• Islamabad, Pakistan
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Destinations

Pakistan Monument:
Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, is a national monument representing the nation’s four provinces and three territories.
The Monument has been designed to reflect the culture and civilization of the country and depicts the story of the Pakistan Movement, dedicated to those who sacrificed themselves for future generations. From air the monument looks like a star (center) and a crescent moon (formed by walls forming the petals), these represent the star and crescent on Pakistan’s flag.

 

Shakarparian Hills:
The historic Shakarparian Hills is famous for the trees planted by varipous Heads of State. The beautiful park with its central fountain and panoramic view of the whole city from vintage point at a height of 609 metres, is one of islamabad’s favourite recreation spots.

 

Daman-e-Koh:
The area has now developed intot the most popular recreation and picnic spot of Islamabad. Daman-e-Koh offers spectacular views of the entire city, especially by night. Translated as ‘Heart of the Hill’, Daman-e-Koh has recently been terraced, and to avoid the rush of vehicles, has just introduced Golf Carts to carry visitors from the parking area to the viewpoint. A number of high quality restaurants and eateries have opened up, offering some sumptuous cuisine to travel-weary visitors.

 

Buddhist Caves in Shah Allah Ditta:
Shah Allah Ditta is a centuries-old village and a union council located at the foothills of the Margalla Hills in the Islamabad Capital territory. The Village is believed to be more than seven hundred years old and was used as route from Kabul to Gandharan City of Taxila by Alexander and Sher Shah Suri while Mughal rulers and other emperors often passed through while traveling from Afghanistan to the Hindustan. Relics of the Buddhist era dating back to the 8th century can be found here along with burnt diyas and trees with amulets tied to them. Shah Allah Ditta caves are located on the route leading towards Khanpur. These caves are next to the shrine and tomb of Shah Allah Ditta.

Buddhist Caves (Sadhu ka Bagh)

The Buddhist caves of Shah Allah Ditta (also known as the Sadhu ka Bagh) and the Losar Baoli, or Stepwell, nearby way up in the Margalla Hills. These sites, though minor, present a pleasant small cluster of things to see, as well as a peaceful spot for a quiet picnic. The caves of Shah Allah Ditta are said to date to the Buddhist period, and include remnants of Buddhist-era murals. We did not see any such remnants, but the small chambers carved out of the hillside, and the clear spring flowing out, suggest ancient human habitation. 2,400-year-old Buddhist era murals of Buddha appear on the walls of caves at Shah Allah Ditta. Archaeological evidence indicates that the caves and the platform-like formations surrounding the area were first used for meditation by Buddhist monks and later by Hindu sadhus before Muslim ascetics took over during the Mughal period. Marked on the ground close to the caves the location where Alexander arrived and was received by Raja Ambi, King of Taxila. The road next to the caves that leads to the main top of the mountain, Shah Allah Ditta road, is said to be built on the exact path followed by Pashtun emperor Sher Shah Suri during his visit. Moving up the mountain from the caves, there is a stepwell called Losar Baoli and a mosque built by Shahab-ud-Din Ghori. The mosque has broken walls and the road leading to it is dilapidated.

This village is surrounded by the great Margalla hills which increase the beauty of this area. This village represent many historical things and places like caves etc. It is said that once this place was the patch of Sher Shah Suri the lion of Afghanistan and construction of Rohtas Fort Jhelum. He also built the Gernaly Sarak (General’s road) on this village; few parts of this road are still visible and tell us the glory. This road was used to travel from India to Afghanistan; and old wall of this road is still present in its original condition. This is a wall with 90 feet length and 2 and half feet width. The height of this wall is approximately 30 feet from the ground. The hard stones were used in its construction and it is still in its original condition.

 

Saidpur Village:
Situated to the East of Damn-e-Koh and reached by a leading North from the top end of F-6, this small village, surrounded by mango trees, is a centre of traditional pottery wares. Before partition, it was predominantly Hindu, and the springs in the areas were considered holy.

 

Lok Virsa Cultural Center:
Sprawled across a huge area, the Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) works towards preserving the folk (traditional) culture of Pakistan. It houses artistes, craftsmen, artisans and musicians coming from across the country. The Folk Heritage Museum, located near Shakarparian Hills, has on display a large variety of embroidered costumes, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work in addition to the different stages of history that this region has passed through.

 

Pothohari Arts and Crafts Village:
The “Potohari” – Arts & Craft Village has been constructed on 26 acres of area with the view to promote the indigenous arts and handicrafts and to enhance the inter-provincial harmony.
The Arts & Crafts Village is equipped with exhibition hall, clusters of shops, studios for the artists, tea shops, show rooms, folk theatre and hostel for the visiting artisans.

The Arts & Craft village is providing an opportunity to the artisans and artists not only from the different area of country but also serving as a hub of cultural activities for the South Asian Region.

 

Rose and Jasmine Garden:
A picturesque garden, specifically for the purpose of growing a multitude of varieties of rose and jasmine, this 20,360 sq. meters garden is a picture of serenity. It contains more than 250 different varieties of roses, as well as more than ten different types of Jasmine. Seasonal flower shows are occasionally held here, particularly during spring.

 

Margalla Hills National Park:
Pakistan is home to some exotic flora and fauna in the Indian sub continent. The wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Pakistan offer some exciting wildlife tour options. If you are in Islamabad, a wildlife tour to Margalla Hills National Park is a must. The Margalla Hills National Park is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is one of the easily accessible national parks in Pakistan.

The Margalla Hills are a series of hills located north of Islamabad, Pakistan. The Margallas are excellent for hiking purposes and cater to both the serious hiker and the less serious enthusiast. The best seasons to hike are the mild winter months when there is less rain and the days are extremely pleasant. The Margalla Hills National Park is home to a number of wild animals that include barking deer, wild boars, Asiatic leopard, chinkara, red fox, leopard and jackals.

 

Fatima Jinnah Park:
The largest park, in terms of area, in the whole of Asia, Fatima Jinnah Park is a sprawled scenic wonderland. It has a walking and jogging track, where people from all across the city come for some peaceful calm. In addition to several hundred acres of green wilderness, Fatima Jinnah Park is also undergoing uplifting and development.

 

Lake View Park:
At the base of Daman-e-Koh is located the Marghazar Mini Zoo and the Children’s “Japanese Park”. The zoo itself is small and has undergone rehabilitation, yet its fascinating array of animals never fails to entertain. The Children Japanese Park, a gift from the Japanese Government, is also interesting with minimalist swings made of bamboo wood.

Murghzar Mini Zoo and Children Park:
At the base of Daman-e-Koh is located the Marghazar Mini Zoo and the Children’s “Japanese Park”. The zoo itself is small and has undergone rehabilitation, yet its fascinating array of animals never fails to entertain. The Children Japanese Park, a gift from the Japanese Government, is also interesting with minimalist swings made of bamboo wood.