Achabal is a classic Mughal water garden built around a sudden, gushing spring that pushes out of the base of a hillside. Terraces step down through chenar trees, with cascades, channels, and a long central canal feeding pavilions on the upper level. The spring water is bitingly cold, which keeps the garden cool well into summer.
It is about 8 km southeast of Anantnag, an easy drive or shared taxi from the town centre. Visit in the late afternoon when the light comes in low and the water turns gold under the chenars.