Lahore is a leading commercial, banking, and industrial center. Textiles are the most critical industry, but there are many rubber factories, as well as iron, steel, and other mills. Railways and air services link Lahore with other major cities of Pakistan. Pop. (2005 est.) urban agglom., 6,289,000.

The Greater Iqbal Park, The Shahi-Qila and the Badshahi Masjid

Lahore Fort, which is mainly known as the Shahi Qila, is undoubtedly a magnificent sight to visit that reflects the true artistry of the Mughal era. Touring this place with family is one of the things you can do which takes you back to the glorious past of the Mughal era. The Shahi Qila that houses over twenty historical landmarks is found near the Walled City.

Alamgiri Gate is the only inlet for people visiting the Lahore Fort/Shahi Qila. It is an arched entrance having beautiful carvings engraved. Within this amazing site lies two more historical landmarks known as Moti Masjid and Sheesh Mahal, both of which were built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Shahi Qila is one of the five most famous historical forts in Pakistan.
Just across the Shahi Qila is the Badshahi Masjid, the Badshahi Mosque, popularly known as Badshahi Masjid, is another delightful remnant of the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It is one of the places you can visit in Lahore with your family while visiting the greater Iqbal Park.

The incredible structure of the Badshahi Mosque was constructed in 1674 with red sandstone. It features an expansive courtyard for thousands of worshippers having four minarets, each of which is around 60 meters in height, making it one of the largest mosques of Pakistan. The tomb of Alama Iqbal, the “Poet of the nation,” is also in the courtyard between the Shahi Qila and the Badshahi Masjid.

Greater Iqbal Park is home to Minar-i-Pakistan, a famous national monument of Pakistan that is situated adjacent to Badshahi masjid opposite to Shahi Qila. This minaret has a height of 60 meters and it took eight years for the construction of this landmark to get completed in the year 1968. Minar-i-Pakistan reminds us about the historical day when Pakistan’s resolution was passed in 1940. Greater Iqbal Park is one of the coolest places to visit in Lahore with family. As it only reminds us of the glorious past but also it’s a great piece of architecture as well.

Address: Fort Rd, Walled City, Lahore
Timings: 8am-8pm
Ticket: Rs.30 for Shahi-Qila and Rs.30 for Badshahi Masjid.

Shalimar Gardens

Visiting Shalimar Gardens with family is one of the most incredible and exciting things to do in Lahore. Spanning over 80 acres, it is considered as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pakistan. Shah Jahan was the Mughal Emperor on the orders of whom; this beautiful place was constructed back in 1641.

Shalimar Gardens reflects the vibrancy of Islamic art and architecture of the Mughal era. It is a place where you will come across waterfalls, ponds. Shalimar Gardens, which is also sometimes spelled as Shalamar Gardens, was originally designed to entertain guests of the royal family.

The Shalimar Garden known in Urdu as (Shalimar Bagh) is an essence of the Mughal era. It has three main terraces, named the giver of the life, the giver of pleasure and the giver of goodness. There are more than 400 fountains that water the gardens. This beautiful evergreen garden surely a place to visit with your friends and family to refresh your mind and nature. If you see nothing else in Lahore, then you must see these gardens.

The gardens are built on three levels, each one lower than the other and you can experience a different kind of beauty on each level of garden with its sprawling landscape it’s a good place to plan a picnic on a warm sunny day.

Address: Shalamar Chowk, G. T. Road, Shalamar Town, Lahore
Timing: 8 am – 6 pm
Entry Fee: PKR 10

Lahore Museum

Lahore Museum is a great place to visit with family. Lahore museum is counted among the oldest museums found in Asia. Lahore Museum is also one of the most recommended family attractions in Lahore. It is also counted among the oldest museums found in Asia; it was constructed in the 1800s during the time of British rule in the subcontinent.

The fantastic architecture of this museum is a testimony to the artistic excellence with which it was built.
There are over a dozen separate galleries in this museum each one having sculptures, artifacts, and artworks on display. Some of the oldest manuscripts of the Holy Quran can also be found in the Lahore museum. People who are in love with history and the artifacts, the museum is a heaven for all such souls.

