Sialkot is one of the popular cities, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is known as the “football production capital of the world”, exporting around 30 million footballs annually.

Sialkot is connected to all the major cities in Pakistan, by road, trains and flights. It takes just two hours to reach the city from Lahore and four hours from Islamabad. Although it is known for its trade and commerce, it has a rich historical and cultural significance too. Have a look at three popular attractions in Sialkot.

Iqbal Manzil

Iqbal Manzil lies in the heart of the historic city and is one of the most popular attractions of Sialkot. It is the birthplace of the renowned poet Sir Muhammad Iqbal, also known as Allama Iqbal and is revered in many countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He is also known as the national poet of Pakistan. Iqbal Manzil was the family residence of Iqbal and was purchased by Iqbal’s Grandfather, Mohammad Rafique. Many international as well as local tourists come to Sialkot just to visit the residence of the famous poet. The residence was renovated and converted into a museum-cum-library in 1977 and ever since, it has been a part of the national heritage.

Tomb of Imam Ali-ul-Haq

Imam Ali-ul-Haq, also known as Imam Sahib lived during the times of Feroz Shah Tughlaq, in the 13th Century CE. He was one of the most influential figures in spreading Islam in Sialkot. He is known as a martyr who sacrificed his life fighting against the Rajah of Sialkot and his shrine is located at the place where he attained martyrdom. The mausoleum comprises of narrow corridors which leads to the shrines. It has a beautiful courtyard where you can sit and reflect. There is a bustling market outside.

Marala Headworks

The Marala Headworks is located on the Chenab River, near Sialkot. This colossal hydro-engineering project is considered to be a great place for family picnics and outings. It is also popular as a fishing and angling spot. Countless people come here to relax, enjoy the surroundings, and indulge in outdoor activities. During winter, it becomes a home for various bird species such as Common Cranes, Mallards, Greylag Geese, Pallas Gull’s, Eurasian Bitterns, and many others, which make it a bird-watching haven.

Islamabad is a beautiful city in Pakistan widely known for its natural beauty. While the rolling mountains and wildlife make for enchanting distractions, a rich history and cultural heritage does its bit to add that extra zing. Tourists reserving flights to Islamabad may definitely look forward to a lovely eclectic holiday experience. Each year, visitors book flights from around the globe to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and explore the various attractions of Islamabad.

Shah Faisal Masjid

Discover the beauty and majesty of the white marbled Shah Faisal Masjid. Located against the backdrop of the picturesque Margalla Hills, this beautiful mosque has been designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay. It was built in the memory of King Faisal. The minarets and overall structure of the Shah Faisal Masjid, along with the mosaics and a spectacular chandelier further add to its grandeur.

Daman-e-Koh

Daman-e-Koh by Farhan Chawla/ CC BY

You will get a marvellous view of Islamabad at the scenic Daman-e-Koh, which is located on the Margalla Hills.  Ample of scope for hiking in the verdant forests treat visitors to a rich slice of nature. Peer Sohawa is a popular spot for visitors here, complete with good picnic spots, great eateries, snack bars, and fine restaurants.

Margalla Hills

Margalla Hills by Kamran HashmiCC BY

Come to Margalla if you are game for some nature walks and serious hiking. In fact, be it walking or driving, and cycling or camping – there is no dearth of activities one may indulge in. Especially, the breath-taking and lush green hillsoffer plenty of opportunities for hiking. The number of walks offered to tourists range from half day to full day itineraries. The bar-be-que and other fare at the popular “The Khokha” restaurant  is yet another irresistible charmer here.

Islamabad Zoo

Islamabad Zoo offers excellent options for wildlife enthusiasts as well as educative recreation for people of all age brackets, especially children. Also known as Marghazar Zoo, the Islamabad Zoo was started in 1978 as a sanctuary for Indian gazelles, spotted deers and leopards found in the region.The zoo houses around 600 different types of animals and is a thrilling place for young people as they witness wildlife from close quarters.

