On Location: The Gardens of the Mughals
Lahore: The Mughal Capital
Lahore is one of the most amazing cities I have ever travelled to, known to be the cultural centre of Pakistan, the city is infused with some of the most highly regarded cuisines, historical and archaeological sites as well as being a significant cosmopolitan city.Today the city is continuing to grow, ever pushing itself to be a front runner in this cultural, financial and political world.
Lets start with the old, after all old is gold. The older city of Lahore, locally known as Androon Sher (Inner city), is the place to visit if you really want to experience Punjabi culture. The streets around the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque still retain their prestige and cultural atmosphere ever since the fall of the Mughals. You will always find a guide, who will be willing to take you round the sites and talk about the historical significance of the Fort and its surrounding areas... you will be surprised as to how much they know! The Fort is located exactly opposite the Badshahi Mosque and the Minar-e-Pakistan. There is also a gurdwara between the two sites which holds significance importance to Sikh Emperor Ranjit Singh.
If you do get a chance to visit, do indulge in the local cuisine. The area becomes particularly busy at night when locals and many foreign travellers decide to dine near the fabulously lit Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. Coco's Den is one of the most popular hot spots, however, if you get a good look around there are plenty of other options! I would advice you to travel with someone who knows the area well as this place can be quite daunting on your own.. plus there is a safety issue! Desserts are Lahore's speciality! Many restaurants have their own take on dishes so do try out the ice creams, faloodas, jaleebis, rice puddings and the most famous of all - the silver paan!
The next most famous place to visit is called "The Mall". It is a long road that forms one of the main arteries of the city. It was once part of Grand Trunk Road which was used by several empires to channel their goods to and away from the city. Today, you will still find the road as busy as it was back in its prime! There are a number of mughal and colonial building still in immaculate condition since the departure of the British Raj. Whilst there, do check out of the Lahore Museum which holds a number of historical artifacts and sculptures then moving onto to the Lahore Zoo and the Al-Hamra Arts Council. If you want some time to relax, then pay a visit to Lawrence Gardens which features a historical library built in the eighteenth century still open to the general public.
Lets talk shopping! This is what you ladies would probably want to read right?! If your planning for a religious holiday or for that special occasion.. then the best place to look will be Liberty in Gulberg! There are soo many markets and shops that you will not have time to see them all in one day. Take a good look around and be sure to haggle!! Libery is a little up-market, but if you really want to get into the hustle and bustle of a Pakistani market head to Anarkali Bazaar. This market only comes to life at night! Do take care as there are alot of pick pockets about.. you would not even know until you got your wallet out to pay the shop keeper! Head towards Cantt and check out the "Mall of Lahore", Pakistan's take on the Mall of Emirates. Another place which often showcases exhibitions would be the Lahore Expo Centre, it is a little outside the city near the infamous Imran Khan's Cancer Hospital but its worth a visit.. do check there is an exhibition on before making the journey!
Travelling northwards towards the river Ravi, you will find a large mughal mausoleum dedicated to the Emperor Jahangir, the father of Shah Jehan (who built the Taj Mahal). Located in Shahdara Bagh, there are three significant people buried in its enclosure: Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Empress Nur Jehan and her brother Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan. All sarcophaguses are in amazing condition after the recent completion of renovation work that took place on the entire site. The painting and artwork still feel as if they were painted today! Another site which boasts such amazing artwork would be the Wazir Khan Mosque, built during the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan, the Arabic calligraphy is regarded as some of the most finest pieces of work in history.
Shah Jehan also worked on the infamous Shalamar Gardens, one of many amazing gardens built by the mughals. It boasts over four hundred fountains and several floor levels and canals really show off the dedication and attention to detail the emperors placed in their work. Iqbal Park (where the Minar-e-Pakistan is located) is another significant garden which holds historical importance to the people of the city. It was the place where the Pakistan Resolution was passed. Hazuri Bagh located in the section between Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort was built during the time of the mughals and till this day it is often a place one would find poets receting their work to fellow travellers.
Lastly but not the least, Lahore really comes to life when the entire city no.. entire nation comes together when there is a cricket or hockey game on! The Qaddafi Cricket Stadium or the National Hockey Stadium are always teaming with sports fans watching their home team fight for the title. The opportunity to witness such events especially after a win is a memory that will remain with a traveller forever.