SRINAGAR: The Anantnag district has witnessed a significant surge in tourist footfall, with over 1.5 lakh visitors thronging four prominent destinations—Kokernag, Achabal, Daksum, and Verinag—between June 17 and July 1. This rise follows the reopening of these sites, which were temporarily closed due to security concerns after the Pahalgam terror attack.
According to official records, a total of 150,994 tourists visited the four parks during these two weeks. Kokernag recorded the highest number of visitors at 45,523, followed by Achabal with 40,870, Verinag with 38,795, and Daksum with 25,806. Among the total visitors, 30 were foreign nationals.
While Verinag is managed by its own Development Authority, Kokernag, Achabal, and Daksum fall under the jurisdiction of the Kokernag Development Authority (KDA).
Mohammad Rouf Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of KDA, said, “These destinations were closed for a brief period due to security concerns. They were reopened on June 17, and since then, Kokernag, Daksum, and Achabal have witnessed an overwhelming response. The ongoing summer vacations and intense heatwave across the plains have also contributed to the rush.”
Rahman said that Kokernag continues to bustle with activity, with full occupancy at guesthouses and peak crowds throughout the day. “Kokernag is not just a garden—it spans nearly 80 kilometres. To manage the growing number of tourists, we have extended garden hours until 7 PM, implemented better traffic regulation on all approach roads, and deployed our entire staff to ensure a smooth experience,” he added.
The CEO said the development authority is actively working on new proposals and infrastructure upgrades to enhance Kokernag’s tourism appeal. “Our goal is to make Kokernag the second-most visited destination in south Kashmir after Pahalgam. With the Amarnath Yatra underway and movement restrictions in place around Pahalgam, we see an opportunity to attract more tourists to Kokernag,” he said.
Efforts are also underway to shift Kokernag’s perception from a daytime picnic spot to a destination suitable for overnight stays. “We are encouraging local residents to establish homestays and guesthouses. A few foreign tourists have already started arriving. With better accommodations, we expect those numbers to grow,” the CEO said.
He also emphasised the importance of supporting the local economy. “Tourism supports hundreds of shopkeepers and vendors. When footfall is high, the entire population benefits,” he said. (KNO)