Mughal and Colonial Heritage Pakistan Tour

An Enriched Cultural Exploration of Punjab Province of Pakistan

A Brief Overview of the Trip

The adventure is planned to deeply explore the monuments of the Mughal era and other colonial legacies of the Punjab region. The exploration of the significant, historic, and cultural center of the wealthy province. Starting from the beautiful capital the trip proceeds to one of the centers of Ghandhara Civilization, Taxila City, then experience the natural beauty of Islamabad and the cultural heritage of the twin city Rawalpindi. The further experience of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Rohtas Fort, the Mughal monuments in Lahore, the Shrines of Multan, the heritage of Bahawalpur and visit one of the most distinctive places of the world, the Khewra Salt Mines. The adventure adds archeological knowledge as well as the memorable physical experience of the unique Persian, Hindu, Muslim, and Turkish art in Mughal Structures. Moreover, it provides insight into the distinguished and adorned culture of the most fertile province Pakistan. The memorable experience of the significant tour can be furnished when one escapes from the scorching heat of summers, so, the best time to visit the region is between November to April, how the trip can be arranged through out the year.

Short Description of Significant Areas

Multan City

It is also known as the city of Sufis and Saints. Its beauty lies in a large number of shrines of renowned Sufi scholars. Its bazaars, mosques, and ornate tombs are worth visiting which encapsulates the glory of past and multispectral present culture. Muhammad bin Qasim named Multan as the City of Gold. It is present on the banks of  Chenab River which holds the glorious Multan fort famous for its defensive and architectural work, the shrines include the shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya, Bibi Pak Daman, Shah Shams, and Shah Yousaf Gardez. The antic and magnificent mosques are Jamia Masjid constructed in 712AD by Muhammad Bin Qasim, the most ancient Sawi mosque, mosque Baqarabdali, and mosque Ali Muhammad Khan.

Bahawalpur

A princely state in united India is now the 12th largest city of Pakistan in Punjab province.  It is the hub of different rulers and nawabs of their time. It is also termed as City of Palaces. The flourished architectural monuments are Darbar Mahal, Noor Mahal, and Sadiq Ghar Palace. Furthermore, the ancient Derawar fort, with a permanent water hole indicates its belonging to Harappa Civilization, is located in the Cholistan Desert(15000km square area)in the suburbs of Bahawalpur. The magnanimous city’s location also attracts tourists as it is in the proximity of the ancient Uch City and Harappa, focal points of the Indus Valley Civilization. Likewise, there is much to experience when it comes to distinctive handicrafts carpets, pottery and embroidery are famous. Other antic and furnished forts areMarot Fort, and Munde Shahid50km away from the main city.

Lahore City

The foundation of this cultural center is dated back between the 1st and 7th century AD. It remained the traditional capital of the region of Punjab for centuries. However, it reached its peaks during the Mughal time period especially Akbar the Great declared it his capital. The beloved son of Akbar, Jehangir, and the renowned empress Nor Jehan are buried here. From 1584 to 1595,  Emperor Akbar completed the construction of the City Walls with 12 Gates and the great Lahore Fort. Emperor Aurangzeb built an unmatched monument of Badshahi Mosque and the enchanted Shalimar Gardens. Britishers also contributed through the YMCA, Central Museum, High Court Building, Montgomery Hall,, Government College, Tollinton Market, and GPO buildings, a combination of Victorian, Mughal, and Gothic Styles. Hence, there is a lot to witness in the ancient city.

Khewra Salt Mines

A wonder of salt and the world's largest salt reserves are found 160km south of the Capital at the salt range-extended northwards to the Jehlum city. They are the oldest Salt Mines of the Subcontinent and produce 98% pure salt. The busiest tourist spot as it is estimated that almost 40,000 tourists visit per month. Splendid structures are present in the salt city like salt caves, the famous salt bridge,  the Shahi mosque constructed with the help of colorful salt bricks, the unique emergency dispensary, the distinctive Chandni chowk, a pool of ponds, the magnificent Sheesh Mahal. Secondly, one can collect the art pieces made up of salt in the nearby Khewra Bazar.

Taxila

It is in Punjab province,30 km from Islamabad. It also served as the cradle of Buddhism. Its ancient name was Takhshasila which means City of Cut Stones. It possesses Dharmarajika Stupa which is termed as the largest  Buddhist settlement which dates back to the time of Ashoka. It is also believed that the remains of Buddha are buried here. Likewise, the City of Bhir Mound is also present here, the first evacuation was carried out in the 1970s and the eastern part of about 1200×730 yards was the dugout. Later evacuations were performed from 1998 to 2000 which brought out the western portion of the planned city.

Trip Highlights:

• It provides a memorable opportunity to explore the sumptuous art and architecture of the Mughal Era

• A thorough visit to gather complete details of Mughal aesthetic sense like Shalimar Gardens.

• Witness the beautiful combination of multifacet art patterns in Shrines of Multan

• Enjoy soul-soothing melodious Sufi Music at Shrines

• A visit to the oldest and multispectral bazaars in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Lahore reveals the cultural patterns of the locals

• Exploration of Rohtas Fort and other Grands forts in Bahawalpur uncovers the defensive patterns of past empires.

• The examination of multispectral architectural mosques like Jamia Masjid, Sawi mosque unveils the unmatched Muslim art.

• Experience of the Mughal monuments in Lahore like the dignified Badshahi Masjid exhibit a major portion of Persian Art.

• The unparalleled Lahore Fort gives the beautiful amalgamation of Hindu, Muslim, and Persian architecture.

• The old walled Lahore city with old buildings uncovers the old cultural and traditional structure.

• The amazing Khewra Salt Mines takes you to the distinguished Salt city unique in its structure

• Remember some observation of the Colonial Period building structures gives an unprecedented Victorian and Indian architectural combo.

• The trip also provides an opportunity to taste appetizing local cuisines, as Lahore is known for its delicious food.