Address: Mall Rd, Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore
Timing: 9am – 3:30pm
Entry Fee: PKR 20
Note: Usage of cameras and phones is not allowed in the museum

SOZO Water Park

Sozo Water Park is one of the biggest water parks in Lahore. Sozo Water Park is believed to be one of the biggest water parks in Lahore. This place offers fun activities for the whole family. Especially in summers, it is one of the most amazing family attractions in Lahore.

To beat the scorching heat of the summer and to relax you can visit this water park where people have fun by enjoying different types of water slides available in the park. One of the main attractions of Sozo Water Park is the 10-foot wide water body that flows like an actual river. This place is also home to a ladies-only water park where kids of up to 10 years of age are allowed to enter all ladies’ area.

Address: Canal Bank Road, Lahore
Timing: 10.30 am – 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: PKR 350 for adults and PKR 250 for children
Note: Ticket prices may vary on weekends and public holidays

Lahore Zoo Safari Park

Lahore Zoo Safari Park is home to some incredible wildlife species of the kingdom Animalia. It’s the place where children and parents together can enjoy an up-close look at wildlife and learn more about animals, it’s a place like no other to experience. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Lahore with the family with dozens of different animals like lions, Bengal tigers, jaguars, blue bulls and many other beautiful species.

Lahore Zoo Safari Park is also home to a lake where people can spend time enjoying boating and fishing. The existence of an amusement park with fantastic rides in the premises doubles the excitement of kids visiting this place.

Safari Park is the best place to see the wild animal live in your life from very close and you can even touch them. Fishing and Boating facilities now available in Safari Park near a lake and safari tracks for the lion and Bengal tiger areas are the most popular things of this Park.

Address: Safari Road, Lahore
Timings: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Entry Fee: PKR 40 for adults and PKR 20 for children
Note: The additional entry fee on car/van/minibus is PKR 250 per vehicle

Wazir Khan Mosque

The Wazir Khan Masjid is a Mughal era mosque in the city of Lahore. The work of the Qashani tile is a direct contrast to the beauty of the Lahore Fort. This place is a dream comes true for the photographers as they witness the glazed colorful tile art with intricate designs. The beautiful floral motifs and blue-green combination calligraphy add glance to its beauty across its frontal.

Wagah Border

Thousands of people attend the flag ceremony feeling enthusiastic cheering with the crowd. The elaborate drill on both sides held at Wagah Border every evening. Each day thousands of tourists especially tourists come to witness the Wagah border ceremony and you might be interested ad fascinated to see the parade from “JAwans” of both Pakistan and India every day before the border closes for the day.

This parade and flag ceremony is a must-attend while visiting Lahore…it would equally exhilarating for you as well as your children to be part of such epic moments.

Jallo Park

The Park has some attractive facilities for people like Wildlife Breeding Center, Forest Research Center, the food spots, a theme park, a swimming pool, a large lake for boating and fishing and a very important thing is the sports complex that attracts people towards this park.

It is a relatively new development/addition to the city as compared to others on this list. You can have a small picnic at this beautiful location away from all the kinds of hustle and bustle of the city.

Phajjay Ke Paye and Butt Karahi a Lahore’s feast

Phajjay Ke Paye of a goat is a famous cooking traditional in Lahore and many people take them in their breakfast. Phajjay Ke Paye is a famous place located close to Badshahi Mosque Lahore. Phaje dey Siri Paye is a genuine symbol of Lahore for more than 50 years and they cooked in a customary and finest style and away more important thing is that no part of the goat can contend this. However simply hearty Lahore hospitality serves a warm plate of paye with straight from the stove with kulchas(Parathas) or Naan on a cool morning is an ideal breakfast especially for Punjabi but tourists can also taste them and they enjoyed their taste too.

