Lahore
Sites Worth Visiting In The Lahore Region
Situated on the east bank of the Ravi River, Lahore is very old.
Legend traces its origin to Loh, the son of Rama Chandra, the hero
of the Ramayana, but history records that it began as a dependency
of the 8th century AD Hindu ruler, Lalitiditya. In the early 11th
century it came under Muslim rule and evolved as a centre of Islamic
culture and learning as well as trade and commerce. In the 13th
century it was depopulated and razed to the ground by the Tartar-Mongol
hordes of Genghis Khan. Timurlane and his Muslim Turks also arrived
and destroyed the city. Lahore was a cultural and intellectual centre
during both the Moghul and British eras, and it's an atmosphere
which still pervades today, but it is the diversity and contrast
of the different sections of the
city which make Lahore interesting. Apart from local tourists with
their blaring transistors, you could almost be back in the Moghul
era. Lahore is 213 metres above sea level and has a population of
approximately 3 million. The temperature here drops down to 10C
in winter, but in summer can soar to 40C or more. The best time
to visit is straight after the monsoon period when the weather is
cool and pleasant.
Lahore Fort
The massive walls of Lahore Fort, built by Akbar in the 1560s,
tower over the old city of Lahore, and the huge rectangle they define,
380 by 330 meters (1,250 by 1,080 feet), is filled with buildings
from a variety of periods. A complete tour of the fort takes about
two hours.
The entrance to the fort is through Alamgiri Gate The inscription
outside the Fort tells that Jehangir built it in 1618.
Minar-e-Pakistan - Lahore
Minar-e-Pakisan is a new landmark in Lahore and stands in the Iqbal
Park to commemorate the date when a resolution was passed there
back in 1940 demanding the creation of a separate homeland for the
Muslims of this sub-continent. The Minar is a blend of Mughal and
modern architecture and stands 60 meters tall.
Shish Mahal - Lahore
Shish Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, which stands on the fort's north
side, is by far the most splendid. It consists of a row of high
domed rooms, the roofs of which are decked out with hundreds of
thousands of tiny mirrors in the fashion of the traditional Punjabi
craft of "Shishgari" (designs made from mirror fragments).
A fire-brand lit inside any part of the Palace of Mirrors throws
back a million reflections that dizzy the eye and seem like a galaxy
of far-off stars turning in an ink-blue firmament.
Kim's Gun - Lahore
Out side the museum, not far away, Zamzama, the 18th century fire
piece immortalized by Kipling as "Kim's Gun", takes up
a surprising length of space in the middle of road.
Jehangir's Tomb - Lahore
The tomb of the fourth great Mughal Emperor, Jehangir, lies three
miles north-west of Lahore across the River Ravi. It has a majestic
structure made of red sand-stone and marble. The outer entrance
to the tomb opens out into a court-yard which was used as a caravan
Serai during Mughal times. An entrance to the right leads into a
Mughal garden with exact geometrical pattern balancing each side.
The marble tomb is approached from four corridors leading from the
garden.
Allama Iqbal's Tomb - Lahore
Outside the Badshahi Mosque, near its steps, lies the Tomb of Allama
Iqbal, the poet-philosopher of the East. The mausoleum is a blend
of Afghan and Moorish styles of architecture and is constructed
entirely of red sandstone which was quarried and brought from Rajasthan.
Noor Jehan's Tomb - Lahore
The Empress Nur Jehan, "Light of the World", was the
only empress whose name appeared on the coins of the Mughal empire.
She was buried in 1845 AD at Shahdara (Lahore) outside Jehangir's
mausoleum across the railway line.
Qutub-ud-Din Aibak - Lahore
He was appointed Governor of India in 1191 AD by Muhammad Ghauri.
He established the Slave Dynasty on the death of Muhammad Ghauri
in 1206 when he assumed independence of his reign and was followed
by nine other slave kings. He was a patron of the building art and
is known to have erected some monumental stone buildings in Delhi
and elsewhere. A very avid player of polo, he died in Lahore in
1210 AD while playing the game. His tomb can be visited in Anarkali
Bazaar.
Tomb of Asif Khan - Lahore
In the courtyard near Jehangir tomb lies buried his brother-in-law,
Asif Khan, father of Shah Jehan's beloved Queen Arjumand Bano. He
lies in a tomb that today shows little of its former splendor.
Shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajvery - Lahore
The shrine of this renowned saint of Lahore (d. 1071 C.E.), is
close to the junction of the Lower Mall and the Circular Road. Data
Sahib was a great Sufi saint whose well-known work, "Kashf-ul-Mahjub"
has been translated from original Persian into several European
languages and is considered a classic. His grave is surrounded by
a beautiful mosque.
