Karachi Things to Do Tips by besal Top 5 Page for this destination

Ras Muari Lighthouse at Cape Monze

One of the oldest lighthouses near Karachi, the structure is much higher than the one at Manora. The height is approx. 167 feet. The status of this lighthouse has been downgraded to a beacon (thus the black & white markings), which emits an audio signal directing ships towards Karachi.

The isolated lighthouse coast was flooded with seashells, and rocky enclave inhabited by crabs.

Entry is restricted via Nathiagali. You will require Navy’s permission to first access the base, and then a 4x4 to drive towards the lighthouse. Along the way we saw some very ancient graves of Arabs generals who came to this place 1000 of years ago.

Nathia Gali, Beach

Nathiagali is a naval base, the last point on Karachi’s coastline. Access is RESTRCTED. One can only go if you have senior ranked connection in the armed forces, and accompanied by your host. Your host will have to make a booking in advance through his or her unit. If you do not have this host, you will not be allowed to enter the base.

We visited this base along with our friend in the Navy. It is a very exclusive beach, untouched, and very clean. On one side is the Cape, the other the ocean. Slightly off the beaten path one can also visit the Cape Monze lighthouse. Along the way we saw some very ancient graves of Arabs generals who came to this place 1000 of years ago.

The highlight of our trip was a BBQ organized late in the evening, and watching the green phosphorus light up the dark waves crashing on the shoreline.

Directions: EXCLUSIVE BEACH: NEED PERMISSION FROM NAVY TO ENTER THIS AREA.

Patron Saint of Karachi

Situated in the upscale area of Clifton, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Legend has it that Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mazar protects the inhabitant of Karachi from calamities thrown towards this populace city from the sea.

Abdullah Shah Ghazi was a Sufi saint who came to this area 1400 years ago. He preached Islam to the local population and was revered as a great patron to the community. Hundred thousand of people daily throng to his shrine today, which is situated high above a small hill overlooking the sea. Many people have claimed that their wishes have been granted at his shrine.

He is also revered by the fishermen community as well. It is claimed he had great powers over the sea. Legend has it that once the sea was rough, the fisherman approached him to calm the sea down. He took sea water into his bowl, curled the bowl closed and requested the sea to be calmed. The sea calmed down, and the fishermen went about their business.

Since then a lot of tropical storms and cyclones have approached Karachi, threatening the coastal area. And before the cyclones could hit at full force, it either dispersed or changed direction.

It is said that Abdullah Shah Ghazi is the patron saint of Karachi, who has protected the city from such calamities.

News report on the Saint’s Mazar and his perceived miracles.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/22004/the-legend-of-shah-ghazi/
http://tribune.com.pk/story/18430/the-saints-will-protect-karachi-from-cyclone-phet/

Address: Clifton, Near point

Totally National Geographic Zoo Review

Build sometimes in 1866, it was known previously as Gandhi's Garden. Situated in the heart of Karachi, the zoo has a small natural history museum, a reptile house, and a small mughal garden. IT AINT THE BRONX ZOO!

Zoo boasts number of acquatic birds, mammals, reptiles, apes/humans, goats, porcupines, cats, dogs, etc etc...for everyone tastes!

Small but satisfactory!

ANARKALI (pictured), died in 2006 due to cardiac arrest associated with old age. She was the main attraction for as long as I can remmember. Recently the zoo got two new baby elephants to fill the empty cages.

Entry fee is $0.08 for adults and $0.05 for children up to 7 (Rs. 5/- and Rs. 3/- respectively)

Although restrictive timmings are given below, the best time (on weekend) is to go there before 1200, as the crowd tends to built up after that.

Family Days.
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday is observed family days, when only husbands or wives and young children are allowed to visit the Karachi Zoo. No single male of female is permitted.

Ladies Days.
Every Wednesday is reserved for ladies & children below 12 years of age.

Mixed Days.
Sunday is Open to the visitors of all ages and Sexes.

Opening & Closing timings of Karachi Zoo is based on sunrise & sun set.

Address: Near Garden Area

Website: http://www.karachizoo.com.pk

One of the world's highest jet fountain Sea View Review

NOTE: The fountain is operational only on Saturday and Sunday, starting at Sunset for 3-4 hours only.

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A beautiful sunset on a beach; with Oyster Islands in the back ground; sets the 2nd highest jet fountain.

Yes, this is Clifton Beach, Karachi!

I have read in the newspaper and heard arguments against the government wastage on this, but there were hundreds-thousand of people there to watch the fountain spew water and enjoy.

The fountain opens around sunset (1800 hours to 2400), and is closed on Monday and Tuesday. During monsoon season (May-Aug/Sep), the fountain remains closed, probably due to rough sea and high tides.

Best time to view the fountain is at sunset.

The project was part of the City’s beautification program. The design is to enhance the beauty of the coastline, and cost is more than Rs 250 mio.

The Fountain Jet throws water to a height of 500 feet, with a pressure of 25 to 30 bars, which is the highest Fountain Jet of the world.

The fountain is illuminated with 18 floodlights. Its operation room has one generator of 35 KVA and two diesel engines of 835 KW each.