Butt Karahi is one of the feasts you can enjoy in Lahore, the amazing part about this karahi is that it’s made with organic chicken tossed in (Desi Ghee) with spices and tomatoes and garnished with fresh ginger and coriander, a finger-licking treat to tantalize your taste-buds, when you visit Lahore, visiting these places is a must-must……

Lahore is the land of Sufis and food lovers, a famous slogan that goes with the people of Lahore, “Zinda-Dillane-Lahore” so whenever you visit Lahore do try these things…..to make your visit worthwhile!!

Khurram Zahid

The post 9 Most Interesting Places to Visit with Family in Lahore! appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Karachi is popular for its beaches and dining as it is for its architecture and atmosphere.
Below are 10 things to do and see in Karachi that you are going remember for rest of your life…

Clifton Sea View

If you are visiting Karachi for the first time it is the best place to start with. Sea view or Clifton beach is the main attraction of Karachi city. This beach once held the record of the most famous silver sand beach but the sand got affected by an incident of the oil spill in 2003. it still holds its charm that is worth a watch.
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Tourists and families visit the beach 24/7. Camel and horse riding, buggy rides, dirt-bikes, parks along the beach, hot corns of the coals and spicy and tantalizing roadside snacks are the reason too that Sea view is always crowded.

Mazaar – e – Quaid

The Final resting place of the founding father of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah also known as National Mausoleum. This tomb is among the most popular destinations for foreigners as well as the locals. The tomb usually remains calm and peaceful with people visiting to pay respect. It was designed by a great architect Yahya Merchant and built it with white marble.
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This masterpiece was completed in the late 1960s. Mazar e Quaid is located in the heart of the city, famous for its design, atmosphere along with some lush green gardens.

Mohatta Palace

Mohatta Palace is a great place to visit if you are interested in the history and heritage of any place. It was built by Shivratan Chandraratan Mohatta who lived in this palace for 2 decades and then left for India after partition. The palace covers an area of 18,500 sq. ft. It has luxurious rooms and 9 dorms.

This palace is close to the sea near the Tomb of Abdullah Shah Ghazi and Park towers. There is a secret underground tunnel for the safety that leads to a Hindu temple that is just a kilometre away. This palace is a museum that exhibits treasures and other collections from the era of British and displays the culture of the subcontinent.

Charna Island

Charna Island is a small island around 6 to 7 kilometres away from Karachi in the Arabian Sea. Charna is a giant piece of rock in the middle of the sea covering the area of around 1.5 km sq. The main attractions of this island are Scuba diving, Cliff diving, Jet skiing, snorkelling, underwater photography and exploration of sea species.

So if you need an adrenaline pump, and days that you want to spend well with your friends you must visit this island. This Island also used by the Pakistan Navy as a shooting range. Fishermen come near this island for fishing as there is vast species of Lobsters, carbs and other fishes. The underwater colourful world near Charna has plenty of species that really allure the divers to come again n again.

Pakistan Maritime and PAF Museum

The Maritime Museum is a naval museum with an area of 28 acres. It has a large auditorium and galleries. The museum, which was based and built on the modern concept of education, has several ancient art galleries. The museum also displays a Minesweeper ship, Breguet Atlantic aircraft and a wooden barge that was given by the Her Majesty, Queen of England to Naval Chief of Pakistan in the ’60s.

It also displays a full class Submarine PNS Hangor (S131). The timings of the museum are 8:00 am to 22:00 pm and the ticket cost 2-3$ (Rs. 200-350) depending on adult or children.

The other museum worth visiting is the PAF museum (Pakistan Air Force Museum) it’s definitely a must-visit if you have little kids. It’s nice and vast, well maintained, it has all the facilities. It is very green and one has to take a long walk with the kids before entering the museum. There are so many aircraft models on display, and there is so much information one can collect on Pakistan’s aviation. You can also plan a small picnic from home if you are not fond of buying food from outside. Evenings are best for a visit there since it’s always breezy.

The main reason to recommend PAF museum as a must place to visit in Karachi is because it’s a very interactive one and children can hop off on some of the model aircraft and enjoy pressing buttons and moving the levers. Which would enable them to enjoy the feel of aircraft that to a real one?

