Tourist Places to Visit in Islamabad, Pakistan, Asia
Islamabad is the capital and the 9th largest city of Pakistan geographically positioned at 33°43′ N 73°04′ E coordinates. Islamabad houses ‘Pakistan Monument’, and one of the largest hospitals in Pakistan ‘Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences’ and the largest mosque in South Asia and the 4th largest mosque in the globe ‘Faisal Mosque’.
Islamabad is home to two Software Technology Parks and many top universities of the country namely Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences and National University of Science and Technology. The Postal Code of Islamabad begins from 44001.
Geography of Islamabad:
Islamabad city is spread over an area of 906 sq. km. and located at an elevation of 620 meters.
Islamabad city is positioned at the northern edge of the Pothohar Plateau enjoys a humid subtropical climate with cool and mild winters and hot and humid summers.
Etymology and history of Islamabad:
Islamabad is derives its name from Arabic word ‘Islam’ and Persian word ‘abad’, the literal meaning of Islamabad is “City of Islam”.
Islamabad was formed as a capital of Pakistan in the year 1960, before Islamabad, Karachi served as the capital of Pakistan.
Transportation in Islamabad:
Islamabad and Rawalpindi are the twin cities of Pakistan and Islamabad city is served by Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Rawalpindi located 14 kms away from the centre of the city with connectivity to European cities London, Manchester, Birmingham, Amsterdam and Paris and Middle East cities include Dubai, Sharjah, Muscat and Doha.
Margalla Railway Station and Golra Railway Station are the two most important railway stations in Islamabad with daily trains to Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Multan, Lahore, Murree, Sialkot, Abottabad and Bahawalpur.
The road network of Islamabad is also good and Abpara Bus Station is the major bus station of the city. Taxis and Cars are good ways to go around.
Things to do in Islamabad:
- Para Gliding
- Golf
- Horseback Riding
- Cycling
- Rowing
Culture, Food and Shopping in Islamabad:
More than 90% of people living in Islamabad are Muslims. Urdu is official and widely spoken language in Islamabad and other languages include Punjabi, Pashto and Pothohari.
Centaurus Mega Mall, World Trade Centre, AL Taqwa Mall and AL Safa Gold Mall are the major shopping centres in Islamabad. The best food corners in Islamabad include Namak Mandi, Kitchen Cuisine, Ye Olde Hangout and Clique Café.
Places to see near Islamabad:
National Art Gallery:
National Art Gallery is an air conditioned art gallery inaugurated in 2007 contains a large collection of art pieces, classical paintings, sculptures. The art gallery is open from 11 AM-1 PM and 2 PM-7 PM and is located in front of Parliament building.
Lok Virsa Museum:
Lok Virsa Museum is a must visit place in Islamabad houses four blocks with 25 large galleries. It includes a great collection of jewelry, woodwork, metal work, block printing, ivory and embroidered costumes. Entrance fee is US$5 for foreigners.
Fatima Jinnah Park:
Fatima Jinnah Park also called as F-9 Park in Islamabad city is one of the largest parks in South East Asia hosts a cricket ground, tennis courts and children’s playground.
Faisal Masjid:
Faisal Masjid is a popular tourist destination as well as a major landmark of Islamabad city. Most of the people visit this masjid during night times.
Islamabad Zoo:
Islamabad Zoo is home to 300 animals and 200 birds is placed at the base of Daman-e-Koh view point.
Other tourist attractions near Islamabad are:
- Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum
- Pakistan Museum of Natural History
- Rohtas Gallery
- Daman-e-Koh
- Shakarparian
- Japanese Park
- Rawal Lake
- Fatima Jinnah Park
- Rose & Jasmine Garden
- Imam Bari Shrine
- Golra Sharif
- Chattar Bagh
Best time to visit Islamabad:
Between November and March is the ideal time to visit Islamabad.
Accommodation Options in Islamabad:
The list of best budget, mid-range and luxury hotels in Islamabad:
Budget:
- Hotel Blue Sky
- Hotel Friends Inn
- Hotel Meraj
- Sohawa Heights Hotel
- Caravan Park
Mid-range:
- Chez Soi
- Continental House
- Crown Plaza
- Carnations Suites
- Cape Grace Guest House
Luxury:
- Serena Hotel
- Number Three
- Marriott Hotel
- The Riviera
- Islamabad Club