Lahore
INTRO
The Heart of Pakistan, The City of Gardens or The Gardens of the Mughals These are the frequent nicknames referred to the ancient city of Lahore. Marked by the oriental charm of the Arab world that remains intact in the face of its historical heritage, Lahore is one of those cities that carry the memories of an exotic past and even more extraordinary present.
City Profile
City: Lahore
Country: Pakistan
Area: 1,772 km2
Population: 10 million
Districts: 9
Language: Punjab, Urdu
Rating: #1 / 126 at Asian-Cities
LOCATION
Located in close proximity to the Indian border, on the banks of the Ravi River, Lahore is spread in the northeastern part of Pakistan. Served by a brand-new international airport, the city is not only accessible from the neighboring countries but also from all major destinations in the world.
TIME TO VISIT
Lahore has a sub-tropical climate with two distinct seasons and one monsoon period. The summer time, May, June and the beginning of July, is characterised by high temperatures usually around 40-45 degrees Celsius while winters, between December and February, are far colder with the thermometers showing below the zero. The monsoon period lasts for two months, from July till the end of August, and in this time of the year most of the rainfall takes place. In order to escape the temperature extremes and enjoy a pleasant weather in Lahore, it is best to go there between September and November.
POPULATION
According to the most recent records, the number of the Lahore population is around 10 million people, which makes it the second most densely populated city in the country. The majority of the native people are Muslim while the rest belong to Christianity, Hinduism and other religious beliefs. Many languages are very well spoken in Lahore, including Punjabi, English, and Pashto but the official language in the whole country is Urdu.
DISTRICTS
The city of Lahore is administratively separated into nine towns, each of which has its own town municipal administration and officials.
- Ravi Town is named after the river that passes through the city of Lahore.
- Gulberg Town is both a residential and commercial district of the city that can be distinguished with its fashionable boutique stores, fancy restaurants and major markets.
- Shalimar Town is the only town in Lahore that is governed by a woman.
- Iqbal Town consists of a small residential area, several big markets and a newly opened university carrying the name of the town.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
The oriental charm of Lahore is truly amazing. A living proof of previous civilizations, this Pakistani city will amaze you with its numerous tourist attractions. Marvelous gardens, glorious mosques and many years of history are just some of the highlights here. Here are several of the most important places of interest in Lahore:
- Shalamar Garden is definitely one of the most famous Mughal parks in Pakistan. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah in Jehan in 1642 and is today a recreational park for the locals who often come here to have a walk or a picnic. Many fountains dating back the Mughal period adorn the garden as well as one marble pavilion above the water. This place is a true gem among the remains of the Mughal Kingdom.
- Badshahi Mosque, or the Royal Mosque, is among the best tourist attractions in Lahore. It was built entirely of red sand-stone by the last Mughal Emperor in 1674. It is one of the biggest mosques in Pakistan and was once the biggest in the world. It is built in typical Mughal style and the prayer hall faces Mecca.
- Lahore Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been perfectly preserved since 1566. After Akbar the Great who constructed the fort, every succeeding emperor added a pavilion, a palace or a wall to the whole structure enlarging its magnificence. The most beautiful palace in the fort is the so called Palace of Mirrors, along with the Pearl Mosque and the Emperor's Sleeping Chambers. There is a museum inside the fort that features relics of the Mughal and Sikh periods.
- Jehangir's Tomb is one of the many tombs within the city area that peacefully protect the spirits of great emperors. This one is the tomb of the forth great Mughal emperor, Jehangir, his wife and her brother. A majestic red-sand stone mausoleum emerges from the beautiful garden, from where four corridors lead to the emperor's eternal bed.
- Old Lahore is a walled area within the city territory that is accessible through 12 gates, all dating back to the Mughal period. There is a huge bazaar inside the surrounded area where authentic handicraft and souvenir shops can be found.
- Mosque of Wazir Khan is one of the most beautiful mosques in the whole country that was built in 1634 by Wazir Khan, the governor of Punjab. The mosque is unique because of its outward appearance, tastefully decorated with glazed tile mosaics of Mughal style. The paintings have been restored by skillful Islamic craftsmen which makes its interior and exterior even more fascinating. Rarely, can one witness such a work of art in the Arab world, especially inside a mosque.
- Lahore Museum is considered to be the best museum in Pakistan. It is housed in a Mughal-Gothic style building from 1894, an impressive construction, for the site of which alone is worth visiting the whole museum. There are 19 galleries that display wooden carvings of the fasting Buddha as well as some Hindu and Islamic ones. There is also a collection of stone Buddha sculptures from the Ghandhara period.
AIRPORT
Lahore is one of the most easily accessible cities in Pakistan due to the newly-built international airport located really close to the centre.
- Allama Iqbal International Airport, formerly known as the Lahore International Airport, is located only 15km from the downtown area of Lahore. A 24-hour taxi stand is situated right outside the terminal. To reach the city centre you should either rent a car or get a taxi from the airport. More info at: http://www.lahoreairport.com.pk/
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Bangkok offers several efficient ways of travelling around the city:
- Daewoo City Buses are comfortable Korean bus services that provide excellent transportation inside and outside the city of Lahore. Prices are almost double the regular air-conditioned buses but, unless you have restricted finances, it is preferable.
- Public buses are the main means of transport for the local people and operate through all the major areas of the city. Men and women usually travel separately: women at the front section, while men at the back section of the bus. Fares vary depending on the distance from Rs.4 and up.
- Auto-rickshaws are a very typical way of getting around in most Pakistani cities. These vehicles are suitable for no more than three people and are good for short distances. Make sure to ask for the price before you get in. It should not be expensive, around Rs.5.
- Tanga is an old-fashioned way of transportation among the local people. All in all, it is a cart that is pulled by a horse. As Lahore is becoming more and more industrialised, these tangas are only available in certain areas of the city.
- Cars can be rented upon arrival at the Lahore airport.
HISTORY
The history of Lahore can be traced back some twelve centuries ago but no indisputable records are available to confirm its exact origin. The first references of the city date from 1021 when Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni appointed Lahore as the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire. In the next five hundred years the city was ruled by many Muslim dynasties until, in 1524, it became a part and a capital of the Mughal Empire. This is the most important period of the Lahore history when most of the architectural wonders here were built. Three of the Mughal rulers, Akbar the Great, his son Jahangir and the last of the greatest Mughals Aurangzeb, are still mentioned by the locals because of the fort, the mosque and the tombs that remind them of their glorious reigns. The British also had some influence over the city of Lahore during the 19th century and have left their traces in the beautiful buildings that were built during those years, including the Punjab University and several Museums. Finally, in 1940, Lahore became a part of Pakistan and a capital of the Punjab Province.
CITY LINKS
- Lahore News, A Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.lahorenews.com/
- Lahore Official Website: www.lahore.gov.pk/ - 44k
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Punjab University: www.pu.edu.pk/ - 35k
- University of Engineering and Technology: www.uet.edu.pk/ - 16k
- Lahore University of Management Sciences: www.lums.edu.pk/ - 43k
- The University of Lahore: www.uol.edu.pk/ - 11k