Karachi, Pakistan » Entertainment » Attractions

Although Karachi is the commercial centre of Pakistan, it is also one of the most richly cultural regions of the world to visit for its impressive history and local traditions as well as breathtaking geography

   

Mazar-e-Quaid (Jinnah Mausoleum  

Mazar-e-Quaid is one of the most impressive landmarks in Karachi which refers to the tomb of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah. It is also known as the Quaid-E-Azam's Mausoleum or National Mausoleum. This monument is situated at the heart of the city which was completed in 1960s. The graves of the 'Quaid-e-Millat' i.e. Liaqat Ali Khan who was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan and Quaid's sister Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah are located nearby.

 

   

Masjid-e-Tooba 

It is said that, Masjid-e-Tooba is probably the largest single dome mosque in the world. Locally known as the Gol Masjid, it is situated in the Defence Housing Society near main Korangi Road. The dome of Masjid-e-Tooba has diameter about 236 feet balanced on a low surrounding wall without central pillars. Its minaret is around 70 meters in height.

   

Clifton Beach

The Clifton beach is situated in the Arabian Sea near the Saddar Town of Karachi. This very popular beach of Karachi offers plenty of beachside entertainment opportunities like horse and camel rides, amusement parks, restaurants and swimming in the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most famous picnic destinations for its residents and the tourists as well.

 

   

Bhambore (Banbhore

This archaeological site is located around 64 kms from Karachi and it is assumed to be the ancient port city of Debul. In 712 AD, Arab conqueror Mohammad Bin Qasim first of Baghdad captured the whole area by defeating the local ruler Raja Dahir. This site has a small museum, remains of an old mosque, some other archaeological relics and nice green lawns to rest and enjoy.

   

Mohatta Palace 

Mohatta Palace was built in the late 1920's by Shivratan Chandraratan Mohatta. He was a Hindu businessman from Marwar who used this palace as his summer home. It has an area of around 18,500 sq. feet and it is built in the style of stone palaces in Rajasthan. The windows, stone brackets, spandrels, domes, balustrades with floral motifs and railings are just amazing. A beautiful family temple dedicated to Hindu God, lord Shiva is situated on the terrace of the Palace. Now days, it hosts a museum which exhibits the early history of Sindh, the freedom struggle and information about the city of Karachi.

 

Haleji Lake 

Haleji Lake is about 52 miles from Karachi. This Asia's greatest water fowl reserve is a very popular attraction of Karachi. The lake is a home for hundreds of migrant birds from Siberia during the winter. Around 222 bird species that include coots, ducks, purple moorhens, kingfishers, pigeons, white herons, teals, waders, mallards, flamingos, shovellers, pelicans, cormorants, egrets, black-headed gulls, pheasants, partridges and storks can be found here. This lake is a paradise for bird-watcher.

   

Frere Hall  

During the days of British rule, some public buildings like Frere Hall (1865) and the Empress Market (1890) were constructed in the city. The Frere Hall is a well-preserved beautiful structure that still exists in the city. It was built in honour of Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere (Commissioner of Sind 1851-1859) who promoted some economic developments in Karachi. Mr. Benjamin Flinch then developed a garden around it. This yellowish Karachi limestone building has two floors comprising a hall, an orchestral gallery and the Liaquat Municipal Library at the ground floor.

   

Hindu Gymkhana (National Academy of Performing Arts) 

The Hindu Gymkhana was constructed in 1925 and it covers an area of around 47,000 sq. yds. It is one of the major tourist attraction situated on M. R. Kiyani Road opposite the Arts Council in Karachi. It has a sub-continental style architecture depicts both the Mughal and Hindu style. Now a days, Hindu Gymkhana is home to the National Academy of Performing Arts which is an institution established to conserve and teach performing arts and music.

 

   

Paradise Point 

Paradise Point is a beach on the Arabian Sea which is actually a sandstone rock promontory with a natural arch. Though the rocky region of this point is not suitable for swimming, the Paradise Point offers an opportunity to enjoy some beachside activities like horse rides, camel rides etc. It is one of the famous tourist destinations in Karachi.

   

Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim  

Previously named as Jehangir Kothari Park, Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim is country's largest park situated along the Arabian Sea in Clifton, Karachi. The park covers an area of around 130 acres. It has an accommodation capacity of about 300,000 people at a time. It has hundreds of trees, stone benches, lighting towers and footlights for the visitor's convenience. It is open for 24 hours a day.