13 Gates of Lahore
The shrine of this renowned saint of Lahore (d. 1071 C.E.), is
close to the junction of the Lower Mall and the Circular Road. Data
Sahib was a great Sufi saint whose well-known work, "Kashf-ul-Mahjub"
has been translated from original Persian into several European
languages and is considered a classic. His grave is surrounded by
a beautiful mosque.
Raushnai Gate - Lahore
The Raushnai Gate, or the "Gate of Light" is between
the royal mosque and the citadels.
Kashmiri Gate - Lahore
The Kashmiri Gate is so called because it faces the direction of
Kashmir.
Masti Gate - Lahore
The Masti Gate is not the actual name but is rather twisted and
pronounced instead of "Masjidi," which means a mosque.
The Khizri or the Sheranwala Gate - Lahore
The Khizri or the Sheranwala Gate. As already noted, the river
in former times flowed by the city walls, and the ferry was near
this spot. The gate was, therefore, named Khizri, after the name
of Khizr Elias, the patron saint, according to the Mahomedan belief,
of running waters and streams, and the discoverer of the water of
immortality.
Yakki Gate - Lahore
The Yakki Gate. The original name was "Zaki," which was
derived from the name of a martyr saint, who, according to tradition,
fell fighting against the Moghal infidels from the north, while
gallantly defending his city
Dehli Gate - Lahore
The Dehli Gate is so called because of its opening on to the highway
from Lahore to Delhi.
Mochi Gate - Lahore
The Mochi Gate is the name wrongly pronounced. It was name was
actually Moti meaning a pearl. It was called so after the name of
Moti Ram, an officer of Akbar, who resided here at that time.
Shah 'Almi Gate - Lahore
The Shah 'Almi Gate was named after Mohomed Mo'azzam Shah 'Alam
Bahadur Shah (the son and successor of Aurangzeb). He was a mild
and generous Emperor, who died in Lahore on the 28th February 1712.
Lahori Gate - Lahore
The Lahori Gate also known as the Lohari gate has been named after
the city of Lahore.
Mori Gate - Lahore
The Mori Gate is the smallest of the gateways and as its name implies,
was in old times used as an outlet for the refuse and sweepings
of the city.
The Mori Gate - Lahore
The Mori Gate is the smallest of the gateways and as its name implies,
was in old times used as an outlet for the refuse and sweepings
of the city.
Bhatti Gate - Lahore
The Bhatti Gate was named after the Bhatis, an ancient Rajput tribe
who inhabited these quarters in old times.
Taxali Gate - Lahore
The Taxali Gate was named after the Taxal or royal mint, that used
to be in its neighborhood during the period of the Mahomedan Emperors.
Masjid / Mosques In Lahore
Badshahi Masjid
The Imperial or the Badshahi Mosque is across the courtyard from
Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort. The Mosque, which is made up entirely
of red sandstone was built by Emperor Aurangzeb, the last of the
great Mughals, in a record time of two and-a-half years. Its construction
was completed by 1674 AD.
It has a beautiful gate-way which measures 21.33 metres in length
and a courtyard that measures 161.5 x 160.6 metres and is said to
be the largest mosque courtyard in the world for outdoor prayers.
The marble domes cover seven prayer chambers. Four lofty minarets
stand at the four corners of the mosque, each with an outer circumference
of 20 metres, soaring up to 54 meters.
Golden Mosque or Sunehri Masjid
The founder of the mosque was Nawab Shah Bhikari Khan, son of Raushan-ud-Daula
Turrabaz Khan, deputy governor of Lahore during the reign of Muhammad
Shah and the viceroyalty of Mir Noin-ul-Malik. Golden Mosque is
situated in the Kashmiri Bazaar. It was built in 1753 AD. It is
remarkably beautiful with three golden domes. The mosque is elevated
on a higher plinth, surrounded by old bazaars. Because of its color
the mosque glitters in the sunshine as if it is a golden miniature
place to bow before the Almighty Allah.
It has a beautiful gate-way which measures 21.33 metres in length
and a courtyard that measures 161.5 x 160.6 metres and is said to
be the largest mosque courtyard in the world for outdoor prayers.
The marble domes cover seven prayer chambers. Four lofty minarets
stand at the four corners of the mosque, each with an outer circumference
of 20 metres, soaring up to 54 meters.
Pearl Mosque
Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque, beyond the audience hall, was for
the exclusive use of royal ladies. It is carved from marble having
the luster of pearls. Nearby "Naulakha", a marble pavilion
is inlaid with floral motifs and precious gems.
Wazir Khan's Mosque
Wazir Khan's Mosque is in the old city, 300 meters from Delhi Gate.
This unique mosque is one of the most beautiful in Pakistan. It
was built in 1634 by Hakim Ali-ud-din, popularly known as Wazir
Khan, who was governor of the area during the reign of Shah Jahan.
