Thatta Things to Do

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One of world's largest nacropolis with over 100,000 graves, dating back 600-700 years. Although I feel it is impossible to see all, but the best preserved and attractive tombs are right at the start, and another batch at the very end (2 km).

Most people just visit the Maqbras (mouseleums) that are near the entrance. But further north, metalled road turns into a dirt track (drivable but dusty), which will take you into another portion which is also worth seeing.

According to the caretaker, the grave of Mai Makli is there, on whose name the necropolis is named after (named after a woman).

You can now take your car inside (Rs. 10). Some mausoleums have entry fees.

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Haleji originally was a salt-water lake which was formed by seasonal water, collecting in a depression. During World War II, additional water was required for troops stationed at Karachi. Salt water was drained out and an embankment was constructed around the lake which was fed by fresh water through a canal. Resultantly, Haleji became one of the major sources of water supply to the increasing population of Karachi as well as an exquisite refuge for waterfowl.

A water reservoir, home to Siberian migratory birds from November till February - birds lover paradise in these months. Some crocodiles as well, and fishing.

You can take a circular round tour (in your car) of this lake. The drive is 10 km, and takes approx 40 minutes. There are also some crocs in this lake.

Water in this lakes comes from another large lake, Kalri, whicih is another 30 km further from Thatta. A rest is also availabe...check with Sindh Wildlife department.

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Where a 17 year old General, Mohd. Bin Qasim landed more than 1000 years ago, and Islam sets its foot on the Sub-Continent.

A very nice small museum, with some ruins on a small hillock.

Remanent of an old fort on a small hillock still exists. Archeological digs aer still revealing old artifacts, which are stored in the museum.

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Small, slightly older than the larger Makli tombs further down towards Thatta. However the carvings and designs are much more attractive at Chaukandi than at Makli.

30 minutes drive from Karachi on National Highway, the tombs are on the left side of the road. There is a marker, but difficult to locate. Another way of locating is when you reach FAST university (on right side), it is very near it.

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This mosque was built in the mughal period by Mughal Emeror Shah Jahan (who built Taj Mahal Agra). Construction started in 1644 AD and completed in 1647 AD (within 3 years short time). It covers an Area of 6316 Sq. yards. Construction costed ShahJahani Rupees. 900,000/- financed by governemt. Base is 12 to 15 feet deep made up of rock stones. Mosque is standing on 94 pillers. It has 5 doors. One main door with 2 small doors accompanying on west side and 2 doors each on South & North side. This mosque has 100 doms. Out of which 6 are large and others are small. Due to these doms there is no need of loudspeaker. Sound from one corner of mosque easily reaches everywhere. Similarly mosques ventilation system is so delveloped that mosque remains cool without fans or air conditioner.

It is an state of art architectual building. It represents the height of tile decoration in Sind.
At a time 20,000 persons can perform prayer.

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Makli Necropolis is said to be the largest graveyard in the world. It covers an approximate area of 10 Km in diameter. It has 125,000 tombs & shrines of regional Kings, Tribal Heads & Sufi saints. Tombs having architectual importance are of the period of Samma & Tarkhan dynasty who ruled Sindh during 14th to 17th century AD.

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Kalri / Kinjhar Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Pakistan. It is situated in Thatta Disctrict. Beside locals People from all over the Sind & Balochistan Province come here to enjoy the bath of Fresh water. Specially people from Karachi come here on picnic. People who came from Karachi book special conveyance for the whole day. They leave early morning from Karachi as there is about 3 hours drive from Karachi to Thatta.

Lake is best for picnic, bathing, fishing & sight seeing. Legend of Noori Jam Tamachi also belongs to this lake.

Further 30 minute drive from Thatta on the national higway takes you to another large lake - Kalri. This lake is also a water reservoir supplying water to Karachi as well as feeding Haleji Lake. There are various small huts/rest houses available (check Sindh Tourisim department in Karachi) for spending day or night.

Like Haleji, Kalri is also a bird sanctaury for migratory birds from colder Siberia.