You can also now take a boat ride to the fountain to view it upclose. This boat rides starts from Kemari.

BTW: The above picture has become quite famous by those who download from net and claims to be their own. I have already gotten it removed from Wiki and Flickr.

Address: Clifton, Karachi.

Directions: Form BBQ tonight go straight towards the coastline. Turn right from the round about on the Marine drive, and drive till you reach the next roundabout. Park your car and head towards the coastline.

Ocean Potion Hawks Bay Beach Review

Karachi has several beaches in its surrounding:

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Clifton: The closest and easy to access is the Clifton/Sea View, which stretches from Defence Phase 8 to Clifton's other corner. It is also one of the most crowded and unfortunately a polluted beach. However there are several good restaurants and fast food outlets for one to enjoy. The KPT Fountain is also visible from Clifton. Avoid going to the beaches on weekends or holidays.

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For other beaches, it is easily accessible via Mauripur road. These beaches are in the following order, first beach being:

Sands Pit: As the name mentions, the beach is very sandy, and on some spots there are small pits in the water. Numerous huts lines the beach front, and is the first choice for weekend revelers.

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Hawks Bay: Further down the coastline (going west) is Hawks Bay. The beach is a mixture of sand and some rocks. The further west we go from Sands pit, more rocky the beach gets. Huts also lines it.

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French Beach: For members only, this beach is reserved for the super rich who have their own private huts. Entries to the beach are restricted, and if you are not with someone who owns a hut, than you are turned back. The beach is quite rocky, with some sandy areas.

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Paradise point: Beyond KANUP (Nuclear plant), lies Paradise point. This was famous for a landmark, where a small cliff/range ended near the sea, and time had created a huge hole in the middle from where water used to pass. However time took its toll and this landmark has caved in.

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Cape Monze: This is one of the most beautiful, still untouched, un-developed with crystal clear water and sandy beach. No pits and no rocks. One has to climb (walk) down a small hill/cliff to reach this. Very few venture here.

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WARNING: During monsoon season (June-August), the sea is quite rough, and with absence of any lifeguards (Baywatch types), it becomes quite dangerous to swim. There are various riptides that can unbalance and drown people who are not careful or are showing off .

Directions: 30 - 40 minutes drive from city center. One has to pass the truck stand on Hawksbay road, so be prepared for traffic congestion.

Fly the plane

This is an old decommisioned Boeing 707, which belonged to the national carrier PIA. The old plane is parked next to the Planetarium. Initially this was made a restaurant but it did not fare well, and has now been converted into a museum showing Pakistan’s landscape (short film). But for us the highlight was when I asked the gate keeper to open the cockpit and my two kids jumped, sat on the captain's chair, and enjoyed flying the jet airplane.

Although the cockpit doors are kept locked, but on insistence and depending on how many people are there, they may open.

Tickets are Rs. 30/- for adults and half for kids.

Directions: Near hasan Square, on University Road, next to EXPO center

Stinky, yet satisfying! Kemari Review

Ibrahim Haidery is a small port, catering to various small size fishing trawlers. It is stinky, smelly, crowded, busy, dirty, and a FUN place to visit, if you have nothing better to do ;)

Situated on the far end of Korangi, the harbour is well passed crowded residential/katchi abadi area. Take someone who knows the area along with you.

Anchor's away Pakistan Maritime Museum Review

Just so the Navy was not left behind the air force, they built a small Maritime museum with a small artificial lake, where you can also paddle some boats. The museum houses a frigate and a submarine, with an old surveillance plane. A replica lighthouse (original at Manora) and various armaments and torpedoes are on display.

Presently they are constructing/re-joining a a huge submarine (more than 100 ft long) for display. I hope they allow the public to venture inside the submarine

To give some flavor of the sea, the lake is filled with gold fish and carp, as well as ducks, goose, and few egrets.

A small indoor museum is also housed for people, who feel nautical, to explore. The museum it self is at 2 levels, housing nautical instruments, armanenets, paintings, replicas of various boat, history of trade, naval insignias, uniforms, etc

As the case at PAF, young love birds are also seen flocking the area.

Address: On Karsaz Road - Mehran base

Directions: On Karsaz road, next to Bharia auditorium. Clearly visible from the main road. Falls on you left if going towards Shah-rae-faisal, or right if going towards Stadium.

Riders of the Storm Sea View Review

You want to feel like Lawrence of Arabia, or wants the rush or thrill of being the best rider in the Kentucky Derby, then head to Clifton beach/sea view beach front to fulfill your dreams. You can avail the facility of riding a camel or a horse at a nominal price. Negotiate the rates before climbing on these animals.

Best place to do this activity is behind the McDonald, because on return you may want to get the sand out of your feet/hand. Washing facility is available at that corner.

After the ride you can pig out at McDonalds or KFC or Pizza Hut. Whichever suits your appettite

Negotiate the rates and distance they will travel with the horse/camel owner before you board/take a ride, as they will rip you off!

Address: Clifton, Karachi.

Directions: On the edge of or near the Arabian Sea