The Mosque is justifiably famous for the colorful fresco and tile
decoration which adorns both the interior and exterior of the building
Gardens In Lahore
Hiran Minar
Hiran Minar is set in peaceful environs near Lahore. Hiran means
deer. It used to be favorite hunting sport of all Muslim kings,
especially of Moghals. Jehangir erected this minaret to commemorate
the death of his pet deer (Maans Raaj). It served a double purpose
as from it top the hunters could locate the habitations of deers.
It is a beautiful picnic as well as a historic spot. A high Bara
Dari Ghat is constructed right in middle of a Talab. A man made
big lake, boating facility is also available. A good garden lay
out is surrounding the place.
Shalimar Gardens
Three miles east of Lahore are the famous Shalimar Gardens laid
out by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan in 1642 AD. The Gardens are
spread out in typical Mughal style and are surrounded by high walls
with watch towers at the four corners. Originally, the gardens were
spread over seven ascending terraces, but only three remain now,
which cover an area of about 42 acres.
Chhanga Manga
Chhanga Manga is a man-made forest 68 kms from Lahore. There is
a lake, and a miniature railway, which winds its way through its
forest. Chhanga Manga has 12,510 acres of plantations. It is a popular
picnic spot spread over 50 acres with a lake and rowboats, motorboats,
children's park, swimming pool, cafeteria, canteen and rest houses.
Bagh-e-Jinnah
Bagh-e-Jinnah was formerly known as Lawrence Gardens. It is opposite
to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is amongst the biggest
gardens of Lahore.
Jallo Park
The Park is 28 kms from Lahore. It can be visited by road and by
rail. A rail car leaves for Jallo Railway Station every half hour.
Spread over an area of 450 acres it has expanses of lawns, a forest
research center, a children's park, zoo, a small museum and a gift
shop.
Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park
Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Allama Iqbal Town.
Iqbal Park
Iqbal Park is around Minar-e-Pakistan.
Model Town Park
Model Town Park in Model Town.
Race Course Park
Situated on Jail Road, Race Course Park deservedly attracts not
only town dwellers but visitors as well.
Museums in Lahore
Lahore Museum
This museum was established during the British Raj in 1864. It
displays a complete cross-section of the Culture and History of
the region with rare and best collection of the Buddhist art from
the Gandhara Period, Islamic artifacts, Calligraphy, Old Manuscripts,
Arms, Costumes and Jewelry.
Fakir Khana Museum
A very large and interesting private Museum known as Faqirkhana
lies inside the Bhatti Gate and is worth visiting. The museum houses
a variety of old paintings, including some by great masters, original
manuscripts in different languages and artifacts from South East
Asia and the Indo-Pak sub-continent.
Shakir Ali Museum
This museum was actually Shakir's House at 93, Tipu Block, New
Garder Town, Lahore, which he made for himself. After his death
it was bought by Idara-I-Saqafat-e-Pakistan and formally turned
into a museum on April 3rd, 1976. The idea behind it was not only
to preserve the great artist's paintings and other masterpieces
under one roof but also to open this combination of modern and traditional
archietecture to the public.
Mughal Museum
Situated at Poonch house, Multan Road, Lahore it was established
in 1950. This is an Industrial and commercial Museum, which is meant
to depict country's economic resources both in the form of raw products
and worked objects. Its collection is arranged in one gallery and
one large hall of the building. The main hall displays a range of
variety of material such as well plated musical instruments, table
lamps of camel skin from Multan and Bhawalpur, cotton, silken-woolen
and embroidered textiles from all important cites of Pakistan.
University of The Punjab
Lahore is the seat of University of the Punjab (1882), which is
the oldest university in Pakistan. At one end of The Mall stands
the University - perhaps the largest center of education in Asia.
The city has built a new Campus in the quieter environments on the
Canal Bank, but the old University buildings are still functioning.
Lahore Zoo
Located in the heart of the town and set in modern style is the
Lahore zoo founded in 1872. It is one of the oldest Zoos in the
sub continent. The material used in some of the construction even
bears the marks of 1853. The Lahore zoo attracts a large crowd throughout
the year. Driving along the Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, just ahead of
the charring cross and opposite to the WAPDA House is the main gate
of the Zoo.
Wagah
Pakistan-India Border
This check-post is about 30 kms from Lahore and is the cross-over
point for travelers into India by the land route. It is open daily
to foreigners only (except Indian and Pakistani nationals) from
9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. PST
Summit Minar
In front of the Punjab Assembly Hall stands a sleek column known
as the Summit Minar. This was erected in distinction of staging
the second Islamic Summit in 1974.
Source: Ptv.com.pk
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