LahoreLog

LahoreLog

written by: Natasha Khalid

@natashablogs

 

I have visited Lahore when young and have pictures of me that I have always loved. However, this time around the plan was spontaneous and a good break from my extremely hectic life as an Intern at one of the busiest hospitals in Karachi.

As we landed we had lunch at a relatives place and my mom’s school reunion party followed. After that my tourist gene popped up and I planned about the places I wanted to see.

Dressed nicely just so that when I get photographed I don’t hate myself for what I wore. Early morning we embarked upon Noor Jahan’s Tomb which was beautiful with plain gardens and trees that date over a hundred years ago. The walls of the tomb were nicely carved and every block had something interesting to see.

After this, I landed at the famous Badshahi Masjid, A mosque decorated with red sandstone and marble floor. It can accommodate up to 10 000 people at one time. It has incredible interiors with people praying, photographing it and some tourist agents telling you the story if you ask them to accompany you.

Right across is the SHAHI QILA which is so wonderful from the outside and as you go inside there are sections of different things to see. Starting from the famous “Sheesh Mahal” (The Palace of Mirrors).

It was constructed by the Mughals in the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. The walls are lined by intricate mirror work and the gems got stolen off the wall during the partition.

As you go further, there is a museum with historic Mughal pieces.

Some interesting and beautifully carved places like Akbari Gate, Alamgiri Gate, Diwan I Khaas, etc. Takes almost a day to visit the entire castle.

The next day I made my trip to the famous Museum of Lahore, where my favorite of most thing kept was Mughal dresses.

Old Lahore has its own nostalgic touch and I made my rush to have Lassi there, the famous Lahori Drink which is served in two glasses since one is not enough. I, however, had two sips and couldn’t gulp the entire thing down my throat. It was too heavy for a Karachite I believe.

Minaar e Pakistan

Besides visiting the historic places, I would stop by at the various coffee places in Lahore and enjoy the ambiance.

My favorite was Chai Coffee aur Siyasat, some interesting decor, and refreshing coffee.

The malls, eateries, and Khussa shopping at Liberty was quite similar to my Karachi feels.

 

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