Visit Pakistan isn’t complete without seeing some of its most historically important spots, including Mohenjo-Daro – an ancient city from the Indus Valley Civilization that is also recognized by UNESCO.
Qila Rohtas Fort is another must-see historic attraction. An architectural marvel and authentic reflection of Pakistani traditions and culture, its presence is sure to draw visitors.
Lahore Fort
Lahore Fort is one of Pakistan’s premier cultural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing an outstanding example of Moghul architecture favored by Mughal emperors. Comprised of several buildings surrounded by an outer wall, it includes Diwan-i-Khas and Sheesh Mahal as key structures within it.
Construction was begun under early Mughal rulers such as Akbar, but it was greatly enhanced under Jahangir who completed a large north court and installed Alamgiri Gate. Later on Shah Jahan added to it by creating a magnificent complex of palaces within its boundaries such as Sheesh Mahal and Naulakha Pavilion.
Sheesh Mahal and Naulakha are being restored with funding from the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation with support from Walled City of Lahore Authority and Aga Khan Cultural Service-Pakistan. Additionally, conservation works on Fort’s Picture Wall are planned with cooperation of Pakistan Railway Museum.
Kot Diji Fort
Kot Diji Fort (Urdu: khwttt djy) is an archaeological site situated approximately fifteen miles southwest of Khairpur in Sindh province of Pakistan. The fort’s remains are remnants of an ancient settlement that once belonged to a fortified town dated back to early Harappan period of formation.
This site is noteworthy because it expands upon pre-Harappan cultural elements even further back. The early occupation consisted of a citadel on a high hilltop and an outer urban area; additionally, leaf-shaped chert arrowheads and stone implements found here point directly back to Moenjodaro culture.
Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur completed this fort from 1785-1795 AD, and its impressive walls and strategic location make it an ideal stop for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers. Additionally, there are roofless rooms used as cannon placement zones; water reservoirs; prisons; and courts that make this fort an incredible landmark to visit.
Takht-i-Bhai
Takht-i-Bhai (Throne of Origin), located in Gandhara region in Pakistan, stands out as an impressive monument of Buddhism that dates back to early 1st century AD and continued being in use up to 7th century.
The complex is situated in a mountain setting, offering spectacular views of its surrounding valley and hills. The main features include a stupa court encompassing various terraces surrounded by votive stupas and shrines; monastic quadrangles housing individual cells for monks; assembly halls; as well as fragmentary sculptures in stone and stucco which exhibit a high degree of sculptural sensibility – many have since found their way into museums across Europe.
Takht-i-Bhai is an acronym created from two Persian words: takht (meaning top or throne) and bhai (which translates as water spring or source). Locals believe it was named for either two wells nearby or for several springs in the area; alternatively it has also been suggested that its name stems from when there were previously thrones here.
Katasraj Temples
The Katas Raj Temples (or Qila Katas) are a collection of Hindu temples connected by walkways surrounding an important pond in their community. Devoted to Shiva – an iconoclastic deity from Hinduism who symbolises both destruction and renewal – this complex comprises seven shrines.
Temples at Katasraj are known for their intricate architectural features, such as ribbed domes and decorative pillars, which date back to Hindushahi kings of Punjab between the 7th and 10th century CE. Al-Biruni, an 11th-century Persian polymath scholar visited Katasraj to calculate Earth’s circumference using data collected there.
Prime Minister Khan pledged during his visit to Katas Raj temple to safeguard it for future generations, stressing equality among religions. It gained national attention after its centuries-old pond began drying up due to cement factories nearby.
