Women-Friendly Travel in Lahore
The Lahore women-friendly travel guide places explicit women-friendly and family confidence signals first, while keeping uncertain details visible for review.
Lahore
Khaadi
This is a very popular store and has several braches in Lahore. It sells clothes and garments made of ‘Khaadi’, a material which has always been popular in this part of the world. They sell some beautiful suits and kurtas as well. The designs are funky and eclectic. Be sure to pick something for yourself here.
Lahore
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!
Lahore
Fakir Khana 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.
Lahore
Hiran Minaar
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.
Lahore
Jehangir’s 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.
Lahore
Lahore Fort
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.
Lahore
Lahore 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.
Lahore
Minar-e-Pakistan
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.
Lahore
Shahi Hammam or Royal Bath
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.
Lahore
Shakir Ali 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.
Lahore
Shalimar Gardens
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
Lahore
Tollington 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.
Lahore
Wagah Border
It is at this point where Pakistan and India meet. Tourists must visit the Wagah Border where they will be treated to a history lesson in Pakistan-India relations. On either side of the border, the citizens of the two countries sit on concrete steps, singing patriotic songs. Half an hour before sunset, a little ceremony takes place where the Pakistani and Indian guards engage in different competitions.
Lahore
Alhamra Arts Council
‘Alhamra’ literally means a woman in red clothes. This building is made up of red bricks, earning the same impression. The architect was Nayyar Ali Dada and this complex has been admired for its superb architecture, even receiving an award for it. It is a venue for many art exhibitions, theatrical shows and musical concerts. It also acts as a training centre offering courses in various arts including classical dance or kathak, painting, sculpture and photography. Visitors should stop by this council as there is always some exhibition going on. It is also a good way to familiarize oneself with upcoming Pakistani artists.
Lahore
Lahore Zoo
Lahore Zoo was established in 1872. Located on Mall Road, it is quite popular amongst the public who often take their children to enjoy the sight of various animals. It shelters about 1300 animals - 900 birds, 40 reptiles and over 300 mammals. Its most famous inhabitant is ‘Suzi’ the elephant. Due to paucity of funds, the zoo has not been maintained very well, but it will nonetheless make an enjoyable outing for children.