KATAS RAJ TEMPLES
https://purapak.blogspot.com/2020/03/katas-raj-temples-new-face-of-beaty.html
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL TOURISM
Historical or archaeological tourism is one of the most promising area for individuals looking for ancient archaeological sites in Pakistan. The area constituting modern- day Pakistan has been inhibited by even Neolithic civilization (the latest period of Stone Age -12000 BC) like Mahrgarh that is older than Indus valley Civilization. The remains of this civilization can be found near the Bolan Pass on Kacchi plain of Balochistan. The very discovery of Neolithic civilization has placed this region in a position that is comparable in advancement with Fertile Crescent of the Middle East. Indus Civilization (a Bronze Age civilization) is also a major source of attraction for archaeologists and tourists interested in history. The remains of Indus Valley Civilization are one of the three earliest human civilizations that appeared on the Earth. The language written on the artefacts found from these sites is yet to be deciphered – it is still among the world’s biggest mysteries. Apart from prehistoric culture, northwest part of Indian Subcontinent has been the entry point for all invaders; therefore, the layers upon layers of different cultures – Greek, Arab, Turk, Mughal – can be witnessed in every part of Pakistan. Pakistan is a culturally diverse country so is its landscape. Cuisine, architecture, Sufism and festivals are another source of attraction for the tourists. The designation of Peshawar as the ‘Oldest Living City in South Asia’, the Mughal architecture in Lahore, the colorful culture of Kalash Tribe Shandur Mela, festivals of northern areas, food street in Lahore and Peshawar are some cultural distinctions.
#architecture#pakistan#tourism#archaeology#lahore#indusvalley#bolanpass#travelpakistan#peshawar
Buddhist monasteries and archaeological sites are also attraction hubs for many tourists. Pakistan sits on the birthplace of what is called the Mahayana Buddhist being practiced in Korea, China and Japan. Archaeological sites of Gandhara Civilization, which are scattered across Mardan,Taxila and Swat, enhances manifold the religious and cultural tourism linked with Buddhism. Recently, unearthing of the world’s tallest (48-foot-long) sleeping Buddha statue in Haripur has further added to the tourist value of this region. In addition, Takht-i-Bahi, the Indo- Parthian archaeological site in Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa enjoys tremendous sanctity among Buddhists. Another source of attraction for the tourists can be remains of one of the oldest Stupa, which was built by the great Buddhist emperor, Asoka The Great (who rules almost entire Indian Subcontinent from 268 to 232 BC) in Katas Raj complex. With proper marketing, tourist facilities, infrastructure improvement, religious tourism associated with Buddhism can help increase tourists visits to these sites even further. Beach tourism or maritime tourism is another underdeveloped and under- invested subsector. Pakistan has a 1046-km-long coastline dotted with sandy beaches, coastal highways, warm water, mangrove forest and lagoon. Apart from well developed yet highly polluted Clifton beach in Karachi, there are dozens of beaches in Sindh and Balochistan that can be developed for attracting maritime tourism. In this regard, Gaddani, Gwadar, Ormara and some other beaches in Balochistan and other under-invested beaches in Sindh can be prioritized as an important sector to enhance the influx of domestic and foreign tourist in Pakistan.
BUDDHIST AND MARITIME TOURISM
Buddhist monasteries and archaeological sites are also attraction hubs for many tourists. Pakistan sits on the birthplace of what is called the Mahayana Buddhist being practiced in Korea, China and Japan. Archaeological sites of Gandhara Civilization, which are scattered across Mardan,Taxila and Swat, enhances manifold the religious and cultural tourism linked with Buddhism. Recently, unearthing of the world’s tallest (48-foot-long) sleeping Buddha statue in Haripur has further added to the tourist value of this region. In addition, Takht-i-Bahi, the Indo- Parthian archaeological site in Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa enjoys tremendous sanctity among Buddhists. Another source of attraction for the tourists can be remains of one of the oldest Stupa, which was built by the great Buddhist emperor, Asoka The Great (who rules almost entire Indian Subcontinent from 268 to 232 BC) in Katas Raj complex. With proper marketing, tourist facilities, infrastructure improvement, religious tourism associated with Buddhism can help increase tourists visits to these sites even further. Beach tourism or maritime tourism is another underdeveloped and under- invested subsector. Pakistan has a 1046-km-long coastline dotted with sandy beaches, coastal highways, warm water, mangrove forest and lagoon. Apart from well developed yet highly polluted Clifton beach in Karachi, there are dozens of beaches in Sindh and Balochistan that can be developed for attracting maritime tourism. In this regard, Gaddani, Gwadar, Ormara and some other beaches in Balochistan and other under-invested beaches in Sindh can be prioritized as an important sector to enhance the influx of domestic and foreign tourist in Pakistan.
#swat#pakistan#tourism#buddhist#khyberpakhtunkhwa#tourist#history#gwadar#travelpakistan
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