Punjab

Punjab is an important province of Pakistan. It is the second largest province of Pakistan by area, whereas it is the largest province by population. The meaning of Punjab is, five-waters, as there are five main rivers flowing in it.

Historical Importance of Punjab

Punjab has historical importance due to the Indus Valley Civilization in 2600 BC, discovered at Harappa. Then it remained as a part of the Hindu Dynasty in 326 BC, finally the height of its values in the Mughal Empire. At the time of independence in 1947, its was divided among India and Pakistan by Radcliffe Line.

Sufism & Cultures of Punjab

Punjab is also strongly influenced by Sufism, as number of shrines across Punjab. There are famous shrines in Multan and Lahore. The annual celebration, known as Urs, are conducted year where thousands of foreign and local visitors participate to explore the local cultures of Punjab.

Punjab is a well-developed province in Pakistan due to industrialization and better literacy rate in the province as compare to other provinces of Pakistan. Nearly 60% of population of Pakistan lives in Punjab only. Most of the people from other provinces migrate to Punjab to earn better.

Landscape of Punjab

The landscape of Punjab consists of fertile alluvial plains of the Indus River and its main tributaries, the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas rivers. Punjab also has largest system of canals, which are mostly used to transit water from one river to other to irrigate its vast land of different districts of Punjab.

There are also number of medium and small size mountain ranges in Punjab such as the Sulaiman Mountains, the Salt Range, and the Margalla Hills. Some of the area of Punjab is also part of the Thal and Cholistan deserts.

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions in Punjab are mostly extreme in summer as well as in winter, whereas monsoon period causes heavy rain in July and August. The South Punjab is hotter and warm as compare to the North side of Punjab.

Punjab Travel Plan

To explore Punjab, one can start from Lahore, heart of Punjab. Lahore is also known as cultural capital and one can explore Lahore in 2 to 3 days. Lahore is the provincial capital of Punjab, which is an historical and culture center of Pakistan. The most exciting itinerary must include the Walled City architecture, Imperial Mughal monuments and landmarks, and museum collections. The local food gives you the superb experience of the taste through the famous culinary streets.

On the North side along the G. T. Road, one can visit the ancient Rohtas Fort in the Salt Range. The sacred Katas Raj and Salt mines are other most attractive places in the Salt Range. Then, you may enjoy the pleasant and cool weather in the pine forests of Murree Hills.

On the south side, Multan is famous for Sufi shrines leading toward the Cholistan Desert, where Derawar Fort shows the powers of the princely State of Bahawalpur. The Cholistan Dsert Jeep Rally is the most wonderful event in the months of February. Harappa archaeological site near Sahiwal city depicts the historical aspects of the ancient Indus Civilization.

Exploring the ancient fortress walls of Cholistan and learn the historical aspects of the princely state, check out our Bahawalpur Travel Guide.