- Pakistan
- (15)
-
Anyone who goes to Lahore should not miss a visit to Shalimar Gardens with its verandas and water pools or Emperor Jahangir's Mausoleum - to not do so would be like visiting Rome without seeing the Colosseum!
Jehangir Kothari is a place dedicated to the public, built by Mr. Jehangir.
It is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and is built with stones favoured by the British in pre-partitioned India.
Jehangir Kothari Parade is located on the opposite side of The Point (Pak Towers). Ask any taxi or rickshaw to take you there. It's a popular place in Karachi so most people should know it.
It is the largest mosque in Lahore and one of the largest in the world. In fact, there are reports that it has the largest courtyard in the world. It was built by Aurangzeb, the last Great Mughul Emperor of India in a record time of 2 and half years.
I recommend it because without a visit to this mosque your trip to Lahore shall remain incomplete.
Badshahi mosque is in old Lahore area, adjacent to Fort of Lahore.
It is a very popular hill station, some 1 and half hour drive from Islamabad. I recommend it because Islamabad, during summers, can become hot and bad. So you need to run away from that heat. Murree is a fine option. NOTE: Avoid going to Murree during summer holidays as it is full and dirty. So many people rush there that its usefulness becomes void.
It is 1.5 hour drive from Islamabad.
Yes, I'm sure Islamabad and many other Asian cities are "charmimg" if viewed from a delightful hotel with wonderful food and a lovely pool.
My experience, staying at a mid-price hotel, was that it was dirty, smelly, soulless, alcohol-free and with crap food unless you were invited to the home of a seriously rich family. I found it impossible to walk anywhere without attracting a crowd of gawping men (I was a modestly-dressed 40-something at the time). I saw virtually nothing of any cultural, architectural or historical interest AND I came back with galloping dysentry!
If I had to say something positive, it would be get out of the place and up into the Murree Hills where at least it's cooler.
Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi (RA) is the patron Saint of Karachi. People, most of them Muslims, come here to pay homage to him from across the country. His tomb is built on a very high platform, but people say that his actual grave is downstairs. I recommend it because I think you cannnot understand the life in Pakistan without understanding these 'mazars' (tombs). They are a micro version of any city where they exist.
It is at Ghizri, Clifton. Ask any taxi driver and he will take you there.
These buildings were generally built by British, but rich Hindus and Muslims also built some splendid structures. Most of these can be found in the old areas of Karachi. They include Kharadar, Mithadar, Saddar, Burns Road and Tower areas. I recommend them because they are part of city's landscape. The good examples are KMC Head Office and Mohatta Palace.
KMC Head Office is itself an address. Other important British-era structures are nearby. Ask your taxi or rickshaw driver to take you there. And don't miss the Mohatta Palace, which is now a museum.
This is an exquisite hotel, listed in The Best Small Hotels in the World. Service is excellent, no tips allowed, and the food is generally very good.
The website for the Serena Hotels is: www.serenahotels.com/pakistan/islamabad/home.htm
It is the former residence of Miss Fatima Jinnah, sister of the Founder of Pakistan. Now, it has been converted into a veritable museum which carries temperorary collections. No permanent collections are here.
The structure is built in Hindu-British style and is made of pink stone which gives it a unique style.
Tickets for adults cost Rs.10. Free entrance for children.
Timings for the museum are from 11 am to 7 pm.
7 Hatim Alvi Road, Clifton, Karachi
Tel: 92 21 5837 669
email: info@mohattapalacemuseum.com
www.mohattapalacemuseum.com
Splendid restaurant at the Pearl Continental, Lahore's top hotel. An opportunity to enjoy excellent food in pleasant, quiet surroundings, and although expensive by local standards, very reasonably priced. If you arrive before 8.30pm you get a 20% discount.
Pearl Continental Hotel, The Mall; www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury_hotel/lahore/pearl_continental_lahore
Food Street is a road closed to traffic each evening and instead filled with tables and chairs for the dozens of cafes offering their wares.
In particular, towards the end of the street, try Haji Sardar Fish Shop for some succulent fried, battered fish. So good, and so cheap!
Food Street - also known as Gowal Mandi - in the city centre
A garden full of roses. I love the place because it soothes your nerves.
Ask any taxi driver and he will take you there
It is a shop on one of the busiest streets of Karachi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road. It has served customers since 1973-74 season. It sells lights, bulbs, fans, switches, and other electrical appliances. I recommend it because the rates here are competitive. And most of the times you can get what you are looking for. I have seen many foreigners visit this shop. Most of them happened to be Russians. Today, however, the foreigner numbers have dwindled due to law and order menace. But the shop continues to prosper.
Address: Noor Electric Co. Opposite KMC head office, Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road, Karachi. Ph: 2627451
A restaurant at Boat Basin in Karachi, which serves excellent kebab rolls. I recommend it because it is too delicious. And it is easy on the pocket as well. Plus, the quality is fine. I have never found it average or below average.
Boat Basin, Clifton.
I recommend it because Karachi has lots of places from where you can get the local handicrafts. Unfortunately, most of them just fleece people. Saddar is one place where you can get a good thing at a reasonable price. Please note that Saddar bazar is a collective term that I have used to indicate an entire place in Karachi. There you will find lots of leather bags, bangles and other things. Look for marble items there as well.
Corporate market and Zainab market.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
