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Lahore Fort

The origin of Lahore Fort popularly known as Shahi Qila dates back to 11th Century CE when this fortified structure was constructed with mud bricks. By the mid of 16th century the city of Lahore was an important centre of governance of Mogul Empire. Jalal ud Din Muhammad Akbar the third all powerful monarch of the dynasty rebuilt this citadel on modern lines and shape which remains characteristic to this day. The towering gate which gives unique identity to this edifice was built by Aurangzeb Alamgir, the 6th monarch of the dynasty. After Moguls it fell into the hands of newly founded Sikh Empire of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Britishers became its masters when Punjab was annexed by them, after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and collapse of the Sikh Empire. Socio-cultural multiplicity of its masters of different eras is distinguishable from its buildings and structures. An ancient Hindu temple is attributed to "Loh", claimed to be the son of Lord Rama. Shish Mahal or the Mirror Palace and Naulakha are characteristic specimens of Islamic architecture. Majority of the structures date back to Mogul period but buildings of Sikh and colonial eras are equally noticeable. The Fort has many levels, buildings, lawns and pavilions. It also boasts of having one of the largest picture walls depicting fine and intricate art work in fresco and mosaic. It has been enlisted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Lunch at the Food Street

Adjacent to The Fort, a Food Street offers variety of local cuisine in a number of restaurants, some of which showcase a panoramic view of the surroundings from rooftops of their old buildings. These restaurants have been established in old multi storied houses facing Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque.

Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi or The Royal Mosque is an imposing structure to the west of the Royal Fort, facing its majestic Alamgiri Gate. Both are separated by a beautiful garden called Hazuri Bagh. Right in the middle of the Hazuri Bagh stands a marble pavilion attributed to Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. The mosque is made of red sand stone and its domes are of pure white marble. Built in 1670 by the Mogul Emperor Aurangzeb, it is one of the largest mosques of its time. It can accommodate some 100,000 worshippers in the main prayer hall and the vast courtyard. Four minarets on all four corners rise up-to the height of 60 meters are visible from quite a distance and a significant feature on the horizon of the city. The mosque is on UNESCO heritage list.

Gurudwara Dera Sahib & Samadh of Ranjit Singh

After the Moguls Lahore was the seat of government of the Sikhs. The Sikh rule lasted till the annexation of Punjab by the British Indian Empire in 1849 CE. Worth the name among Sikh rulers is Maharaja Ranjit Singh who established the Sikh Empire in Punjab in 1799 CE. He ruled with majesty till his death in 1839 CE. His cremation site or Samadhi is also present in the same locale as the Royal Fort and the Royal Mosque. Beside the Samadhi a famous Sikh worship site, Gurudawara Dera Sahib is present. Both the buildings are unique examples of Sikh architecture.

Greater Iqbal Park & Minar-e-Pakistan

Minar is an urdu word used for a minaret or a tower. Just close by The Royal, Fort, Royal Mosque and the two Sikh monuments some 70 meters high tower is present surrounded by the lush green lawns of The Greater Iqbal Park. Both these are of historic value in the context of Pakistan's independence movement. In 1940 CE, It was here at the Greater Iqbal Park that the resolution for creation of independent Pakistan was presented and carried by a huge gathering of the workers of freedom movement. The park at that time was known as The Minto Park. To commemorate this occasion a beautiful tower has been constructed in the middle of the park on a star shaped platform. The base of the tower resembles a symmetrically placed collection of petals of some flower. The top of the Minar is accessible by elevator.

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