Place

Chughtai Museum Trust Art Gallery

A must stop for tourists; this gallery showcases the works of Abdur Rehman Chughtai, the national painter of Pakistan. He dabbled in a number of arts and styles but is best known for his watercolor paintings. Chughtai’s paintings are beautiful and his work is easily recognized. The subjects in his paintings are delicate and it was the manner in which he drew their eyes that became his signature trademark. Abdur Rehman Chugtai, who unlike other artists found fame and fortune within his own lifetime. Do not miss out on viewing the art of one of the greatest Pakistani artists to have lived!

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Chughtai Museum Trust Art Gallery — Irhal in-house WordPress city archive

Overview & visitor information

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Fakir Khana Museum

Museum

The museum itself is in a small house in the inner city. The Fakirs were an important family during the Sikh rule of Punjab in the 1700s. Fakir was an ascetic and his sons took over in his role as an important member and minister in the court of the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh. This small museum showcases the history of Lahore and contains important pieces such as relics from the Prophet Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H) time as well as swords, jewels and coins dating back to the Sikh era and the Mughal rule of the city.

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Hiran Minaar

monument

An interesting monument, the Hiran Minaar was built in the memory of beloved ‘Hiran’, the deer belonging to Mughal Emperor Jehangir. It was built around 1615 in an area where the Emperor loved to hunt. Surrounding this Minar is a lake and visitors must travel by boat up to this structure.

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Jehangir’s Tomb

Tomb

Located on the outskirts of Lahore, this beautiful tomb is a sight not to be missed. Jehangir was a Mughal emperor who died around 1625 on his return home from Kashmir. He is buried close to his wife, Nur Jehan, and brother-in-law, Asif Khan. The tomb is exquisite and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The tile work is intricate and efforts have been made to restore the tomb to its former glory.

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Lahore Fort

Fortress

This fort is a magnificent structure and was crucial to the military strength of the Mughals who used it as their military headquarters. The Sikhs too, who ruled Lahore briefly, used the fort as part of their defense strategy. Inside the fort is a small museum showcasing the Mughal rule of Lahore with artifacts dating back to the era. Another gallery is dedicated to the Sikh rule of Lahore. There is also an armory gallery displaying the swords, daggers and other arms that were used. Be sure to ask for a tour of the underground dungeons of the fort. Prisoners were kept down there during the military dictatorship of Zia-ul Haq from 1977-1988. The prisoners were mainly his critics. The fort also comprises a number of halls. The Shish Mahal or Hall of Mirrors is the most famous of these and was built by the emperor Shah Jehan for his wife and her court. The hall is truly magnificent. The Diwan-e- Aam or Hall of Public audience built by Shah Jehan was where the Mughal emperor would speak to his subjects and from where he would view the festivals and parades. The Diwan-e-Khaas or Hall of private audience was where the emperor would meet with special guests and foreign dignitaries.

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Lahore Museum

Museum

This museum was built in 1894. It is one of the most famous museums of South Asia because of the sheer size of its collection. The museum comprises of over twenty galleries and takes one on a fascinating journey through the different ages of the Subcontinent. Lahore Museum is the place to go if you want to improve upon your history of this region. Exhibits date all the way back to the Stone Age. The museum displays exhibits from the Indus Valley Civilization with relics from Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. Pieces include pottery, jewelry, weaponry, textiles. They also showcase relics from the Mughal and Sikh rule as well as pieces from the period leading to the partition. Important items include the statue of the fasting Buddha, as well as ancient manuscripts and religious texts.

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Minar-e-Pakistan

Tower

Minar-e-Pakistan is an important monument that stands in Iqbal Park. It is of great historical significance and stands at the exact same spot at which Muslim leaders proclaimed in 1940 that India had to be divided and a separate homeland for Muslims had to be created to ensure their safety. This structure is 60 meters high and is constructed of concrete with marble and stone walls and floors. Visitors can climb the staircase within to reach the top of the monument. It is now notorious for the number of homeless and poverty-stricken people who jump off its high walls committing suicide.

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Shahi Hammam or Royal Bath

Activity

This site is unique since it is the only surviving public bath from the Mughal Era. It was constructed by Ilmuddin Ansari on the orders of the emperor Shah Jehan. The architectural style of this bath is similar to that adopted in other parts of the Islamic world. The baths were magnificent with fountains, steam rooms and dressing rooms.

