A stroll down the Gardens of Lahore
The history of gardens in Lahore is as old as the city itself. They might be a good dating point, but the recreational activities they provide are a good break from the busy routine of life.
Source: Dekhlay.com
Lahore does complete justice to its title “The City of Gardens.” The parks and gardens in Lahore do not just provide recreation to the people, but their aesthetic aspects are a sight for sore eyes.
Here are a bunch of famous gardens in Lahore that we all have heard about while growing up:
Jilani Park
Source: The News International
I will forever be grateful to this particular park my whole life. It served as refreshment in the busy routine of college. The park’s perfect location just beside my college (Kinnaird College for Women) made it extremely suitable for me to take a walk on its smoothly built track and lose some weight.
The Polo Club in the heart of the garden was a sight to see with pretty horses running about. It even has a public gym which is free of cost and anyone can make use of that. The calm lake and boating provide perfect tranquility.
Bagh-e-Jinnah
Source: kufarooq16
Also known as Lawrence Garden to some, this garden is home to the iconic Quaid-e-Azam Library. Besides the library is the office of the Tennis Federation Board, as well as four hard courts and grass courts where I myself started playing in hopes of becoming a mixed doubles partner of Rafael Nadal someday. The garden also has a large variety of trees, flowers, fruits and vegetables.
The numbers of people who come to walk every morning are particularly interesting to observe because after completing their tiring jog, they gather together and talk politics and life around the table of Chanay, Halwa Puri and Lassi.
Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park
Source: The News
Named after Allama Muhammad Iqbal, this park is a huge attraction especially for the kids. It is host to a lot of recreational rides which keeps it crowded throughout the day.
I have vague memories of visiting the park and enjoying the spicy chana chaat from the vendors standing almost at every nook and corner of the park.
Iqbal Park
Source: Ab Tak News
Another park in the list that accommodates a famous landmark, Minar e Pakistan. The park is in close proximity to Old Lahore, hence making it more historically significant.
Recently, the area between Iqbal Park and Badshahi Mosque has been turned to a theme park, creating more opportunities for the citizens to enjoy the fountains, waterfalls and hold picnics with friends and family.
Shalimar Gardens
Source: Locally Lahore
This is one of the gardens that I went to on a school trip in Grade 2. It was built by Shah Jehan in 1641 AD with a significant aesthetic sense. It serves as a great example of the Mughal architecture with immense greenery as far as the eye can see. The beautiful, refreshing fountains and architecture are reason enough to make it to the tourists’ bucket list. Shalimar Garden was also host to Queen Elizabeth II in her visit to Lahore in 1961.
The City of Gardens truly serves its citizens in the greenest way possible!
Which one is your go-to garden in Lahore?