Masjid E Tooba

Masjid e Toobah also known as Tooba Mosque or Gol Masjid was built in Defense Housing Authority in 1969. And it is known as the largest single dome mosque in the world and the 18th largest mosque with the capacity of 5000 people in the prayer hall.

This mosque is beautiful and has an eye-catching infrastructure. It is made purely of white marble. The dome has a diameter of 70 meters and has no central pillars. The other main thing of the mosque is that the engineers have kept acoustics in mind while building it, hence if a person speaks at one end of the dome, it can be heard at the other end.

Nothing says Karachi louder than TDF Ghar!

A must visit place in Karachi which makes you feel nostalgic about the era went by! Surprisingly serene amidst the hustle of Karachi, TDF Ghar is one of a kind with its Minton floorings to the stunning view of Jinnah’s Mausoleum from the rooftop. The place is beautifully maintained. You can walk through the old times. Enjoy Karachi’s breezy evenings with a cup of chai which would leave you mesmerized.

TDF Ghar a definite window to the old times to reminisce the golden era, it’s worth a visit if you are in Karachi or visiting it. The entry fee is PKR 50 per person.

Hawks bay & Sandspit: A relaxing, affordable getaway with a beautiful sunsets

Hawks Bay is a beach in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It is situated 20 km south-west of Karachi. It is accessible through Hawks Bay Road (Manipur Road). It is a very famous tourist sandy beach with crystal blue water.

If you want time out from the hustle and bustle of Karachi’s busy city life, but don’t want to venture too far from home, Hawks Bay is the place to visit. If you can arrange for a hut there, they are available on rent nothing like it, for you can then comfortably spend a whole day and savour the sounds and sight of the waves as they hit the shore, leaving behind gifts of shells and pebbles as they recede.

Nothing more peaceful and relaxing than Karachi’s Hawks Bay! And if you are visiting from outside Karachi or Pakistan then pick a weekday for your trip you will have the beach all to yourself!
There are camel and horse rides also available if you are into them are a bonus for you, while roaming you will find many enterprising souls offering you a ride for a negotiable amount. Hawks Bay is one of the few beaches in the world where green sea turtles come to lay eggs. It hosts one of the rarest reptile species.

Sandspit is situated south-west of Karachi city beach is a very famous picnic spot among the resistance of both Karachi and tourist visiting Karachi. From October to March the sea at Sandspit is very calm and quiet except for the monsoon season when the sea is rough.

People love to visit this beach because of its shallow water that is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Many people from Karachi and those visiting Karachi spend a complete day at Sandspit and take a bath in its blue and clean water. The soothing breeze and sunset at Sandspit beach creates a brilliant atmosphere and gives a relaxing effect. Do remember to bring a camera to capture the memorable moment at the beach.

Haleji Lake

Haleji Lake is located in Thatta District, 70 kilometres away from Karachi, Pakistan. It is Asia’s biggest bird den and is a heaven for bird lovers. Nearly 223 bird species have been listed in the environment of Haleji Lake. Absolute region of Lake Haleji is approximately 19 kilometres.

The birds migrating from different areas fly to Haleji to spend the cold spell, you can find some beautiful birds at this place that are rare and unseen anywhere else in Pakistan.

Museum 101

Museum 101 is a new museum in Karachi; since there are very few science museums in Karachi it has done a great effort. Although the place is not huge, it’s a great initiative. It’s helping children to become more aware of space exploration and astronomical sciences; they will surely enjoy such a trip with mom and dad.

If you are bored of taking your kids to the same arena again and again, then it is highly recommended that you take them here. Museum 101 has some excellent displays of space rockets and aircraft they also show short space documentaries, which totally captivates the kids. Timing is from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Thursday Rs.350 per person, Friday to Sunday Rs. 450 per person and Children under 3 and senior citizens are free.

Onderland

Onderland is located in Lucky One Mall; it is the newest adventure arena in Karachi. I personally like it a lot because it’s new and exciting; the rides are bigger and thrilling. It has a lot of hands-on based activities like rock climbing, Trampoline Park, alien abduction ride. The toddlers’ soft play area is really nice and interactive. It’s very clean and the staff is very friendly.

