Karachi

Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan the Population estimate of Karachi is roughly 14 Million. 80% of them are Muslims, rest belong to all different religions majority among the Christians and Hindus. Karachi is the commercial capital of the country. It has representation of mostly all International Banks. Most of the International airlines fly here. All renowned airlines have offices in Karachi The city is vast in area about 2200 square kilometers. You can expect to see a large variety of modern and Colonial architecture. Though there are very few tall buildings in Karachi but the modern architecture is matured and highly sophisticated. There are many beautiful mosques, Mausoleums, Churches and Libraries here. Bazaars of this city are the most attractive. There are typical oriental style of bazaars with colors and narrow streets and you will find in Karachi the modern shopping centers offering a vast variety of goods of International standards and brands. One of the major tourist attraction is the busses and trucks of Karachi they are seen every where and present a whole art gallery of colors in them. The national museum of Pakistan is the most prestigious museums in Pakistan housing the artifacts from the old civilizations and the modern Pakistan movements relics.

Pakistan’s cosmopolitan city Karachi, is located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Sea. It is the capital of the province of Sind and the former capital of Pakistan. With a population of nearly 10 million (which is rising rapidly), Karachi is undoubtedly the largest city of Pakistan accomodating people from all regions and religions.

Being the largest and the most populous city of Pakistan, Karachi presents an interesting and colorful combination of the old and new traditions. The narrow twisted lanes and alleys of the old city throb with life along-side the wide metalled roads and elegant modern buildings. Within the city, one may find talented artisans with age-old skills producing handicrafts of exquisite beauty.

Karachi is Pakistan’s busiest commercial city hosting great activities in trade, industry, education etc. It is an ultra-modern city, equipped with the most modern cinemas, recreational clubs, hotels and restaurants. sThe sea is the most exciting and romantic part of Karachi. There are beautiful beaches at Sandspit, Sommiani and Hawks Bay. These places are excellent picnic resorts and with their peaceful and tranquil surroundings they provide adequate fun and enjoyment to tourists and locals alike. Adding to tourist attraction are numerous water related activities like yachting, water-skiing and cruising etc. The presence of huge and tall buildings have given Karachi a grandeur and majestic appearance. The Quaid ( Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah) mausoleum is the most important monument in Karachi. With all its splendor and beauty, The Quaid Mausoleum stands gracefully in the heart of Karachi whereby combining classical oriental architecture with modern day architectural designs. The Quaid’s birthplace, Wazir Mansion, has also been preserved as a national archive.

To provide convenience to tourists, Karachi has a state-of-the-art international airport accommodating flights from all over the world. It has thus become the “Gateway to Pakistan”. Karachi welcomes people from all parts of the world. It pictures a mingling of varieties; old and new, east and west. It looks as if, Karachi has truly absorbed the charm and beauty of modern and conventional way of life. Offering a host of cultural and social activities, Karachi has truly positioned itself to become a famous tourist temptation.

Defense Mosque:

Masjid-e-Toba, otherwise known as the Defense Mosque for being situated in the Defense residential area, is Karachi’s up mark. An excellent example of modern Islamic architecture., built in 1969, this Mosque is famous for its dome. It is 72m in diameter and is claimed to be the world’s largest concrete shell dome.

Mahata Palace: 

This palace is situated in the area of Clifton, built in 1933 in a Mughal Ghothic style with imposing domes and cupolas. The palace was used as the residence of Quid-e-Azam’s sister, Fatima Jinnah until her death in 1967. It is also known as Qasr-e-Fatima Jinnah.

Clifton Beach:

This beach is very near from the main city and is famous for weekend outings. Developed as a health resort in the 19th Century by the British, Clifton is now one of Karachi’s most exclusive residential area. People of all ages comes here to enjoy. Camel and horse owners offer beach ride, there is a point called Clifton view point. The yellow sand stone pavilion on the promenade, offers good views of the surrounding area. Close by, there is a Hindu Temple called Shree Ratnewswar Mahdevi known as the caves of Mahdevi and mentioned in the Hindu ancient religious book Ramayana.

Fish Harbor:

A visit to Karachi Fish Harbor can be particularly rewarding when one sees hundreds of colorfully decorated and designed boats bringing in their daily catch. Karachi has one of the best natural harbours in the entire region and there is an abundance of prawns, crabs, and different fish. It is a 15-minute drive from the main city.

Outside Karachi

Haleeji Lake:

80 Km North of Karachi, on the way to Thatta, 5km before the village of Gharo, forming the end of a chain of street lakes, lie the beautiful waters of Haleeji. A hundred thousand birds including over 75 species of waterfowl alone find sanctuary here during the winter time. Flamingoes, Pelicans, Purple Gallinules, Pheasant, Tailed Jacanas, Herons, Ducks, and the many migrant Cyberian birds can be seen here. This spot is one of the best birds watching Paradise in the region.

Keenjar lake:

An hours drives east of Karachi on the way to Thatta is the famous tourist spot called Keenjar Lake. A resort which offers lake fishing, boating, bird watching and a very peaceful atmosphere. The excursion can also be extended to include Thatta, Chukundi Tombs, and Archaeological site at Bambore.

Makran Cost / Gawadar:

The Gwadar port is being currently built by the Chinese Government. The Makran Cost line extends over 754km from Lasbela near Karachi along the Arabian Sea. The whole area is rich with sandy unspoiled golden sunny beaches and offering variety of Arabian sea food. Many of the Makrani people are dark skinned and have African features with curly hair. Most Makrani people live on fishing, date farming and camel breeding. In 326BC the Alexander the Great marched half his army home along the inhospitable, Muhammad Bin Qasim a great Muslim conqueror, came from Baghdad to Sindh through Debal port to Makran Cost in 711 AD.

Chaukundi:

Located on the National Highway, 27 kms from Karachi, Chaukundi tombs comprise of innumerable sandstone graves with strangely-carved motifs, date back to 16th-18th centuries in Sindh. The Chaukundi Tombs are archaeologically interesting. The tombs are constructed out of slabs of rocks stacked into elongated pyramids of cubical stones and carved with exquisite designs, the origin of which remains a mystery.

Bambhore:

About 64 kms (40 miles) east of Karachi is Banbhore, an archaeological site which some scholars identify with Debal, the port of city where the Arab General Mohammad Bin Qasim landed in 712 AD. This site is believed to be the port city of Daibul which flourished in 8th century AD. The museum at the site houses a rich collection of painted pottery, coins and beads etc. Banbhore is one of the Pakistan’s old and most popular folk- stories Sassi-Pannu.