"Lahoree's Lahore" a Lahore Travel Page by lahoree

I was born and raised in Lahore and naturally I have developed affection and love for the city. On this travel guide I will provide unbiased information about Lahore for fellow VT members and friends. If you still need me to answer your questions and concerns, please feel free to drop an email.

Brief history:

Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi and located in the province of Punjab. City played significant role in the creation of Pakistan and therefore known as "Heart of Pakistan". Declaration for creation of Pakistan was passed on March 23, 1940 in Iqbal Park Lahore and at that place "Minare (Tower) Pakistan" was constructed.

There is no reference about when the city was established, however it is known that Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni occupied during 11th century. After fall of his Empire, Lahore was ruled by several Muslim dynasties until 1524 when the city became part of Mughal Empire. During Mughal Empire Lahore touched architectural glory; several buildings including forts, gardens, tombs and mosques still speak of the glorious Mughal Empire. During 1750's Mughal power dwindled and consequently Ranjit Singh formed Sikh State here. His death brought Lahore under the rule of British until 1947 when Pakistan was created.

Ancient walled city of Lahore:
Lahore has been expanding rapidly for decades but massive surge in growth has been noticed during current decade. On the East, City has grown to Wagah on Indian boarder while towards South there are towns as far as 40 km from the center. However ancient Lahore is inside walled city covering 260 hectars. Entrance to the city was through 13 gates, however only 6 are left.

More information on "Travelogues".

Historical Places:

Ancient walled City of Lahore
Lahore Fort - rebuilt 1566 (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Badshahi Mosque - built 1673
Wazir Khan Mosque - built 1635
Tomb of Emperor Jahangir - built 1637
Tomb of Queen Noor Jehan - built 1657
Shalamar Garden - built 1641 (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Hazoori Bagh (garden) - built1813
Kamran Bara Dari
Data Durbar Complex
Chowburgi
Saint Anthony Church
Cathedral Church

Gardens:
Iqbal Park
Lawrence Garden - established 1862
Race Course Park
National Park
Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park

Other Places:
Lahore Zoo - built 1872
Jalo Park
Sozoo Water Park
Lahore Safari Park
Lahore Museum - established 1864

There are two other historical places "Hiran Minar" (Hunting Resort of Emperor Jahangir) and Fort Sheikhupura. These places can easily be assessed on a 40km expressway connecting Sheikhupura to Lahore. More information and photos on my "Sheikhupura” pages.

Best time to visit:
September to April.

Transportation:
If you have ample time, you can easily visit these places by using public transport from the central transport hub located right in front of Lahore Railway Station from where almost all vans and buses start their routes for destinations all over the city.

Detailed information on my "Travelogues" and on "Tips" section.

Lahore is famous in Pakistan for delicious varieties of food. You can have a full meal for as low as 50 cents to as high as $30.

If you want to explore eating places then head towards:

McLeod Road/Abbott Road/Lakshami Chowk
These roads are interlinked with each other and you can walk around on foot. This area caters to people with low to medium budget. Food offered here is typical Pakistani and quality is great. You can reach there by hopping on van (# 9, 14 and 34) from Lahore Railway Station.

MM Alam Road Gulberg
Over the last ten years, several restaurants mushroomed this road offering Pakistani, Chinese, Continental and fast food making it a must visit dining place in Lahore. Prices range from mid to high level. One can reach MM Alam Road from Lahore Railway station via van # 43.

Lahore Food Streets (near Lakshami Chowk)
Concept of Food Streets was introduced in Lahore during early 2000 offering authentic Pakistani cuisine at night. First Street was opened in Gawalmandi and it quickly sucked customers from Lakshami Chowk. Now Lakshami Chowk is back to groove. Reason is simple; quality of food is really down. You should visit this place once just to see what's going on there, but I will not recommend for dinner.

Street Food
There are several other places almost on every road where one can find restaurants and eating places. Street food is available for as low as half dollar a meal.

Detailed information on my "Travelogues" and on "Tips" section.