Tourist Attractions in Lahore, Pakistan
Badshahi Mosque
This magnificent mosque, which dates all the way back to 1673, serves as the primary place of worship for the Muslim people in Lahore. Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb commissioned the construction of this mosque. This mosque, which is also known by the name Royal Mosque, has the capacity to hold around 50,000 people at one time. This mosque is a wonderful illustration of Mughal design since it has large entrances, lofty minarets, and stunning domes. The inside of the mosque has some magnificent frescos as well as Manbatkari craftsmanship. A brand new museum has just opened up within the mosque, and it provides insightful information on the previous rulers of the area.
Lahore Fort
The Shahi Quila, also known as the Royal Fort, was constructed in the middle of the 16th century. The great Mughal emperor Akbar constructed this fort on the foundation of an earlier mud fort that had been there since the 11th century. This fort, which is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, may be found in the city’s upper-northwestern quadrant. This fort was constructed in the form of a rectangle, and its primary components were the Sheesh Mahal, the Alamgiri Gate, the Naulakha Pavilion, and the Moti Masjid. The monarch and his ministers would meet in the Diwan-i-Am to discuss a wide range of topics. This room was known as the “Sitting Room.” During the reigns of later Mughal emperors, including as Jehangir and Shah Jehan, the fort saw a significant amount of construction and expansion.
Gurudwara Arjun Singh
Karachi’s Sikhists consider this gurudwara to be one of the city’s most important religious sites. It is located in close proximity to the Badshahi Mosque as well as the fort. In addition to being a stunning structure, it serves as the repository for the cremated remains of Raja Ranjit Singh, the ruler of this area in the early 19th century. His “samadhi” may be found within the enclosure, and it looks out over the fort’s east wall.
Sonehri Masjid
The construction of this stunning mosque began in the middle of the 18th century. Bokhari Khan, son of Raushan-ud-Daula Turabaz Khan, was the one responsible for the construction of the mosque. During the reign of Muhammad Shah, he held the position of vice governor of Lahore. The mosque is most notable for the presence of its three domes. The golden coating on these domes makes them seem particularly stunning when seen against the setting sun.
Mosque of Wazir Khan
The construction of the Mosque of Wazir Khan began in 1634 and was directed by Shah Jehan to be carried out by Hakim Aliuddin, the Governor of Punjab at the time. In the year 1620, Hakim was given the title of Wazir Khan, and few years later, Shah Jehan bestowed upon him the title of Mansab. The gorgeous mosque is famous for the intricate Kashi tile work that was used throughout. A central octagonal court, a library, several galleries, a courtyard, two khanas or study cloisters for religious scholars, and a deorhi are the primary components of this mosque. This mosque also provides an excellent vantage point from which to take in the surroundings of the city.
Minar-i-Pakistan
The Minar-i-Pakistan is an impressive structure that can be seen in Lahore’s Iqbal Park. This roughly 60 m tall reinforced concrete minaret sits at the spot where the Muslim League approved the Lahore Resolution for a separate Muslim state from India on March 23, 1940. The resolution called for a distinct Muslim state to exist alongside India. Murat Khan was responsible for coming up with the design for this magnificent minaret. It has the appearance of a flower bud that is opening up and has a lengthy stamen sticking out of it. Stone and marble were used to create an attractive appearance on the minaret’s floors and walls. The minaret has been designated a National Monument in Pakistan since its construction. Either a lift or 324 stairs go up to the observation deck at the summit of the tower.
Faquir Khana Museum
This museum may be found in the heart of the ancient city of Lahore, not far from Bhati Gate. There is a sizable collection of artworks and bright China rugs to be seen at this location. Carvings, manuscripts, and a variety of relics are some of the other treasures that are on show here.
Lahore Museum
This museum, which dates all the way back to 1894, is an excellent location to visit in order to acquire an overview of the history of the nation. The museum is housed in a structure that is considered to be a living example of Mughal architecture. The many artefacts that are now on show here are from the Mughal and British periods, in addition to the time period of the Indus Valley Civilization. A multitude of historical relics, such as paintings and other works of art, are among the items that may be discovered at this location. Ancient musical instruments, costumes, pottery, weaponry, and sculptures are just some of the indigenous artefacts from Punjab that have been shown at the museum. The museum also has a huge variety of other indigenous products from the region.
Kim’s Gun
The Kim’s Gun was deployed for the last time in 1761 at the Battle of Panipat and can now be found in close proximity to the Lahore Museum and the Old Campus of the Punjab University. In addition to those names, it was also known as Zamzama and Lion’s Roar. One of Rupyard Kipling’s novels has a brief discussion of this particular firearm. On the side of this large cannon is written something in Persian for your perusal.
Shakir Ali Museum
This museum is devoted to Shakir Ali, a well-known Pakistani scholar as well as an artist, and it can be found in New Garden Town. The museum is regarded as one of the most significant museums in the nation and was founded with the intention of fostering artistic expression. It has an impressive collection of contemporary art. There are a variety of the professor’s paintings, sketches, and other works of art on show here in this permanent exhibition. People who are doing research may discover helpful books, brochures, and other materials at the library that is located in the basement of the building.
Tombs of Jehangir and Nurjahan
This location is located around 7 km from the main city of Lahore and approximately 2 km from Shaddara Village. It is most famous for housing the graves of Emperor Jehangir and Queen Nurjahan. While the tomb of the emperor is surrounded by tall walls, the tomb of the queen is located in the middle of an open garden. These two graves are separated from one another by a waterway. The construction of the emperor’s tomb is done in red sandstone, and it is embellished with inlays of white marble. Each of the building’s four corners is adorned with a towering minaret. In close proximity to the graves is also a modest mosque that was constructed.
Shalimar Gardens
These gardens, which date back to 1642 and can be found around 5 km to the east of Lahore, are reminiscent of the Mughal Empire. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was responsible for the development of these gardens into the imperial pleasure gardens during his reign. These gardens are separated into three portions known as the Farah Baksh, the Faiz Baksh, and the Hayat Baksh. Each of these areas is home to a unique collection of blooming plants and trees. In addition to having a variety of water tanks, pavilions, and fountains, they occupy an area of around 90 acres in total.
