With its fascinating sceneries, peaceful surroundings, hiking paths, and varied geography, Islamabad is emerging as a hot tourist spot in Pakistan. The city, which has been serving as the capital of Pakistan since the 60s, makes an ideal spot for those tourists who want to enjoy their vacations in some quiet area with complete independence while enjoying the beauty and greenery of the surroundings.
- Visit in IslamabadMichael Foley Photography / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Lying on the Potohar Plateau, Islamabad is the twin city of Rawalpindi and features several tourist attractions. Islamabad is a home to several beautiful heritage sites, monumental places, culture sites, picnic spots, plush grassy lands, grand mosques and first-class restaurants which lure international and nationwide tourists to visit the fastest growing metropolis of the country.
The beautiful landscaping and peaceful surroundings of Islamabad is leading PTDC and the Ministry of Tourism in Pakistan to develop several Islamabad real estate landmarks with the primary purpose to promote tourism in the city. With hot tourist spots like Rawal Lake, Islamabad Zoo, Margallah Hills, Islamabad Museum, Parliament House and Quaid-e-Azam University trekking trail, Islamabad offers a wealth of entertainment for tourists in Pakistan.
If you have finally made up your mind to spend a day or two in Islamabad during your trip to Pakistan, I would recommend you to make sure you pay a visit to the following three best tourist spots in the city.
1: Daman-e-Koh
Located in the middle of Margalla Hills, Daman-e-Koh is the most popular picnic spot for tourists in Islamabad. It is situated 2400ft above sea level and as its name reflects it makes the centre of Margalla Hills. Those who intend to visit Pir Sohawa, the top of Margallah Hills, can easily access Daman-e-Koh on their way up which offers stunning views of the city.
With various BBQ restaurants, woody areas, hiking tracks, eateries and breath-taking views of the city, Daman-a-Koh makes one of the best tourist spots in Islamabad. The area entertains families who enjoy watching monkeys swinging about in the trees.
2: Shah Faisal Mosque
Enjoying the honour of being the national mosque of Pakistan and one of the largest mosques in the world, Faisal Mosque makes the most sacred place of Islamabad lying at the foot of Margalla Hills on an elevated piece of land. Opened in 1986, Faisal Mosque has been built in a shape of a desert Bedouin’s tent. With the capacity to accommodate 15,000 people inside the mosque and other 85,000 in the courtyard, Faisal Mosque makes the largest mosque in the South Asian region.
Faisal Mosque, named after late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, covers an area of 1, 89,705sqm. Decorated with white marble, a spectacular chandelier, four 88m minarets, Faisal Mosque also features a lecture hall, research centre, museum and a library. This is the perfect place where tourists can learn and come to know about the true values of Islam.
3: Shakar Parrian
Located 1998 ft above sea level, Shakar Parrian makes another popular picnic spot in Islamabad near Zero Point. Shakar Parrian Hills have two viewpoints which offer splendid views of the Margalla Hills, Murree, Rawal Lake and Jinnah Stadium. Surrounded by a park having a fountain and terrace, the East View Point makes the most popular viewpoint of Shakar Parrian Hills. On the other hand, tourists can enjoy sightseeing National Monument of Pakistan from the Western Viewpoint which reflects the true culture and civilization of the country.
With plush greenery, peaceful surroundings, eateries, pine garden trees and majestic views of the city at night, Shakar Parrian is one of the best entertaining spots for tourists in Islamabad.
Islamabad, being the greenest city of Pakistan, holds a great charm for tourists. So while you are there, do not forget to visit the above-mentioned spots making the most prominent and worth-seen places for tourists in Islamabad.
Julie Robert is dedicated writer and marketing analyst at Zameen.com. She has a vast knowledge about Pakistan Real Estate. She writes frequently on Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore Real Estate.
