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| A Visit to Islamabad: The Top 5 Places to See |
The capital of Pakistan, Islamabad is a city that combines modernity with history, and culture with natural beauty. The Top 5 Places to See in Islamabad include museums, scenic locations, and more. Here’s what you should see on your next visit to the capital city of Pakistan.
1) Taxila
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, and it is the country's only unified city with a distinctly planned layout. Islamabad features a blend of old and new architecture, and cultural diversity and contains Pakistan’s highest court building. Islamabad also has a number of parks that contain venues for public recreation. Those looking for an Islamabad outing place can head towards Taxila, which was once the center for learning in Central Asia before being destroyed by the Indian Raja Trilochanapala around 721 AD.
It is now recognized as one of the most important archaeological sites in all of South Asia. The site holds many relics from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Greek culture including an ancient Greek temple complex. There are plenty of excellent picnic points near Islamabad as well. One such spot worth visiting is Daman-e-Koh or Deer Lake - a popular retreat for locals where you will find several restaurants lining its edge providing good food at reasonable prices to go along with the gorgeous scenery.
2) Karim Block
Karim Block is a popular visiting point in Islamabad. It is the largest city in Pakistan, covering one-fifth of its total land area and almost a quarter of its geographical surface. Karim Block has some great natural attractions for tourists such as the Margalla Hills and Rawal Lake. Margalla Hills are some 20 kilometers from downtown Islamabad and are among the tallest mountains in Pakistan.
Rawal Lake, also known as Rawal Bolak or Silver Lake is an artificial reservoir at the foot of the hills which formed from an old riverbed but has since been dammed up for recreational purposes. Besides these places, there are plenty of visiting points in Islamabad such as the Monument to Jinnah which was built after his death and is regarded by many Pakistanis as one of their nation's most iconic landmarks.
3) Blue Area
The highlight of any visit to Islamabad is the hillside home of Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Built in 1951, it was designed by a French architect and serves as a memorial for the father of the Pakistani nation. It is one of the best places to visit near Islamabad because it’s where Jinnah spent most of his final years before he died in 1948. Visitors can spend time looking at portraits and mementos left behind by Jinnah. In addition, visiting this place should be one of the first things to do when you come to Islamabad.
The most famous mosque in all of Pakistan is also located in Rawalpindi, not too far from downtown Islamabad. Known as Faisal Mosque, it is named after King Faisal who ruled Saudi Arabia between 1964-1975. Its centerpiece is the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, weighing 55 tons and measuring 11 x 16 meters (36 x 52 feet). You may want to make a stop there on your way back from Islamabad because it’s not just the country’s most beautiful mosque; it also has been attracting Muslims around the world for centuries.
Some visitors find themselves heading towards Wahga Dam during their stay in Islamabad. But if that does not interest you then there are many other places to visit near Islamabad such as Ayub National Park or Taxila Museum which dates back 2000 years ago but still stands tall today!
4) Faisal Mosque
Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque in Pakistan and one of the largest mosques in South Asia. Built-in 1986, it can hold 20,000 worshipers. Islamabad picnic points Situated atop a rocky outcrop on the eastern bank of Rawal Lake, surrounded by grassy lawns, this mosque overlooks Islamabad's busy commercial and business center.
Next door, Park Towers is where you can enjoy a stunning view of Rawal Lake and picnic on one of its pretty lawns, but if heights aren't your thing, there are plenty of other Islamabad picnic points. Just southwest along National Highway is Kashmir Point and Residency Plaza, both worth a visit for those
with kids who need a little exploring time. Residency Plaza even has an open zoo!
Heading south from Kashmir Point brings you to PWD rest house where there are many other good Islamabad picnic spots. A little further on National Highway is Lady Willingdon Park; offering lush grassy lawns in which you can set up your own lazy picnic or play an energetic game of badminton or cricket.
5) Pigeon Breeding Park
Pigeon Breeding Park is one of the most beautiful places in Islamabad. It is situated on Grand Trunk Road near Walled city. This place contains a lot of beauty and old heritage, and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals. Pigeon Breeding Park has a small zoo too and it provides an attraction for young children. Places to visit in Islamabad should include this gem as well!
Another place in Islamabad to visit is Shakarparian Hills. It is a hill station and picnic spot that comprises parks, lawns, walking tracks, and two restaurants. This hill overlooks Islamabad from one side and Rawal Lake from another. You can see the spectacular view of the surrounding areas from here; however, it can be a little crowded on weekends. If you are looking for some beautiful natural scenery at your fingertips then you should visit the Shakarparian hills!
Another must-see place in Islamabad is Kuri Pir which lies behind Shakarparian Hills. It contains dense forests with huge boulders scattered around and an attractive view of three different lakes located below with crystal clear waters reflecting the blue sky above! This will be an unforgettable experience for nature lovers!
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