The central shrine
The ruined sanctum, still towering over the courtyard.
The 8th-century sun temple
Martand Sun Temple
The ruins of a great temple to Surya, built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida in the 8th century on a plateau near Anantnag. The most impressive ancient monument in Kashmir.
Anantnag districtAbout 64 km from Srinagar · 9 km from Anantnag from Srinagar
The Martand Sun Temple stands on the Mattan plateau, about 9 km east of Anantnag town, with views across the valley to the Pir Panjal. It was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty in the 8th century and dedicated to Surya, the sun god.
Even as a ruin it is striking: a central shrine inside a large rectangular courtyard enclosed by a colonnade of fluted pillars and small cells. The style blends Gandharan, Gupta and Greek influences. The temple was destroyed in the 15th century; what stands today is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Visiting
Allow an hour. The site is on the way to Pahalgam via a short detour, so it fits into the Pahalgam drive or a south Kashmir day with Achabal and Kokernag. Go in the morning or late afternoon for the best light on the stone.
Things to do
What to see in Martand Sun Temple
The colonnade
Fluted pillars and trefoil arches around the enclosure.
Best time to visit
Year round in daylight; April to October is most comfortable.
How to reach
- From Srinagar — about 64 km via Anantnag, around 2 hours.
- From Pahalgam — about 40 km, a short detour off the main road at Mattan.
Tour packages
All packagesAdd Martand Sun Temple to a Kashmir package
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Questions
Visiting Martand Sun Temple
Absolutely. Every Kashmir tour package we offer can be customised to match your preferences, group size, budget and travel dates. Simply contact us with your requirements and we will design the perfect Kashmir itinerary for you.
Pahalgam is about 90–95 km from Srinagar, a drive of 2.5 to 3 hours along the Jammu highway to Anantnag and then up the Lidder valley. Stops at the Pampore saffron fields and Avantipora add time.
Anantnag district
All destinationsMore places to visit in Anantnag
- PahalgamValley of Shepherds
- Betaab ValleyThe film valley above Pahalgam
- Aru ValleyMeadow village above Pahalgam
- BaisaranThe meadow above Pahalgam
- Lidder RiverPahalgam’s glacier river
- ChandanwariStart of the Amarnath Yatra
- Sheshnag LakeSacred lake on the Amarnath route
- Tulian LakeHigh lake above Pahalgam
- Mamal TemplePahalgam’s ancient Shiva temple
- FrislanRiverside stop on the Pahalgam road
- VerinagThe spring of the Jhelum
- Achabal GardenNur Jahan’s spring garden
- KokernagSprings, botanical garden and trout
- DaksumForest valley on the Bringi
- Sinthan TopSnow pass to Kishtwar
- ChatpalHidden valley of Shangus
Nearby
Other places in the valley
Nur Jahan’s spring garden
Achabal Garden
The spring of the Jhelum
Verinag
Springs, botanical garden and trout
Kokernag
Pahalgam’s ancient Shiva temple