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Shakir Ali Museum

Museum

This museum was established in the memory of Shakir Ali, an art professor who taught at the prestigious National College of Art. Apart from his personal belongings which are on display, his paintings and drawings are also showcased in a gallery. In addition to his work, the art of other contemporary artists are also on display. A research library containing a wide collection of art books is located in the basement of the museum. Workshops and exhibitions are also held at this museum.

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Shalimar Gardens

Garden

These magnificent gardens were made by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the 1640s. The gardens cover an area of over 80 acres. They are built at the three levels corresponding to the Giver of Pleasure, Giver of Goodness and the Giver of Life. Beautiful trees and shrubs are aplenty and white marble structures dot the gardens here and there. There are about 450 fountains. A great spot for picnicking, these gardens are on the UNESCO world heritage list

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Tollington Market

Market

This famous market, a remnant of the old city of Lahore, now houses a museum showcasing Lahore through the ages. On display are the works of various craftsmen, artists, calligraphists, and painters. Also housed within are various galleries dedicated to a single aspect of Lahore such as its history, its social life, its shrines, its mosques and other religious places, its hospitals, its gardens, and its schools. The place in itself is very special and was built during the British colonial era in 1864 where it served as a venue for an exhibition of Indian crafts. It served thereafter as a marketplace.

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Fujiyama

Although pricey, the food served here is exceptionally good. Famed amongst the elite of Lahore the Japanese dishes served here are truly divine. The décor is chic and sophisticated. The sushi, teriyaki and nana wings are amongst numerous specialties.

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Dumphukt

Mouth watering sub-continental cuisine is served here with a wide range of authentic dishes to choose from. Fresh ingredients are used to churn out these really good dishes. The décor and the cuisine reflect the Mughal era transporting diners back in time. The paneer or cheese tikka served with mint sauce is delightful, and amongst the entrees the Chilman Biryani and Qorma are scrumptious. For desert try some classic kheer or rice pudding. Cuisine: Sub- continental Address: Pearl Continental Hotel, Mall, Lahore Tel: 111-505-505 ext 2196 Website: www.pchotels.com

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Aylanto

This lovely restaurant serves delicious Italian cuisine. The food is pricey but worth it. The décor is wonderful and the dim lighting creates an ambience which is both intimate and comfortable. The Tarragon Chicken, Atlantic Sole, Mediterranean Sole, Bernaise Steak, Prawn Tempura and Lobster Thermidore are simply divine. For desert don’t miss out on the bread and butter pudding served with fresh vanilla ice cream.

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Roasters

Stop for lunch or dinner at this fabulous joint. Located at the top of a luxury shopping complex, it is very busy at any given time of the day. There is a diverse range of dishes to choose from. For starters try some wonderfully fresh potato skins. For the entrée, go for the mushroom burger, chicken crunch sandwich, the chicken and cheese crepe or one of the delicious steaks. Don’t miss out on desert - experiment with the fried ice cream or the scrumptious chocolate mousse.

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Dynasty

Although pricey, the food served here is exceptionally good. Chinese cuisine is extremely popular in Lahore and no place does it better than Dynasty. Treat yourself to some divine Chop Suey, wonderfully fresh egg rolls and chicken with almonds. The décor too is chic and sophisticated, integrating Chinese architectural styles.

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Café Zouk

This is one of Lahore’s better known restaurants and is never empty. But that comes as no surprise, since the dishes served here are mouth-wateringly good! Fairy lights deck the ceiling, fabulous paintings decorate the walls and loud music echoes throughout this café. Try the Calamari as a starter, for the main course try go for the Cannelloni, Pasta Alfredo or the Chicken Cashew Nut served with Garlic Rice. The strawberryade is also wonderfully fresh.

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Mirchi

This is a well known restaurant in Lahore serving traditional dishes. Both meat and sea food lovers will not be disappointed; this eatery serves some of the most delectable dishes and is a personal favorite. The décor is simple and down to earth. Be sure to try the chicken Behari Kebab, the Lucknow Chicken, Tomato and Cheese Gravy and Prawn on Tawa. Mirchi also serves a diverse range of breads or naans as they are locally known. Straight from the tandoor, the cheese naan or the Kolanji naan are simply divine!

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Stevie’s Golden Wok

Foodies are unlikely to leave this place disappointed - delicious Chinese and Thai dishes from stews to vegetable dishes are served here. The Shrimp on Toast and Honey Sesame Chicken are divine. The American Chop Suey is quite famous as is the Chicken and Almonds, the Prawns in Tamarind Sauce and the Sweet and Sour Chicken.

