The beauty of Pakistan cannot be encapsulated in a few lines of text. Allah blessed Pakistan with many facial gifts, such as powerful rivers, astonishing lives, beautiful green valleys, lovely lakes, oceans, fruitful lands, and so on. Below is the list of the best places to visit with consideration for the one-day trip from Lahore.
Wagah Border – A Patriotic Ceremony
The Pakistan Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force partake in comparable parading routines during the Wagah Border Ceremony. It is held every evening and entails a bright show when crowds from two countries cheer for their forces.
Known as Flowering the Flags, this highly organised exercise attracts hundreds of visitors daily. The flags flutter in the wind rather tensely, symbolising the passion and spirit characteristic of the two countries. If you want to see this tradition, you must go there.
Reaching the Venue
Hiding a private car or choosing a tour company to transport people back home after the ceremony will be appropriate since public means will not be easily accessible.
Kartarpur-Guru Nanak Corridor – A Spiritual Journey
The Kartarpur-Guru Nanak Corridor has a significant depth of meaning for Sikh pilgrims. It joins Dera Baba Nanak in India to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan. This route enables Sikhs to visit Guru Nanak Dev’s tomb, the founder of Sikhism, without needing a visa issued by the state.
Pilgrims come together on opposite sides of the border, representing a shared journey of faith and solidarity. The corridor signifies harmony and peace between India and Pakistan and a scarce chance for contemplation and reverence.
As visitors walk through the corridor, they enjoy a soothing atmosphere that encourages contemplation of Guru Nanak’s lessons and connection to the area’s cultural heritage. Given that direct public transportation may be limited, planning your visit and ensuring you have the correct travel arrangements to Begin this spiritual excursion is important.
Planning Your Visit
Opting for private transportation or joining a guided tour while visiting the Kartarpur-Guru Nanak Corridor can ensure a streamlined experience. This guarantees your full absorption of the spiritual significance of this historic pilgrimage route.
Kalar Kahar – A Scenic Escape
Kalar Kahar, located in Pakistan’s Salt Range, is widely acknowledged as a charming hill station. It is valued for its serene atmosphere and breath-taking views. The area is well-known for its picturesque lake, significant historical scenery, and varied wildlife.
Visitors enjoy the area’s lush vegetation, exquisite flowers, and the famous sight of peacocks ambling around. The main draw is the saltwater lake in Kalar Kahar, where many people come by boat or take in the atmosphere of the sea.
The Takht-e-Babri, an ancient throne constructed by Emperor Babur, is nearby. It highlights the region’s rich historical heritage and is the perfect place for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Reaching Kalar Kahar
To access Kalar Kahar, hiring a tour guide or taking private transportation is advised, given that there might not be many public transportation services. Travelling is as calm and soothing as the destination, giving an excellent break from the pressure of city living.
Changa Manga – A Man-Made Forest Wonderland
In the Punjab province of Pakistan, Changa Manga is the largest artificial forest in the world. Famous for its rich biodiversity, the forest is home to many plants, various birds, and animal life. Visitors are drawn in by the alluring and relaxed atmosphere, as they often arrive in the area to picnic, explore the environment, and engage in eco-tourism activities.
Additionally, forest guests can enjoy a fascinating lake that provides opportunities for boating and an enchanting train that conducts scenic tours through the dense forest. More than just a recreational area, Changa Manga is vital in the timber industry and environmental conservation.
Reaching Changa Manga
It is recommended that personal transportation is used to reach Changa Manga, which is close by and conveniently located via the road. Visitors can enjoy a calming natural getaway while touring one of this area’s most astounding human-built forests.
Lahore Museum – Dive into History
Located in Lahore, Pakistan, and established in 1894, the Lahore Museum has an extensive collection of artefacts that signify the region’s cultural, artistic, and historical development. It has Gandhara art, which includes sculptures showing the life of Buddha, manuscripts, Islamic calligraphy, and Mughal relics.
It also has the Fasting Buddha, a marvellous sculpture of a Buddhist deity. It is a gold mine for historians and art lovers, offering a glimpse of the subcontinent’s history.
Getting There
Lahore Museum is situated on Mall Road. Lahore Metro Bus has a station named Civil Secretariat, a short distance from the museum. For instance, one can take a bus or tuk-tuk to the museum for a few minutes, though a car is recommended mostly for short distances.
Badshahi Mosque – Majestic Mughal Architecture
The mosque, built in 1673 AD by the then-Indian Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir, is one of the most magnificent architectures of the Mughal Empire. It features marble domes and is composed of red sandstone. The mosque can accommodate more than 50,000 people for prayers and is the second-largest mosque in Pakistan.
Sculpted ceilings, a great court, and a very impressive gateway give a wonderful impression. Observing the mosque at sunset, you’ll be surprised by its gold shine. It is an experience of worship and a tourism trip into the historical past of Lahore.
