Gondrani - The Mysterious Cave City of Balochistan

[ghazi52]

Gondrani - The Mysterious Cave City of Balochistan

Isolated from civilization, this cave city is no less than a wonder of Balochistan province of Pakistan. Located in Bela city, this mysterious and ancient settlement is called Gondrani Cave City. This is 20km away from Bela city and 175km away from Karachi. This place is also known by other names including Shehr-e-Roghan, Cave City of Lasbella, Cave Dwellings of Gondrani, House of the Spirits and Mai Goudrani.

The exact history of the town is not known, nor who built the caves. Historians believe that the town was once a large Buddhist monastery dating back to the eighth century, when the region was part of a Buddhist kingdom.

During British rule, around 1500 caves were reported, but now only 500 remain. The caves are in poor condition and are slowly eroding. No conservation efforts have been made to protect the site because of poor accessibility and lack of knowledge of the archaeological site.

(Photo by Hanif Bhatti)

(Photo by Hanif Bhatti)

(Photo by Danish Shah)

(Photo by Danish Shah)

(Photo by Danish Shah)

(Photo by Danish Shah)

(Photo by Danish Shah)

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[ghazi52]

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(Photo by Abid Baloch)

(Photo by Abid Baloch)

(Photo by Fahad Ullah)

 

[[Bregs]]

wow dear this is damn adventurous place to visit in 4*4 suv

these places have huge tourism potential to tap

 

[ghazi52]

Shehr-e-Roghan (Gondrani Caves)



Shehr-e-Roghan or Gondrani caves are found near Bela city in Balochistan province of Pakistan.These caves are located at a distance of 18 kms from Bela and 175 kms from Karachi. These are ruins of ancient and mythical town, which were built in 7th century. During the era of British rule there were about 1500 caves but now a days barely 500 caves are left.To reach these mysterious caves, a gravel road from Bela city headed towards a small stream, whose sides are surrounded with hundreds of cave houses.





These caves are built in several levels. Pathway connect together the caves. The caves are consisted of one small room with hearths and wall niches for lamps. There are also some with front porch. The ceilings are all darkened from wood smoke.




There are many local mystical lengends. Some says it is a city of jinns, while others claim that this was a was a huge Buddhist monastery because 1000 yrs before Buddhism had flourished in this area.







There is another legend about this was the city There was a king who had beautiful daughter during the reign of King Solomon. Her name was Badiul Jamal.. She was agonized by six hideous demons who attempted to carry her off. Seven heroes came to her rescue, but all died trying to save her. Then prince Saif-ul-Muluk ride into the scene, conquered the demons and free the princess.

During the British rule, there were over 1500 rooms that were found in the city. The rooms had windows and niches made for what historians believed, were for lamps and hearths in the center of the rooms were also found, to keep the inhabitants warm. There were also numerous pathways within the mountain that connected the rooms together.


The Lovely Planet
The logic is there and history also indicates that as the ruler of Armabel was also Buddhist. Another interesting fact that historians have found is the stories that are related to the area, the legends are heavily influenced by Persian lore.

This is what science has told us about this amazing site.

Legends, tell a different story. In the wilderness of Balochistan, we find the traces of legends that connect the North and South of Pakistan.


Zaghami.deviantart
The legend begins during the time of King Soloman. It tells of a King with a beautiful daughter named Badiul Jamal, who lived within the city. She was plagued by demons. Over time, numerous heroes including Princes came to save the Princess from her tormentors, to no avail.

 

[Rizwan Alam]

The Hills have eyes Amazing pic

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

I have seen similar caves in parts of KPK -- specially near the GT Road travelling from Attock to Nowshehra..

Wish could live there

Shehr-e-Roghan (Gondrani Caves)



Shehr-e-Roghan or Gondrani caves are found near Bela city in Balochistan province of Pakistan.These caves are located at a distance of 18 kms from Bela and 175 kms from Karachi. These are ruins of ancient and mythical town, which were built in 7th century. During the era of British rule there were about 1500 caves but now a days barely 500 caves are left.To reach these mysterious caves, a gravel road from Bela city headed towards a small stream, whose sides are surrounded with hundreds of cave houses.





These caves are built in several levels. Pathway connect together the caves. The caves are consisted of one small room with hearths and wall niches for lamps. There are also some with front porch. The ceilings are all darkened from wood smoke.




There are many local mystical lengends. Some says it is a city of jinns, while others claim that this was a was a huge Buddhist monastery because 1000 yrs before Buddhism had flourished in this area.







There is another legend about this was the city There was a king who had beautiful daughter during the reign of King Solomon. Her name was Badiul Jamal.. She was agonized by six hideous demons who attempted to carry her off. Seven heroes came to her rescue, but all died trying to save her. Then prince Saif-ul-Muluk ride into the scene, conquered the demons and free the princess.

During the British rule, there were over 1500 rooms that were found in the city. The rooms had windows and niches made for what historians believed, were for lamps and hearths in the center of the rooms were also found, to keep the inhabitants warm. There were also numerous pathways within the mountain that connected the rooms together.


The Lovely Planet
The logic is there and history also indicates that as the ruler of Armabel was also Buddhist. Another interesting fact that historians have found is the stories that are related to the area, the legends are heavily influenced by Persian lore.

This is what science has told us about this amazing site.

Legends, tell a different story. In the wilderness of Balochistan, we find the traces of legends that connect the North and South of Pakistan.


Zaghami.deviantart
The legend begins during the time of King Soloman. It tells of a King with a beautiful daughter named Badiul Jamal, who lived within the city. She was plagued by demons. Over time, numerous heroes including Princes came to save the Princess from her tormentors, to no avail.

wow dear this is damn adventurous place to visit in 4*4 suv

these places have huge tourism potential to tap

A regular car (sedan) probably won't make it there either..


Jhal Magsi rally is held every year in Balochistan..

Apart from that we have several 4x4 clubs in Balochistan that arrange trips ..