Everybody hurries to Dal Lake and Gulmarg in Kashmir, but we believe they are missing out on something special. Avantiswami Temple in Avantipura is unlike - it's not a typical tourist destination. It's a 9th-century temple located 30 kilometres from Srinagar, and sincerely, half the excitement is the drive there.
King Avantivarman constructed this site a long time ago, and although it is largely destroyed these days, there is something magical about the site. The ancient stone pillars remain, with carvings that leave you thinking about the humans who created them. It is not as filtered-out, Instagram-perfect as some other places are, but that is precisely why we adore it.
The best part? Chances are you'll have the entire complex to yourself. No selfie sticks, no groups of tourists - just peace with the mountains looming above all. We've had people sit there for hours, just thinking or drawing or doing nothing.
If you are on the lookout for less-explored places to visit in Kashmir that go beyond the usual stuff, this temple is something you should not miss on your next Kashmir Trip.
- Location: Awantipora, Pulwama, 26–34 km from Srinagar
- Timings: 8 AM–5 PM (sunrise–sunset)
- Indian & SAARC nationals: ₹15–20 per person
- Foreign tourists: ₹200 (sometimes ₹250 depending on the source)
- Children up to 15 years: Free Entry (under 15 years)
- Filming permit (non-commercial, exterior only): ₹200 extra
So, what’s special about Avantiswami Temple? It was built by King Avantivarman, the founder of the Utpala dynasty, back in the 9th century. He was not just a ruler—he was a great lover of art, architecture, and learning. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu (called Avantiswami), was one of his biggest contributions to the region.
The king also built another temple nearby, dedicated to Lord Shiva, but the one we’re talking about today is the Vishnu temple. Though only the ruins remain now, the size and the carvings tell us just how magnificent it must have been.
The temple follows a Panchayatana style of architecture, meaning it once had one main shrine in the centre and four smaller ones at each corner. The remains of the plinth, the columns, and the carved walls speak volumes about the artistic skill of that era. This temple is considered to be among the ancient religious places in Kashmir.
History of Avantiswami Temple
To understand the charm of this place, we have to go a bit into the history of Avantiswami Temple. Built around 855 AD, the temple stood as a centre of spiritual life in what was then the town of Avantipur. Over time, due to invasions and natural wear, the temple was damaged and eventually abandoned.
What remains today is a skeleton of its former glory- but what a beautiful skeleton it is. You’ll still see stone walls, broken columns, and carved figures of gods, animals, and mythological scenes. These ruins were later discovered by archaeologists and are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
This temple tells the story of a glorious era in Kashmir, a time when art, devotion, and royalty came together. Avantivarman wanted to turn Avantipur into a great cultural and spiritual hub, and the Avantiswami Temple was central to that dream.
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Walking Through the Ruins
Visiting the Avantiswami Temple is more than just sightseeing. It feels like walking through a history book- only without the boring pages. You can walk freely around the temple complex, touching the stones, tracing the carvings with your fingers, and imagining how the temple looked when it was first built.
Despite its age, the details in the carvings are surprisingly clear. There are figures of Vishnu, dancing girls, elephants, and even mythical beings. It’s incredible to think that all this was made by hand, more than a thousand years ago.
Timings of Avantiswami Temple
If you’re planning to go, the timings of Avantiswami Temple are from 8 AM to 5 PM every day. It’s open throughout the week, and there’s no strict dress code, though it’s a good idea to wear something modest and comfortable for walking.
Morning hours are the best—there are fewer people, and the light is perfect for photography.
Entry Ticket of Avantiswami Temple
You don’t need to spend much to visit. The entry ticket to Avantiswami Temple is around ₹20 for Indian visitors and ₹200 for foreigners. Kids below 15 years can enter for free. The ticket can be bought right at the entrance. It's a small amount for such a rich experience.
How to Reach Avantiswami Temple
Wondering how to reach Avantiswami Temple? It’s very easy.
- From Srinagar, it’s just about a 45-minute drive (around 30 km). You can hire a cab or take a shared taxi going towards Anantnag.
- If you’re coming from Pahalgam, the temple is on the way, so you can include it in your journey.
- The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, about 32–33 km from Avantiswami Temple, and from there, you can take a taxi directly for a 45- 60-minute drive to the temple.
- There’s also a small railway station in Awantipora, located just 5–7 km from the temple that takes around 10 - 15 minutes to reach the temple, so if you prefer trains, that’s an option too.
The temple is located just off the national highway, making it very accessible for both locals and tourists.
Best Time to Visit Avantiswami Temple
The best time to visit Avantiswami Temple is during the spring and early summer months (April to June). The weather is pleasant, and the fields around the temple are green and full of life.
You can also visit in autumn (September to early November) when the skies are clear and the temperatures are just right. Winters can get cold in this part of Kashmir, and snow might make the area less accessible.
So, if you want to enjoy the temple without any hassle, April to June or September to October are your safest bets.
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Activities to Do at Avantiswami Temple in Kashmir
You might be thinking—what else can I do there besides looking at ruins? Turns out, quite a lot! Here are a few simple activities to do at Avantiswami Temple in Kashmir:
1. Explore the Carvings
Take your time walking around. Look closely at the stone carvings- you’ll find gods, dancers, animals, and some scenes from Hindu mythology. Each corner has something new.
2. Photography
The early morning or evening light makes for stunning pictures. The mix of blue skies, stone ruins, and green surroundings is a dream for photographers.
3. Quiet Time
This is a peaceful place. Sit on one of the stone steps, close your eyes, and just listen to the wind. It’s a great place for a few moments of quiet reflection.
4. Sketch or Journal
If you enjoy drawing or writing, bring your notebook. The temple is full of inspiration.
5. Chat with Locals
Sometimes, you’ll find locals around who can tell you stories and legends about the place that you won’t find in books or blogs.
- Wear comfy shoes: The paths are uneven.
- Bring water: There are no shops right outside the temple.
- Respect the site: Don’t climb on the ruins or scratch the stones.
- Use a guide: If you want to know more about the temple’s design or carvings, hiring a local guide is a good idea.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The Avantiswami Temple might not be as famous as some other tourist spots in Kashmir, but that’s part of its charm. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and deeply rooted in history. You can explore at your own pace, away from the tourist noise.
It tells the story of a king who wanted to build a spiritual and cultural centre, of an era when Kashmir was a seat of learning and art, and of how time changes everything- but also how beauty survives, even in ruins.
The experience is not just about seeing old stones. It’s about feeling the spirit of a place that once brought people together in faith and celebration.
