Lahore Pakistan

Lahore is Pakistan's second largest city, and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province. Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. The heart of Lahore is the Walled or Inner City, a very densely populated area of about one square kilometre. Lahore is founded in legendary times, and a cultural centre for over a thousand years, Lahore has many attractions to keep the tourist busy. The Mughal and Sikh legacy survives in the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, the Mall is lined with colonial-gothic buildings from the British Raj, and the suburbs of Gulberg Lahore and Defence Lahore feature palatial mansions and trendy shopping districts.

Lahore is fondly known as "The Heart of Pakistan." There is a popular saying about Lahore, "He who has not seen Lahore, has not yet been born." Lahore is a charming and unique city with a rich culture and an abundance of artists, poets and films. There are many beautiful gardens to visit in Lahore, as Lahore is situated on the banks of Riva and the land is fertile. People in Lahore are known for their hospitality and offer a warm welcome. Lahore is a vibrant city with an interesting history. Lahore has been ruled by the Moguls, Sikhs and British before gaining independence. A variety of educational institutes, including the esteemed Government College, are located in Lahore.

History Of Lahore

Legend has it that Lahore was founded about 4,000 years ago by Loh, son of Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Reminiscence of  Lahore  hoary past are the remains of a subterranean temple attributed to Rama, in the northern part of the Royal Fort Lahore. Historically,  Lahore  has been proved that Lahore is at least 2,000 years old. After Islam came to South Asia,  Lahore became a center of learning, and attracted some of the region's greatest mystics, writers and artists towards Lahore. The people of Lahore, when they want to emphasize the uniqueness of their town Lahore, say “Lahore, Lahore aye” (”Lahore is Lahore”).

Lahore is the city of poets, artists and the center of film industry.  Lahore  has the largest number of educational institutions in the country and some of the finest gardens in the continent.Apart from being the cultural and academic center of the country, Lahore is the showcase for Mughal architecture in Pakistan. For more than 200 years, beginning from about 1524 AD, Lahore was a thriving cultural center of the great Mughal Empire. Mughal Emperors beautified Lahore, with palaces, gardens and mosques.
Hieun-tasng, the famous Chinese pilgrim has given a vivid description of Lahore which he visited in the early parts of the 7th century AD. Lying on the main trade and invasion routes to South Asia, Lahore has been ruled and plundered by a number of dynasties and hordes. Muslim rule began here when Qutub-ud-din Aibak was crowned in Lahore in 1206 and thus became the first Muslim Sultan of the subcontinent. It waxed and waned in importance during the Sultanate.

However, Lahore touched the zenith of its glory during the Mughal rule from 1524 to 1752. The Mughals, who were famous as builders, gave Lahore some of its finest architectural monuments, many of which are extinct today.
Lahore was Akbar’s capital for 14 years from 1584 to 1598. He built the massive Lahore Fort on the foundations of a previous fort and enclosed the city within a red brick wall boasting 12 gates. Jahangir and Shah Jahan (who was born in Lahore) extended the Lahore fort, built palaces and tombs, and laid out gardens.
Jahangir loved the city and he and his wife Noor Jahan are buried at Shahdara Lahore. Aurangzeb (1658-1707), gave Lahore its most famous monument, the Badshahi Masjid (Royal Mosque) and the Alamgiri gateway to the fort.
During the eighteenth century, as Mughal power dwindled, there were constant invasions. Lahore was a suba, a province of the Empire, governed by provincial rulers with their own court. These governors managed as best they could though for much of the time it must have been a rather thankless task to even attempt. The 1740s were years of chaos and between 1745 and 1756 there were nine changes of governors. Invasions and chaos in local government allowed bands of warring Sikhs to gain control in some areas of Lahore.
Lahore ended up being ruled by a triumvirate of Sikhs of dubious character and the population of the city invited Ranjit Singh to invade. He took the city in 1799. Holding the capital gave him enough legitimacy to proclaim himself the Emperor. Descriptions of Lahore during the early 19th century refer to it as a “melancholy picture of fallen splendor.”
The British, following their invasion of Lahore in 1849, added a great many buildings in “Mughal-Gothic” style as well as bungalows and gardens. Early on, the British tended to build workaday structures in sites like the Fort of Lahore, though later they did start to make an effort to preserve some ancient buildings. The Lahore Cantonment, the British residential district of wide, tree-lined streets and white bungalows set in large, shaded gardens, is the prettiest cantonment in Pakistan. Since Independence in 1947, Lahore has expanded rapidly as the capital of Pakistani Punjab.
All this makes Lahore a truly rewarding experience. The buildings, the roads, the trees and the gardens, in fact the very air of Lahore in enough to set the mind spinning in admiration.A poet has written about this phenomenon one experiences in the environs of Lahore. When the wind whistles through the tall trees, when the twilight floods the beautiful face of the Fort, when the silent canal lights up to herald the end of another chapter in history, the Ravi is absorbed in harmony, mist fills the ancient streets, and the havelis come alive with strains of classical music, the spirit of Lahore pervades even the hardiest of souls.

