Islamabad Destination Guide
Built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital, Islamabad is laid out in a triangular shape, with the apex towards the Margalla Hills. The city is drained by the Kurang River. It has natural terraces and is a garden city, with adequate water supply and largely unaffected by pollution. The city has eight fundamental demarcations, delineating the administrative section, commercial areas, diplomatic enclave, educational institutions, green spots, industrial zone, and residential and rural areas. Adequate provisions have been made to provide each sector with proper parks and neighbourhood shops. The Blue Area that runs along Jinnah Avenue is the commercial centre. Towards the east, it merges into Parliament Road, the setting for all main administrative buildings.
Based on a grid system, Islamabad has wide streets lined with trees. The government and public buildings are well-designed. Shopping is a pleasure, be it in the local markets, bazaars or modern shopping centres.
The Islamabad Destination Guide and Islamabad Tour Suggestions will tell you all you need to know about the best places to visit in Islamabad. For tips on how to get around in Islamabad, read the Islamabad Transportation guide.
Things to See & Do in Islamabad
Islamabad can rightly be proud of its verdant cover. Careful plantation of local and exotic plants and trees has transformed what was earlier a sparse scrub forest. The Margalla Hills in the north teem with wildlife and are a designated national park. Travel Walji's runs day excursions and special interest tours that allow you to visit the city's cultural centres and explore its beautiful locations.
Islamabad Architecture
Major Monuments:
- Saudi-Pak Tower
- Shah Faisal Mosque
- Quaid-i-Azam University
- National Assembly Building
- Prime Minister's Secretariat
- Supreme Court Building
- Aiwan-e-Sadr
- Globe Statue
Shah Faisal Mosque
Located in the heart of the capital, it is an enormous modern representation of an eight-faceted Arab Bedouin tent, supported on four huge concrete girders. The Shah Faisal Mosque is located at the base of the Margalla Hills and is named after the man who founded it, the Saudi Emperor King Faisal Bin Saud. Four 90-metre high concrete minuets soar into the sky. In the interior, where 15,000 devotes can pray, white marble reflects the light of a great chandelier. The Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay designed the mosque, which is richly embellished with calligraphic and mosaic work. As many as 85,000 people can pray in the courtyard.
Daman-e-Koh
Constitutional Avenue
Shakarparian
A terraced garden on Shakarparian Hills, with trees planted by many a head of state, offers a magnificent view of Margalla and Murree hills, Rawal Lake and the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It is located near Zero Point. Tourists can pick up snacks at small food stalls in the area.
A well-planned city with many community gardens, Islamabad is a horticulturist's delight. Attractions include:
- Murghzar Mini Zoo & Children's Park
- Rose & Jasmine Gardens
- Terraced Garden on Shakarparian Hills
Lok Virsa Museum
Lotus Lake
Murghzar Mini Zoo & Children's Park
Gifted by Japanese children to their counterparts in Islamabad, the Murghzar Mini Zoo and Children's Park is situated at the foot of Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. A popular attraction, the zoo also has a display kiosk of the Pakistan Museum of Natural History apart from a children's park. It is home to over 200 birds and many exotic animals.
Peer Sohawa
Rose & Jasmine Gardens
Over 250 varieties of roses have been planted in the expansive Rose and Jasmine gardens, located near the Jinnah stadium. The Chrysanthemum Exhibition is held every year in autumn. Subsequently, the Spring Flowers Festival is held in March. Apart from roses, many other beautiful flowers greet visitors in these gardens.
Rawal Dam
Taxila
The archaeological site of Taxila (500 BC) lies to the west of the capital. Explore the place and see sculptures in the Greek style, a legacy of the influence of Alexander the Great when he traversed this area.
