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Published: March 1st 2016
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Unfortunately, Pakistan gets only the most horrible exposure on international media, however, life is quite normal, especially in Lahore, the capital of Punjab. There are many famous historical buildings or sites that you can visit. These include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Shalimar Gardens. All are excellent examples of Mughal Architecture. Or, perhaps you would like to visit the Mall Road, with its old trees and the famous Zamzama gun, which was on display at even Kipling’s time and is mentioned in his famous novel Kim. We are afraid that Lahore has little resemblance left to the one mentioned in Kipling’s Memoirs. Rapid and uncontrolled urbanization has eaten away the City of Gardens and left a caricature in its place; which, understandably, is still loved by its denizens.
But, the people of Lahore are as open hearted now, as they were then. The famous Lahori Cuisine is at its top and there are some local food outlets that should be visited along with historical sites to trulyt experience the cultural hub that is Lahore.
Walled City This is a bit cliché, but if you ever visit Lahore, this architectural and visual feat is a must visit. It
was present before the Mughals as well, but Mughals were the one to give it its current form; primarily because they were master builders. The amazing place still retains many of the arches and beautiful facades of the era. Successive governments have started various projects to preserve its historical buildings, but the sheer population living in the Walled city makes the maintenance less effective. You will find the whole place interspersed by street vendors, though we would advise you against buying anything, due to poor hygiene conditions. The Kashmiri Bazar will enable you to buy many of the local clothes. And you will be amazed to see popular brands like Adidas, Nike,
Backcountry , etc. at ridiculously low prices; however, no one can vouch for their authenticity.
Fort Road Food Street Before this governmental installation there was the original Food Street which had to be moved due to various reasons. Most of the food vendors moved to this new area when the government closed the one situated in Gawalmandi. You will find all traditional Lahori cuisine here. It will not be wrong to say that if you want to taste all traditional lahori cuisines at one point, then
this would be it. The food is cheap and will cost you a maximum of $10 for one person and more. The prime time to visit is after 7pm, as most of the street restaurants are closed before that. But, if you wish to go to the old food street, then there are still some vendors there who won against the government because they had been operating there since before Pakistan was even formed.
Chaman Ice Cream This is one of the recent additions to Lahore. Established in 1970’s on the edge of the famous Mall Road, it has now branches all over Lahore. However, we would recommend that you visit the whole Mall Road and plan a stop in the middle at Regal Chowk and partake of this delicious ice cream. They have various flavors of their own and are the premium original ice cream makers of Lahore.
Goga Naqeebia Chanay Breakfast food is the best food that there is. This one is another recent addition to Lahore. One of the most famous breakfast places, it serves only Chickpeas and Bread (Chanay and Naan). They started from a small stall and now have branches over
the whole city as well. However, we would recommend that you eat at the Barkat Market one, which was the original place where they had the stall. Now, they have built a whole restaurant, which serves just the two items. A plate of Chickpeas, 2 Naan, Lassi (Traditional Yoghurt Drink), and salad will cost you approximately 10 cents here.
These are just some of the places that we would recommend you to visit in Lahore. For the Walled City, it would be best if you go with a guide because the ways can become a mystery and it is always good to have a person who speaks a local language. You will find that most people will be pleasant and friendly, especially when you come to know them a bit. Lahore has been by governed by culturally diverse rulers and each has left its own unique mark on it. You will find a lot of architecture here. In essence, it is a study in itself. This is a local’s guide; however, if you are only here to visit the Mughal architecture and have less time, then we would suggest that you go for other places mentioned at the start
of the article. But, for now, we say adieu.
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