Accommodation In Lahore

There is a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets in Lahore. Cheaper guest houses are the ideal way to meet other travelers. Dorm rooms are also available in budget lodgings, and middle range accommodation is available for visitors seeking something more comfortable. For visitors wanting to relax in luxury there are upmarket hotels in Lahore.

Transport In Lahore

You can reach Lahore overland by bus or train. Located in Lahore is a busy International Airport, making traveling to Lahore by plane an option. Travel around the city by auto rickshaws, which have negotiable fares. It is best to travel to the city center by auto rickshaw and from there explore the tourist attractions by walking. There is a public bus system with in Lahore, but it can be difficult to negotiate if you are not familiar with the bus routes. Taxis are another option, but most of them do not have meters.

Languages In Lahore

Punjabi and Urdu are the common languages spoken in Lahore, although Lahore has a high level of education and English is widely spoken. Visitors to Lahore should be able to get by speaking English, especially in tourist areas.

Places to Visit in Lahore

Anarkali's Tomb, Lahore

Anarkali Tomb is located on area of Punjab Secretariat in Lahore and now houses the office of vital records Punjab. Previously, it was transformed into a Christian church by the British invasion. It's a beautiful garden and near to Anarkali Bazar (market). Many people say Anarkali tomb is here which was buried live on order of Mughal emperor Akbar in two walls.

Address: Lower Mall Road Punjab Secretrariat Lahore Pakistan

Badshahi Mosque, Lahore

Badshahi mosque is the biggest and most famous mosque in Pakistan (Lahore), with up to 100,000 space of prayers. It was built in 1671 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the last of the Mughal rule. The mosque is close to Fort Royal Lahore. For information purposes only, Aurangzeb was the son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal (Agra). The mosque is truly breathtaking and there is the Mausoleum of famous poet and philosopher of Indo-Pak Allama Iqbal.

Address: Inner city
Phone: +92-42-7662729

Jallo Park, Lahore

Lahore having some great picnic spots Like Jallo park which is one of the famous and beautiful place, located in Lahore District, Punjab, Pakistan. This park was build in 1978 contain number of birds, such as species of pheasants and parrots. Jallo Park gives great amusements and facilities for all family such as forest research centre, wildlife breeding center, sports complex, swimming pool, and boating lake.

Address: Lahore District, Punjab, Pakistan

Gulabi Bagh(Garden), Lahore

The Gulabi Bagh (rose garden) was built in 1655 in Lahore by a Persian noble, Mirza Sultan Beg who was Admiral of the Fleet under the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Gulabi Bagh garden is located on main GT Road Lahore near this Gulabi Bagh garden there was a Shalimar Gardens and the Engineering University of Lahore. Many foreigners and people from all over the country visit this park daily with their families. It’s a great place for history lovers.

Address: GT Road Lahore, Pakistan

Jehangir´s Tomb, Lahore

Jehangir´s Tomb is a famous place where the grave and the gardens surrounding of the Mughal emperor Jahangir (1605-1627) in Shahdara in the 1870's. It's a beautiful place which built as a mugal garden on right bank of the Ravi River. Jehangir´s Tomb is in one of the greatest Architectural Projects of Pakistan. The red sandstone is used in construction of this tomb. Anyone who visit Lahore city must see this beautiful place, there interior walls are covered with colorful murals floral mausoleum.

Address: Shahdara Lahore

Lahore Art Gallery, Lahore

Lahore Art Gallery is placed at Alhamra Cultural Complex in Lahore. It's a center place having true spirit of art and culture. It's famous among tourist around the country and art lovers around the world. They having an amphitheater flooded Punjab arts and crafts Museum. Lahore Art Gallery is also famous for arts and cultural events or performing arts classes.

Address: Alhamra Cultural Complex, Gaddafi Stadium, Ferozepur Road, Lahore.
Phone: +92-042-35751512

Lahore Museum, Lahore

Lahore Museum is located on Mall Road and it was started in 1894. It's one of the most famous museums in South Asia because of the immensity of his compilation. The museum houses the Indus civilization, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa monuments. The components are ceramics, jewelry, weapons, and textiles. Lahore Museum is also conservative Mughal and Sikh rule and fragments of the period that led to the partition.

Address: The Mall, Lahore, Pakistan

Hiran Minar Lahore

Hiran Minar is a famous place located on distance of 43km northwest from Lahore and 9km from Sheikhupura. It's a beautiful 100 foot high Tower named as Hiran Minar means (Deer Tower). The structure consists on large water tank with pavilion which is now main entrance. This minar (tower) was built by Emperor Jahangir in 1606 for a beloved antelope. Hiran Minar is also called a royal hunting ground. Many people daily visit this place for enjoying and boating.

