Unique Places in Lahore

Hiran Minar is a hunting resort that was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. It is a square water tank (about 270 x 270 m) with an octagonal building in its center; a walkway connects the building with the mainland. Place is called “Hiran Minar” because there is a grave of Emperor Jahangir’s favorite pet deer “Mansraj”. Mansraj the deer died while on a hunting expedition with the Emperor. He later built a minaret on the grave of deer and the place was named “Hiran (deer) Minar (minaret)”.

This place is located on the outskirts of the city “Sheikhupura”. Sheikhupura is about 25 km from Lahore and is easily accessible via an expressway connecting the two cities.

More information and pictures on my “Sheikhupura” pages.

This jungle is located about 70 km from Lahore near Chunian on the highway to Multan. Parts of jungle have been converted into park. There is a lake where boating is possible but the most interesting thing is ride on a miniature train that runs through the jungle. Small population of Blue Bull, deer, wild boar and Jackals is found here.

Two friends of mine were gracious hosts - both in January 2006 and December 2007. I visited there one Saturday, had a tour of their apartment (lovely), had a delicious Pakistani meal in this nice large kitchen in their apartment in a Lahore suburb, and I had a lovely time with them - sharing, laughing, resting, etc. They were wonderful to be with and I consider them special friends, like family but better.

While this falls under basant, it's not basant that you'll miss, it's seeing something you've probably never seen and that's the men coloring the kite string. Or perhaps I'm the only one easily impressed and amused. I found this really really interesting and the men LOVED having their pictures taken, especially when I took copies to them. It's a hard job they do ALL DAY for WEEKS gearing up for Basant.

The picture shows a beautiful skyline sunset across Lahores Badshah (Royal) Mosque. The picture was taken from within the Royal Fort/Castle top.