Islamabad Top 10 Attractions
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and generally considered as one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. The city has middle and upper middle class population with high human development. Islamabad is fast emerging as the technology hub after Lahore. The city has headquarters of many top companies. It is also has world famous universities.
Islamabad Top 10 Attractions
Islamabad was developed in 1960’s by President Ayub Khan to replace Karachi as the capital of Pakistan. It is very famous among the tourists due to natural scenery, parks, gardens and beautiful buildings. People from KPK also visit Islamabad for tourism. This blog describes the Islamabad Top 10 Attractions & tourist attractions of Islamabad.
Daman E Koh
Daman-E-Koh is located on Margalla Hills Islamabad. It has an elevation of approximately 2400 feet from sea level. Daman-E-Koh is famous for Monkeys, Cheetahs, trees and different species of birds. During the reign of President Musharaf, Daman-E-Koh was greatly developed as a picnic spot. At that time parking area, view points and restaurants were developed. Now it is very famous among the tourists due to its greenery and pollution free healthy atmosphere. People enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Islamabad from Daman E Koh. It also has play areas for kids.
Faisal Mosque
Faisal Masjid is the largest mosque of Pakistan and can accommodate up to 300,000 worshipers. It was commissioned by Saudi King Faisal and designed by Turkish Architect Vedat Dalokay. The construction work started in 1976 and completed in 1986. The mosque has a main prayer chamber, a courtyard and four tall minarets. The salient feature of the mosque is Bedouin Tent style structure of main prayer chamber. The mosque has architectural inspirations from Selimiye Mosque Edirne, Turkey and Bibi Ka Maqbara Aurangabad, india. Faisal Mosque is one of the most visited tourist places of Pakistan.
Lok Virsa Museum
Lok Virsa Museum is a Pakistani Heritage Museum located on Shakarparian Hills Islamabad. The Museum has many buildings including an auditorium that can accommodate up to 3000 people for cultural seminars. The aim of the museum is to aware Pakistanis and foreign visitors about the history, art, culture, traditions and local crafts. Lok Virsa Museum has the sections or buildings like Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology, Sufis & Shrines Hall, Pakistan Monument Museum, Lok Virsa Library, Vira Research & Public Centre and Virsa Media Centre. Islamabad Top 10 Attractions
Pakistan Monument
Pakistan Monument is located on Shakarparian Hills Islamabad. This was built during the times of President Musharif to decorate the capital city with a motional monument. The concept of the design is to show the unity of different provinces and regions. The main materials used for construction are the concrete and granite. The site also has a museum that depicts the history and struggle to create Pakistan. Pakistan Monument is famous among the tourists due to beautiful views of Islamabad city, landscape and natural beauty of surrounding areas.
Pir Sohawa
Pir Sohawa is located on the peak of Margalla Hills. It is just 17 kilometers away from Islamabad with an elevation of approximately 3000 feet. Pir Sohawa has been developed as a tourist place due to its height, surrounding views and natural beauty. There are many restaurants in Pir Sohawa. People visit Pir Sohawa to enjoy weekends and birthday parties. You can approach Pir Sohawa from Main Margalla Road. Pir Sohawa has many species of trees and birds. During snowfall on Murree Hills Cheetahs migrate to Pir Sohawa as winter retreat.
Lake View Park
Lake View Park is located near Rawal Lake in Islamabad. As a tourist you can reach Lake View Park from Murree Road / Expressway. The park is famous for Pakistan’s largest bird cage. Lake View Park has restaurants, café, stalls, sports & children play areas, lawns and parking for thousands of vehicles. The park also has many species of trees and shrubs. People also like to enjoy the stunning view of Rawal Lake and many prefer boating. Lake View Park is one of the largest and properly maintained parks of Pakistan. This is why it is visited by millions of tourists annually.
Rose and Jasmine Garden
Rose and Jasmine Garden is located just opposite to Aabpara in Shakar Parian National Park Islamabad. It can be easily approached from Kashmir Highway and 7th avenue. The garden has many species of Rose and Jasmine flowers. It is famous for the different seasonal flowers exhibitions. The Rose and Jasmine Garden is very famous among the tourists due to lush green lawns and large variety of beautiful flowers. People consider the garden as ideal place for walking, gathering, sitting and picnics. The park has many species of trees and beautiful birds.
Saidpur Village
Saidpur Village is a historic area located in Margalla Hills near Islamabad City. The village is named after Said Khan a Gakhar Chief. During the reign of Emperor Akbar the great the Raja Man Singh built a temple there with many ponds dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddesses. During Sikh period a Gurdwara was also constructed there. Capital Development Authority (CDA) has now developed the village into a top tourist site with the preservation of important buildings and upgrading the infrastructure. There are many restaurants and cafes in Saidpur Village.
Simly Dam
Simly Dam is the largest water reservoir for the Islamabad City. The dam was developed by CDA on Soan River to collect the water moving down from Murree Hills. As a tourist you can approach Simly Dam from Islamabad Expressway to Lehtarar Road. The dam is very famous for fishing and boating among the tourists. Due to the large water reservoir and surrounding mesmerizing natural beauty people prefer to visit Simly Dam for picnics and spending good time with family & friends. There is a beautiful Guest House in Simly Dam that can be booked from CDA before travelling.
Islamabad Zoo
Islamabad Zoo is located in the feet of Margalla Hills and can be easily approached from Pir Sohawa Road. The zoo was started by CDA in 1978 and then enlarged and expanded with the passage of time. Now the zoo has approximately 1000 animals. The zoo has many recreational areas and also serves as a well maintained park. Islamabad Zoo is one of the most visited places in Pakistan as approximately 1 million people visit it annually. Due to large collection of lions, cheetahs, tigers, elephants, zebras and monkeys the zoo is very famous among the children.