• By Air: If you are looking forward to traveling by air, then you can take a direct flight to Srinagar airport, and then from there, you can hire a direct cab or use the public transport to reach Kokernag.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Kokernag is located in Anantnag at a distance of about 25 km. Once you have reached the station, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Kokernag.
• By Road: Kokernag is well in connection to all other nearby cities and towns by road. One can either drive on your own or use public transport to reach Kokernag.