“Southern Pakistan is a travelers paradise that offers beautiful natural sites and rich cultural heritage.”
“Through foreigners as well as locals, we all have heard and read stories of breath-taking and unforgettable beauty that Northern side of Pakistan beholds. The beautiful snowcapped mountains, the lush green grounds and the majestic waterfalls will stay etched into your mind forever. But in all that we have forgotten about the rich cultural heritage, the ports and the sea that southern side of Pakistan possesses.
Let’s discover that side of Pakistan through small trips during weekends to exotic spots of adventure, beauty and history. Here are some of the well-known and lesser-known places for Karachiites to travel to over a short two-day break.
HALEJI LAKE:
Situated 70kms away from Karachi, in the district of Thatta, Sindh, lies one of the most fascinating spots for nature lovers, known as the Haleji Lake. The captivating scenic beauty and the huge influx of migratory birds that take refuge in this area are surely a sight to behold for all travelers. The experiences of boat rides and the fascinating aquatic life at Haleji Lake are the reasons behind the serene beauty of this place. A day trip is something you surely won’t regret.
RANIKOT FORT:
Why travel to China when your country has its very own mysterious and historical fort near Sarin, Jamshoro District, Sindh. After the Greatest Wall of China, Ranikot has the second-longest wall. However, the reason behind its construction remains a mystery to date. As you walk through the castles, looking at its carved walls, you feel like you are turning over the pages of history. The place is quite popular among tourists for its various attractions such as hiking, climbing, stargazing etc.
BHAMBORE:
Carrying the rich heritage of Sindh, Bhambore city dates back to the 1st century BC, lies 64 kilometres away from Karachi. It carries the mystery of three periods; Hindu Buddhist, Scythe- Parthian and the Early Islamic Days. Despite being destroyed in 2050 CE, it continues to live in the world of romance folklore in the name of the ‘Sassui-Panhon’ story. A weekend in Bhambore will not only enhance your knowledge about history but connect you to the world of romance, giving you a perfect excuse to take your spouse/partner/beloved along!
GORAKH HILL STATION:
If you are done with the heat of Karachi, and need a break from it, Gorakh hill station is a heavenly escape for you. Gorakh is the highest point of Sindh (about 5688 ft. high). It hosts a lofty peak, breathtakingly beautiful sights, with cold weather, ample wild life and a fresh-water river called Nai Gaj! Gorakh’elevation gives it a special sub-zero temperature during summers with heavy rainfall that makes it a perfect place for a camping weekend with friends and family.
KANRACH:
Some 200 kilometers, west of Karachi, exists a heavenly place in Balochistan, yet to be explored, it’s called Kanrach. The drive to Kanrach is beautiful yet dangerous. The experience that most tourists have here is camping over the weekend under the night sky where you can see the leg of the Milky Way with naked eyes. Other activities in Kanrach are visiting the tomb of Pir Bukkur, trekking over the lofty mountains, fishing in Kanrach river and taking a dip into the magical and heavenly waterfalls formed by the water springs.
Hingol National Park :
Hingol National Park is located along the Makran coastal region in southwestern Balochistan. Karachi is approximately 190 kilometers (120 miles) to the southeast on the coast. It is replenished with gorgeous blue-stoned mountains, breathtaking views of the oasis, mountains and mud-volcano, all located inside the Park. The other specialty of this picturesque place can be some of the oldest Hindu temples, the wild Sindh Ibex, Afghan Urial and Chinkara Gazelle. The park includes the estuary of the Hingol River which supports a significant diversity of birds and fishes.
Sindh is an adventure traveler’s dream destination where at every turn they’ll be able to witness myriad cultures, exotic foods and history. The best time to visit would be sometime after October before April.
Excited already? Well, the weekend is just around the corner. Pack your bags and take the break you desperately need.