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Gunsmoke

Vivacious and down-to-earth best describes the ambience of this restaurant. The crowd usually consists of youngsters who come to enjoy the live music. The waiters don cowboy hats and costumes. Dishes served include a wide range of burgers and steaks.

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La Pizzeria

Stop for lunch or dinner at this restaurant. The atmosphere is cool and hip and the dishes served are mouth watering. The thin crust pizzas are a specialty and so is the Caesar salad. Sandwiches and burgers are available here too.

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Pearl Continental Hotel

Luxury Hotels

This is one of Lahore’s finest and most well known luxury hotels. It is located in a very busy neighborhood and is close to a number of Lahore’s tourist attractions. This lavish hotel comprises of a number of standard and atrium rooms as well as luxury suites. The décor is elegant, sophisticated and regal. Hotel facilities include restaurants, a fitness centre and spa, car rental, in house doctor, pharmacy, jewelry shops, book store, babysitting, room service, laundry service, airline offices, money changers and a business centre. In room facilities include internet, international dialing, electronic safe, and a mini-bar.

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Avari Hotel

Moderate Hotels

This is arguably one of the most lavish hotels in the city. Located on the famous Mall Road, the hotel is close to some of the renowned landmarks of Lahore. It has a total of 188 rooms and guests get to choose between Lady Avari rooms, e-rooms, Jacuzzi rooms, suites, the business club and the executive club. The décor is spectacular and sophisticated with white and black gleaming marble. Rooms are spacious and extremely comfortable. Hotel facilities include restaurants, a pool, tennis courts, table tennis facilities, a fitness studio, salons, massage services, boutiques, room service and laundry service. In room facilities include satellite TV, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker.

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Holiday Inn

This hotel is small and intimate and is an excellent place to stay. They have a total of 120 deluxe rooms and executive suites. Hotel facilities include restaurants, a pastry shop, internet access, a pool, a gym, a health club, salons and a doctor. In room facilities include satellite TV, electronic safe, tea/coffee maker, iron and mini-bar.

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Leaders Inn Hotel

This hotel is located close to many of Lahore’s main attractions. There are a total of 43 guest rooms. The décor is elegant and simple. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, a health club, car rental, a bookshop and a bakery. In room facilities include cable TV, a locker, a massage chair, mini-bar and internet access.

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Hotel Crown Plaza

Moderate Hotels

This hotel is in a fantastic location close to major business, shopping and historical districts of Pakistan. Rooms are comfortable and elegantly furnished. In room facilities include a buffet breakfast, a refrigerator, mini-bar and newspaper. Hotel facilities include a rooftop pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and gym, car rental, salon and laundry services.

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Lahore Country Club

Moderate Hotels

This club has a less than ideal location on the outskirts of the city of Lahore and it is therefore, a bit out of the way. However, it is a good getaway and is established on 100 acres of gardens. Club facilities are plentiful and include badminton courts, swimming pools, cricket grounds, cycling, a fishing lake, horse riding, a jogging track, a football field, a gym and restaurants. The club house contains the guest rooms which are comfortable, clean and cozy.

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Ambassador Hotel

This hotel used to be one of the most lavish before competition arrived. It has not been maintained very well. However for those not willing to spend an exorbitant sum on lodging, then this is a good place stay. The rooms are unimpressive but clean.

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Sun Fort Hotel

Moderate Hotels

This hotel is in the heart of the city and close to almost all the famous shopping districts of Lahore. Rooms are comfortable and cozy. Customers can opt for the standard room, the deluxe room, the junior suite or the executive suite. Hotel facilities include room service, housekeeping, a business centre, and a restaurant. In room facilities include cable TV and a mini-bar.

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Regency Inn Hotel

This hotel is in an excellent location in the heart of Lahore. It is small containing only 20 rooms. The décor is unimpressive and simple. Hotel and room facilities are scarce and include a daily newspaper, a buffet breakfast, internet, cable TV, a mini-bar and car rental. However, the excellent location compensates for this because located close by are the city’s major shopping centers and restaurants.

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Hotel Kashmir Palace

Moderate Hotels

Hotel Kashmir Palace is located close to the center of Lahore. The hotel staffs are friendly and helpful and the 100 guest rooms are clean, comfortable and wonderfully furnished. Hotel facilities include internet access, a health club, laundry and ironing services, concierge services, and shoe shining services. In room facilities include a newspaper, cable TV and mini-bar.