Lahore
Lahore, also known as the cultural capital of Pakistan is a unique blend of the new and the old. Where at one end tall buildings, modern offices are fast sprouting in Lahore, the old flavor of Lahore is also retained. The Origins of Lahore are unknown. Several myths and theories circulate including one about it being established by Loh who was the son of the Hindu god king Ram. One thing, however, is certain. Lahore is ancient enough to discredit the authenticity of any theory that exists about its beginnings.The provincial level capital and main city of Punjab is Lahore,which has been the historical capital of this region.
Lahore’s rise to prominence
Lahore has been the seat of many kings. It was the capital during the reign of rulers such as Mahmood Ghaznavi, Qutub ud Din Aibak and the mighty Moghul Emperor Akbar. The Moghuls have left marks of their presence in the form of beautiful architecture throughout the entire city.
Some wonders of the Moghul period
Lahore is also the city of gardens. Some are new, others hundreds of years old. Perhaps one of the oldest and most beautiful gardens is the Shalimar Gardens. It is a paradise of fountains and water cascades, surrounded by acres of greenery. It was constructed by Shah Jahan, who is also attributed with the construction of the Taj Mahal. Other historical sites include the tombs of Emperor Jahangir (father of Shah Jahan), his wife Noor Jehan and the Mausoleum of the slave king Qutb ud din Aibak, who laid the foundations of the famous slave dynasty.
Perhaps the place which attracts most visitors is the famous Lahore Fort. Although not even a fraction of its original grandeur remains, it still holds some spectacular sites which include the Sheesh Mahal (the palace of mirrors}. The walls and the roof of the Sheesh Mahal are covered with small mirrors (hence the name) which are said to have reflected the light of a single lamp thousands of times during the night.
Opposite the Lahore fort stands the Badshahi Mosque, (King’s Mosque). It is a grand red brick structure capable of accommodating 55000 worshippers. Unlike the fort, it has been renovated and is in good condition. Also close by are the mausoleum of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Minar e Pakistan and Old and New Lahore.
The old part of Lahore is called Anderoon Shehr or the inner city. In the old days Lahore was a prosperous town encircled within a fortified wall. Lahore has expanded way beyond the walled city on all sides. The inner city has truly become the inner city surrounded by a comparatively modern Lahore. But Lahore is by no means just an old city. It is a city that has grown and blossomed with time while retaining its original flavor. As the second largest city of Pakistan, Lahore is one of the fastest developing cities in the country. It provides excellent opportunities for business and investment.
A lot of people can still recall Lahore sans traffic congestion and pollution. That Lahore is admittedly difficult to find these days. But in spite of the dust and the heat Lahore is still well worth a visit. The best time to visit is between the months of November and March.
Language
Punjabi, Urdu and English are spoken widely.
Cuisine
Lahore is a city of many flavors. The Lahoris are fond of eating and that is apparent from the number of food outlets spread all over the city which range from pure Pakistani to international cuisine. Food streets have been established at Anarkali and Gawalmandi for those who favor local delicacies. More modern franchises can be found on M.M. Alam Road.
Shopping Malls
- Lahore is a city of verstality.You can go to modern shopping malls and modern plazas containg shop, play, food and recetion area. For modern day Lahore, you may go to :
- Pace shopping Mall
- Liberty Plaza
- Defence Shopping Mall
- Tes Mart
- Al-Fatah Departmental Stores
- Siddique Trade Center
- Empire Center Gulberg
- Panorama Center
- Fortress Stadium
- Anarkali
You can shop for any kind of materials whether they are traditionals or other.
Some highlights about Pace
- Pace is a very modern and advance shopping mall.It has four floors.There is a basement for car parking,escalators etc.
The ground floor is for grocery as foriengners can benefit alot as there are imported and non imported things to choice on. The other floors contain alot of variety from children accessories to ladies jewelery,mens wear,shoes,electronics,food points,cafes and almost every quality oriented thing to find.
Some previews about Defence Shopping Mall
- The Rafi Group has given the city of Lahore some notable buildings. It has pioneered multi-purpose commercial complexes. Landmark on Jail Road, Central Plaza in Garden Town and Empress Towers on Empress Road are noteworthy examples of their efforts in this regard. Empire Centre in Main Boulevard Gulberg introduced a new concept of a shopping mall.Defence Shopping Mall in Defence Boulevard is also a trail-blazer and the first to offer a "one-use only" shopping mall. There is shopping activity on all the floors and there is plenty of places for car parking.
- You can do traditional shopping from Anarkali Bazaar which is cheap.For hand made carpets ,leather crafts, handicrafts you can visit Panorama Center which is also renoned for mens wear.Fortress Stadium Market is a place where you can enjoy and shop as there are very many specific enjoyment places,recreational parks and activities for children and teenagers.
List of Universities in Lahore
- Aitchison College, Lahore
- University of Punjab, Lahore
- Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore
- University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore
- National College of Arts, Lahore
- Lahore College for Women University, Lahore
- Government College University, Lahore
- University of Education, Lahore
- Virtual University, Lahore
- University of Health Sciences, Lahore
- Institute of South Asia, Lahore
- Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore
- National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (formerly FAST), Lahore