Address: Loacated on Area Around Shiekhupura and About 19 Miles from Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore Zoo , Lahore

Lahore Zoo was recognized in 1872. It's located on the Mall road Lahore it’s very popular in public, who often bring their children to enjoy the view of various animals. Its most famous resident is the elephant "Suzi". Lahore zoo is biggest zoo of country it’s the main center of attention for thousands of kids living in Lahore and in different cites Pakistan.

Address: Mall Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: +92-42-6314683

Shahi Qila Lahore Fort, Lahore

Shahi Qila is built in (1556–1605) by Mughal emperor Akbar. It’s located on the Walled City of Lahore and just in front of famous Badshahi Mosque. This project was design by UNESCO World Heritage site but there is uncertainty surrounding when it was built and by whom. Many people and tourist daily visit this park and Shahi Qila is a great place for history lovers.

Address: Fort Road, Lahore, Pakistan

Shakir Ali Museum, Lahore

Shakir Ali Museum Lahore was created on the sudden death of Shakir Ali in 1975 by Pakistan National Council for the Arts. The Council has developed a plan to buy a house valued teacher and painter, Shakir Ali, and turn it into a museum and a place of dynamic learning for students, teachers, artists and all those who wish to join the museum. PNCA is responsible for Shakir Ali Museum, shows and other plans.

Address: Shakir Ali Lane, 93 Tipu Block, New Garden Town, Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: +92 42 9230213
Website: http://www.pnca.org.pk/SAM.HTM

Quaid-e-Azam libray, Lahore

Quaid-e-Azam library was established in 1862, it’s located on the most famous gardens of Lahore. It was created by britishers and given a name as "Lawrance Gardens", but now their name is Bagh-e-Jinnah (Jinnah's Garden) this named was given after creation of Pakistan. Quaid-e-Azam library is the biggest public library in Pakistan and their opening timing is 8am to 8pm.

Address: QUAID-E-AZAM LIBRARY, BAGH-E-JINNAH, THE MALL, LAHORE, PAKISTAN.
Phone: +92-42-9201007
Email: qal@brain.net.pk
Website: http://www.qal.org.pk

Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore

Minar-e-Pakistan is a famous placed located in Iqbal Park Lahore, Pakistan. It's created in memorial of the Pakistan Resolution. The minaret shows a combination of Mughal and modern architecture. Minar-e-Pakistan was built where in March 23, 1940 Pakistan Resolutions was passed by Muslim League. This was the first official statement giving for establish a separate homeland for Muslims living in Southeast Asia. It attracts all people living in Pakistan, as well as many people come around the Lahore city with their children’s and history students.

Address: Near the Inner city, in Iqbal Park, Lahore, Pakistan

Phone: +92-42-7707087

Masjid Wazir Khan, Lahore

Wazir Khan Masjid (Mosque) is a beautiful famous place for its decoration and tile work. This masjid (mosque) was built in 1634 by Hakim Ali-ud-din also known as Wazir Khan. This mosque was created with traditional Mughal floral design and their material is tile-like brick. It's having great paintings inside and outside of majid (mosque), there minar(tower) height is about 100 feet. There are pigeons flying over the Masjid Wazir Khan which gives a great look.

Address: Located on Old Lahore City and Outside the Walls of the Lahore Fort, Pakistan

Shalimar Gardens, Lahore

Shalimar Garden is situated on 3km drive from walled city on Grand Trunk Road, Lahore, Pakistan. It’s a beautiful place created on acres of area for enjoyment and relaxation. Emperor Jehangir built this beautiful place for his wife Nur Jehan, thus showing their love forever and remembrance for future lovers. The garden name was "Shalimar" which means the purest of human pleasures. The gardens are an excellent place to avoid the noise of hassle bustle of Lahore city.

Address: 3 km from the walled city, Grand Trunk Road, Near University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

Sozo Water Park , Lahore

Sozo Water Park is situated on Canal Bank near Jallo Park, Lahore, Pakistan. The water park is prepared with all modern services and facilities for thousands of people come yearly. There were a lot of beautiful parks in Lahore but Sozo Water Park added a lot of the beauty in Lahore. It was a great amusement park for visitors around the country and for locals living in Lahore. The park is created on area of approximately 25 acres having outdoor swimming pools, water slides and rides.

Address: Jallo Morr, Jallo Lahore, Pakistan

Website: http://sozowaterpark.pk/

Wagah Border, Lahore

Wagah Border is located on Grand Trunk Road which join the Amritsar, India and Lahore, Pakistan. It's a well known place all over Pakistan. Wagah is name of village which was divided in 1947 after partition. Today half part is in India and half is in Pakistan. Many people daily visit Wagah Border Lahore to watch soldiers parade and flag lowering ceremony on every evening between border security forces of India and Pakistan. Wagah Border ceremony having great heart touching moments and increase heart beats of everyone with love for their country.

Address: Located on Grand Trunk Road between the cities of Amritsar, India and Lahore, Pakistan








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