Hordes of epicureans board Islamabad flights to relish its culinary delights and seldom return disappointed. A melting pot of varied cultures, this charming capital of Pakistan is a perfect place to savour different types of cuisines from around the Asia. Dining venues range from immensely upscale bistros to elegant, yet pocket-friendly restaurants and offer something exotic for all. Here are some recommendations to help you make the most of your money invested on travel tickets and holiday deals:

Sakura Japanese Restaurant, Marriott Hotel (Japanese)

Sakura redefines Japanese dining with delicious authentic cuisines and the spectacular interior with a live Teppanyaki station. The chick eatery is a part of Islamabad Marriott Hotel and will win you over with scrumptious food complemented by coveted Japanese hospitality.

Top Picks: Chicken Teriyaki & Tempura, Sashimi and fried Shrimp.

Golden Dragon (Chinese)

Both locals as well as international tourists visit this elegant eatery to savour the best of Chinese cuisines in Islamabad. It serves on platter a wide range of dishes, all cooked to perfect. Cordial staff will make you feel at home and leave you gloating about your decision of dining here after disembarking Islamabad flights.

Best Picks: Soft Noodles/Lo Mein, Pork chow Mein, Beef Chop Suey and Shrimp Egg Foo Young.

Cafe Lazeez (Indian)

“The best Indian food in Islamabad”, this is what has often been said about Cafe Lazeez, located on Bhattai Road in Islamabad. The chic eatery is known for its delicious naans, crispy kebabs and varied shades of Chicken Rizala flavoured with aromatic spices. Great service from the friendly staff makes experience more enriching and well worth the cost of travel tickets, dining and other expenses for Islamabad trip.

Top Picks: Chicken Rizala, Dal Makhani and naans.

Rock Bistro (Local Pakistani)

No ‘true-blue epicurean’ can claim epithet until some of the local delicacies are savoured. And perhaps the best place to do in Islamabad is Rock Bistro, located in street 11-A, F-10/2. It offers hygienic, delicious Pakistani cuisines paired with an elegant ambience. Book your table at the top floor to take in the captivating views of Margalla hills.

Best Dishes: Local cuisines, steak and prawns.

If the ancient arts of Gandhāran and the remnants of Vedic culture tickle you pink, Taxila is the place to be while holidaying in Islamabad. Every year a good number of globetrotters, especially those having a penchant for history and archaeology board flights to Islamabad and take a day tour to Taxila. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asian region and narrates the ancient tales of rich history dating back from 6th century BC to the 5th century CE. The mystical ruins found in this region depict a lot about various dynasties which ruled here over the centuries. A visit to these historical treasures offers an opportunity to peep into rich cultural heritage of this prehistoric evolution.

Holidaymakers disembarking flights at Islamabad can drive down to Taxila and explore the pre-historic ruins to get a deeper insight on the Gandhāra, Hun and Kushan Empires. Taxila Museum is one of the ideal places to head to if you have a special interest in Kushan dynasty and Buddhism. Various displays from that era like old coins, temple friezes as well as artefacts made of silver and bronze depict the political, social as well as economic structure of that particular time. This thought provoking repository is open to public every day from 8 am to 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm; except first Monday of each month and closes early during the holy month of Ramadan.

Apart from drawing an impact on the glorious past of the Indus Valley Civilisation, this heritage site nearby Islamabad, boasts several landmarks and monuments that reflects the colonial period of the nation. The Army Museum, Rajah Bazaar and Pakistan Monument are few of many prominent tourist attractions near Islamabad portraying the pre-independent period of the country and draw attention of many local as well as foreign tourists arriving here by flights. Besides, nature lovers taking holidays in Islamabad often avail weekend getaway tours to the Margalla Hills. This is a part of Murree Range and offers breathtaking sceneries which are enough to give flights to visitors’ fancies. Moreover, the crisscrossing hiking trails have made Margalla one of the prime reasons to take an expedition here.