As the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad is the go-to tourist destination for both foreign as well as local travellers, particularly since the country was declared to be the top tourist destination for 2020. Located in the northern part of the country, the city is also an ideal starting point for any journey that is being planned to explore the areas further up north, such as Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir or even a little south towards Murree Hills. As such, if you’re planning to visit Islamabad any time soon, you need to know just where to go, what to see, and what to do once you arrive.
Here are some of the top attractions in Islamabad that should not be missed by any tourist visiting the city.
- PAKISTAN MONUMENT
The Pakistan Monument is a national monument located on the western side of Shakarparian Hills. The monument, whose construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2007, symbolises the unity of the people with four granite flower petals rising from the ground and converging together to depict the four provinces (Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) standing in unity. Three smaller petals inside the larger ones represent the smaller territories of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas). The monument stands atop a marble base and is at a height that gives you a scenic view of Islamabad.
- LOK VIRSA MUSEUM
Built in 1974, the Lok Virsa Museum is located quite close to the Pakistan Monument. It is one of the largest museums in Pakistan with several exhibit halls as well as an outdoor museum, exhibiting the heritage of Pakistan. The name literally translates to ‘Museum of People’s Heritage’ and it surely does justice to the name by detailing the history of the people of Pakistan amidst its halls. There is also a library and a research centre built inside the premises.
- SHAH FAISAL MOSQUE
Named after the Saudi King Faisal who granted monetary aid for the completion of its construction, Shah Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque in Pakistan. It was also the largest mosque in the world between the late 1980s and the early 1990s. What’s truly unique about this mosque is the lack of a domed structure that is typical of mosques all over the world. Built in 1986 by a Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay, the mosque looks like a tent pitched in a desert, with four spires towering up from each of its corners. The mosque can hold nearly 70,000 worshippers, with space to accommodate about 10,000 people in the central prayer hall.
- SAIDPUR VILLAGE
The revived town of Saidpur lies at the foothills of the mountains that surround the capital and provide a welcome break from modern life. Visiting this part of Islamabad is like taking a trip through history, where you can experience life in an authentic village even in the 21st century. While modern life has found its way into the settlements here, it has been incorporated in a manner that blends all the modern eateries into the ancient surroundings. The village itself is more than 500 years old, but it was renovated by the CDA (Capital Development Authority) in 2006.
- MARGALLA HILLS
It goes without saying that if you live near the mountains, you’ll probably want to spend some time exploring them. The feeling is no different for tourists visiting Islamabad, and for those who want to see the wilderness up close. Hiking trails are marked throughout the hills and enthusiasts often backpack through them at their leisure. The hills are ideal for bird watchers as well since many species call the hills their home.
- DAMAN-E-KOH
While many might argue that they are the same, Daman-e-Koh, translated into ‘foothills’, is actually a viewing point on Margalla Hills, from where you can get a fabulous bird’s eye view of the entire city spread out in front of you. You can choose to visit the point while you hike through Margalla Hills or drive up here by road.
- RAWAL LAKE
Streams flowing down from Margalla Hills collect at a reservoir which forms Rawal Lake. Paddle and motor boats are available here for a fun-filled afternoon. Having a picnic at Lake View Park is also an option when you are considering things to do in Islamabad. However, visiting the lake at sunset will give you the best views of the scenic beauty that awaits you. (Contributed)