Kokernag Garden - Kashmir's Famous Freshwater Spring

Kokernag is a well-known destination in the Breng Valley of Kashmir, primarily recognized for its large freshwater spring, Papashudan Nag. The spring's water is believed to have digestive and medicinal properties. Its most distinct feature is how it gushes out from the base of a forested hill and immediately splits into numerous channels, which from above, are said to resemble the claw of a chicken ('Koker' means chicken, 'Nag' means spring). The area around the spring has been developed into the Kokernag Botanical Garden. This garden features meticulously maintained flowerbeds, manicured lawns, and a variety of trees, including chinar and pine. Visitors experience a calm environment dominated by the constant sound of flowing water. Walkways crisscross the garden, allowing for easy exploration of the different sections and channels of the spring. There is also a government-run trout farm here, one of the largest in Asia, where you can see trout being reared in raceways fed by the spring water.