How to Get There?
It is easily accessible by car, taxi, or rickshaw, which are available for commuting. A train station on the Orange Line Train, located at Dera Gujran, is about a 10-15 minute ride from here by local rickshaw or ride-booking online.
Lahore Fort – A Glimpse into Mughal Royalty
A few meters from Badshahi Mosque lies Lahore Fort, a huge complex first built by the emperor Akbar in the early Sixteenth century. Sprawling in size, it displays the flamboyant Mughal style of architecture, with gardens, royal buildings, and mosques within its perimeter.
Sheesh Mahal and the Palace of Mirrors are recognised for their fine mirror work, while the Alamgiri Gate is an entrance built by Aurangzeb. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lahore. A visit to this site is a discovery of the royal era of Lahore, with a splendid view of the city from the top of the structures.
Other Modes of Transport
It is situated near the Badshahi Mosque, and therefore, to get there, one uses the same roads used to get to the Badshahi Mosque. The Orange Line train station in Dera Gujran is nearby for people using the train, and rickshaw service is required for some distances.
Shalimar Garden – A Place of Tranquillity
Shalimar Garden is a historical garden by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641 AD. It was constructed in the Mughal landscape style, influenced by the Persian style. The gardens are divided into three levels: stunning fountains, marble paving, and flower gardens.
The fountain and the structure of Shalimar Garden provided the needed tranquillity for visitors away from the bustle of the city and its historical background. It is also a good place to discover Lahore’s love for nature and art, as there are pathways that one can walk on leisurely.
Transport Options
It is located near the Orange Line Train, and those who want to visit this place can get to Shalimar Station, which is at most 10 minutes’ walking distance. The train is one of the most comfortable ways to travel or to go sightseeing. However, you can also hire a Bykea car, and it’s very easy to book online with Yangoo/Uber/Cream or even with a local rickshaw.
Wazir Khan Mosque – A Masterpiece of TileWork
Located in Lahore, Wazir Khan Mosque was built in 1634 for Emperor Shah Jahan. The inner parts of the mosque feature wonderful Kashi Kari—Persian-style tile work—and some marvellous frescoes worthy of admiration. The mosque’s interior is full of colours, with every inch of walls, ceilings, and arches painted with patterns, making it a true Islamic art epitome.
The four minarets of this mosque and the large yard in front of the building are imposing and beautiful. Lahore’s beautiful architecture is that it is a place of worship, and there is no disturbance that the visitor senses.
Finding Your Way
This mosque is located in the walled city. Orange Line Train: After reaching Dera Gujran or Anarkali Station, it is about 2 km from the old city and can be accessed by rickshaw through its small lanes.
Lahore Zoo – A Family-Friendly Spot
Launched in 1872, Lahore Zoo is believed to be one of the oldest zoos in the world. Some of the animals are lions, tigers, elephants, and some other species of birds are found in this place. In addition to being a family attraction, the zoo helps the government of Pakistan protect wildlife.
Visitors can understand the animals and their environments through large spaces and other educative features like tours. This provides an opportunity for a fun and informative break in the middle of the city.
Navigating Your Visit
Mall Road is just the location of this bus, known as Speedo, with pick-up points on this busy road. Another one-stop is Janazgah Station. Rickshaws and taxis can be hired to move most of the distance from the station to the zoo.
Anarkali Bazaar – A Shopper’s Paradise
The place of interest for shopping is Anarkali Bazaar, one of Lahore’s oldest and most populated markets. This particular market is called Anarkali Market and was named after the famous courtesan of the same name. The market is an indoor area with numerous stalls and shops where one can find traditional clothes, jewellery, hand-crafted work, modern clothing, etc.
It is a paradise for people who like to shop at low prices or want to see Lahore’s commercial activity. As a cultural centre, the market also features narrow streets, warm colours, and enormous products that reflect the city’s rich culture.
How to Access
Accessing the bazaar is easy because you can use the Metro Bus, which will require you to alight at MAO College Station. Another station of the Orange Line Train lies at Anarkali, which is also easily accessible. A proper walking distance or a rickshaw ride will lead a man to the market.
Jallo Park – Outdoor Fun for the Family
Located on extensive land, Jallo Park is where parents prefer to bring their children for an outing. The park is well-equipped for visitors’ amusement, including picnic areas, boat launching facilities, a mini-zoo, and a playground.
It also has a large botanical garden and a butterfly house, which enhances the area’s natural beauty. If you desire a leisurely neighbourhood stroll or a leisure and recreational pastime, Jallo Park is the best place.
Transportation Details
While it does not directly connect to the Orange Line Train, one can easily get to Jallo Park by car or taxi. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from central Lahore. For families intending to visit the park, the most suitable mode of transport is a private car.