Lal Chowk is a famous & historical city square in the town of Anantnag in J&K. It is the place where the Indian Tricolor was hoisted for the first time by the first PM of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. It got its name as Lal Chowk because of the left-wing that was inspired by the Russian revolution. Lal Chowk was the place where the important political meetings were organized by Pt. Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah.
It Is Known For:-
1) Lal Chowk is an important place in Anantnag where many political meetings were organized b/w Pt. Nehru and Sheikh Md. Abdullah about the fate of Kashmir after Maharaja Hari Singh left the throne.
2) This spot is popular in the locale due to the presence of the clock tower. Though it is an ordinary clock tower that was constructed in 1980, it gained importance in 1997 when Murli Manohar Joshi, the then BJP president, hoisted the Indian Flag.
3) The militants fired the rocket that landed a few meters away from the tower and since then, Lal Chowk area is heavily guarded.
4) This place remains flooded by the locals and tourists due to its charm. Many shops are located here that sell the different items like the Pashmina handloom, jewelry boxes, trinkets etc.
Best Time To Visit:-
Lal Chowk or ‘Mall Road of Kashmir’ remains busy throughout the year. Therefore, this point is visited every day by countless locals and tourists alike.
Watch Out!
Watch out for the different shops selling the exotic stuff! You can collect the souvenirs from this place like the wooden boxes and other items that are priced nominally.
Reaching There:-
Anantnag town is well-connected to all major roads, railheads, and airports in Kashmir. It can be reached easily from any city of the state easily. Commuting within Anantnag is usually done by the local transit that is available on a frequent basis.
Nearest Railway Station:- Anantnag Railway Station
Nearest Airport:-Srinagar Airport