Verinag is a tourist place and a notified area committee with tehsil status (Shahabad Bala Verinag) in Anantnag district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is about 26 kilometers away from Anantnag and approximately 78 kilometers south-east from Srinagar which is the summer capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Verinag is also the first tourist spot of Kashmir Valley when travelling by road from Jammu, the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir towards Srinagar, the summer capital. It lies at the entry point of Kashmir Valley right after crossing Jawahar Tunnel and is also known as Gateway of Kashmir.
The spring, which has a circumference of 80m in enclosed today by a brick wall under which are vaults. These lake – like waters have a limpid clarity in which the verdant surroundings of pine trees are mirrored. Fish swim in the cool depths and this picturesque setting that so captivated the Mughal emperors has lost none of its pastoral charm over the centuries. The lawns around the spring are beautifully manicured green, and banks of massed flowers add splashes of color to this symphony of greens and browns.
A major tourist attraction of this place is Verinag Spring, for which this place is named. There is an octagonal stone basin at Verinag Spring and an arcade surrounding it which were built by Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D. Later, a beautiful garden next to this spring, was laid out by his son Shah Jahan. This spring is known to never dry up or overflow. Verinag Spring is also the major source of river Jhelum. Verinag Spring and Mughal Arcade surrounding it is officially recognized by Archaeological Survey of India as a Monument of National Importance. In Verinag, the climate is warm and temperate. There is significant rainfall throughout the year in Verinag. Even the driest month still has a lot of rainfall.
However, the best time to visit the town of Verinag is during the spring time, i.e. from the March to June. Also autumn in Verinag brings in riot of colors and the beauty of the region enhances manifold. Thus, the months September and November which comprise autumn in Verinag is also good time to visit the place.