When visiting for the first time you have to purchase a card worth Rs.1000 which can be used for the rides and have your fill of adventure. Onderland is also Karachi’s first indoor theme park with a roller coaster.

Frere Hall

It is among the few remnants constructions of British complex era that is still visible in Karachi, Sindh Pakistan. During the British Rule, Frere hall serviced as a Town Hall and was the centre of Karachi’s social-cultural activities.

Frere Hall was constructed in 1865 in the Venetian Gothic architecture style with yellow Karachi limestone with red and greyish sandstones of Jungshahi. Frere hall holds a library in addition to an art gallery rich in paintings by Pakistan’s iconic artist Sadequain.

Frere Hall is open for public however on Sundays there’s a book fair in its courts where it’s affordable to buy some old and historical books.

Empress Market

This market is another place in Karachi where the British colonial rule is very evident; it was named to celebrate Queen Victoria when it was built in 1889. The foundation stone of the market was laid by a British, James Fergusson, who was the Governor of Bombay at the time.

It’s now one of the city’s oldest markets and is located in one of the busiest areas of the city Saddar so it’s not for the people who feel claustrophobic in crowds! You’ll find everything and anything for sale, with lots of household items, plastic jewellery, clothing, and much, much more.

It may not be an ideal place for an outing, but it’s definitely your one-stop-shop for your needs for the outing at a very reasonable cost.

Jinnah House Museum and Flag Staff House

The Jinnah House Museum was originally known as the Flag Staff House and was bought in 1943 by Pakistan’s founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah. His sister continued to live in it after his death, only leaving it in 1964.

The house was neglected until 1985 when authorities restored it and converted it into a museum celebrating the life of Jinnah. You can see his reading room, dining rooms, bedrooms and dressing room, many of which are still full of their original furnishings and possessions.

A visit to Jinnah house museum will give you an insight of the life lived by the great leaders of Pakistan. Address: Fatima Jinnah Road, Karachi, Pakistan. Opening hours: Saturday through Tuesday, and Thursday, 9 am – 1 pm, 2 pm – 4 pm. Friday 9 am – 12 pm

Chaukhani tombs

Around 30km east of Karachi is the Chaukhani tombs, beautifully carved and intricate tombs which spread over around 2 square miles of land. The tombs are built on raised platforms in a pyramids form with decorative stone slabs covered in relief with human and figurative designs.

Most of the tombs represent family graveyards and only a few are placed under pillar canopies finished in the Hindu style. The carvings on some of the male graves show a horseman with his arms; shield, sword, bow and arrow. The carvings on women’s graves represent ornaments such as bracelets, necklaces, rings, anklets, etc. Also in case of male graves, a boss shaped projection provided at the northern end intends to hold the turban of the deceased.

It’s not known exactly when they were built, but it’s believed they contain the tombs of Saloch warriors who were in the area in the 17th and 18th centuries BC. They are an incredible sight and have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Address: Port Qasim Rd, Karachi, Pakistan.

Indulge in the goodness of the treats at Burns Road some classic Gola Ganda?

Nothing beats the food in Karachi, the food that you can experience in this city is nothing short of some 360-degree ride of your taste buds from anything desi to Chinese and continental, you can enjoy all!
To enjoy a wide variety of mouth-watering Pakistani delicacies you should visit the age-old, famous food street of Karachi, Burns Road. Waheed kay kebab, Malik ki Nihari, Agha ki Sajji, the sweet rabri of Delhi Rabri House… simply delectable! Price: average Rs 600/- per head.

Get a taste of Karachi’s famous Gola Ganda at Dhoraji. Crushed ice topped with Rooh Afza, chunks of orange, pineapple and banana, ice cream soda syrup, dried fruit, chocolate and condensed milk… and lo behold! the heavenly edible rainbow is ready. Price: ranges from Rs 150/- to Rs 500/-

Khurram Zahid

The post 15 Top Places to Visit in Karachi with Family!! appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.