Harappa (Punjab)
Harappa, an archaeological site, is at a distance of 24 km from Sahiwal. Its name is driven from a modern village located near the former course of the Ravi River that is at a distance of 6 km from the site.
The site of the ancient city contains the ruins of a Bronze Age, which was part of the Indus Valley Civilization.
About Sahiwal
Sahiwal, formely was known as Montegomery, is located between Sutlej and Ravi rivers at a distance of 180 km from Lahore on National Highway N-5. Its old name was Montgomery in the era of the British Empire. It is also an important railway station on the rail track between Lahore and Karachi.
Sahiwal is bounded by Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Khanewal, Vehari, and Pakpattan districts. The National Highway N-5 runs through the center of the district and all of the surrounding cities are connected with the same highway. Sahiwal is also located on the main railway track from Lahore to Karachi.
Sahiwal is a historical city and was a pre-historical settlement known as Harappa in 2600 BCE. In Indus Valley Civilization, Sahiwal was an agricultural region with dense forests. It was ruled by number past kingdoms.
The Ravi River flows along the one side of the district and its water is used to irrigate for agriculture purpose in the district. Lower Bari Doab, originated from Head Balloki, is the main canal running in the center of the district to transfer water to other parts of the district.
Sahiwal is famous for special breeds of buffaloes and cows, those are the best dairy breeds. It is famous for the Sahiwal cattle breed, which is the best dairy breed of humped cattle, also known as zebu. Due to its heat tolerance and high milk production, these cows have been exported to other countries of the world. It is popular for think and largest quantity of milk. It is also used for beef production after crossing with Bos Taurus to produce low fat animal. The cattle market in the Chichawatni Tehsil is the largest cattle market in Pakistan.
Harappa, one of the ancient civilizations dated 3000 to 5000 B.C., is located 24 km on the southwest side of Sahiwal City. It was an important urban city of Indus Valley Civilization. The site contains the ruins of a Bronze Age well organized city. It occupied about 370 acres with clay brick houses. It had urban centres, well organized social and economic system, drainage infrastructure. The site was damaged in 1857 during the construction of Lahore - Multan rail track when its bricks were used for track ballast. It is the main attraction for tourists in the Sahiwal district.
Harappa Museum is located on the Harappa Road near the Harappa Heritage Site and was established in 1926. It presents all of the culture of Harappa Civilization and artifacts found while excavating the site. One can visit museum from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Chichawatni is the headquarters of Pakistan Forest Division. Chichwatni Reserved Forest, covered 9,000 acres, is the second largest forest in Pakistan. It is located along the Lahore-Karachi Railway Line from Dadfatihana to Kassowal railway stations and Lower Bari Doab Canal. Tourists can also visit the forest areas to enjoy a day trip.
Canan Park is located along the canal in the Sahiwal city. It is a family park and good place for family picnic. One can also enjoy boating and food within the pleasant and cool breeze near the canal.
There are number of industries in the Sahiwal district, but the most famous are dairy products, food industry, oil mills, vegetable cooking oil, biscuit plants, cattle feed industry, confectionery, etc.
The climate of the Sahiwal district is extreme hot in the summer season, whereas in winter season, it becomes moderate cold. It also receives much rainfall in the monsoon period, so it the best place for producing various cash crops such as wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and rice.