Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Takht Bahi train safari charms travellers

KPCTA organises captivating safari train excursion to the Takht Bahi archaeological site

Our Correspondent March 15, 2024

In this photograph taken on February 9, 2017, visitors walk through the UNESCO World Heritage archeological site of Mohenjo Daro some 425 kms north of the Pakistani city of Karachi. Once the centre of a powerful civilisation, Mohenjo Daro was one of the world's earliest cities -- a Bronze Age metropolis boasting flush toilets and a water and waste system to rival modern standards. Some 5,000 years on archaeologists believe the ruins could unlock the secrets of the Indus Valley people, who flourished around 3,000 BC in what is now India and Pakistan before mysteriously disappearing.PHOTO: AFP

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) organized a captivating safari train excursion to the Takht Bahi archaeological site on Sunday, aimed at acquainting people with the profound history of Buddha-era heritage sites recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites.

A significant number of enthusiasts embarked on this unique journey, commencing from the Saddar Railway Station. Traditional melodies from a Pipe band greeted visitors as they arrived at the station, setting a festive atmosphere for the expedition. A total of 140 passengers embarked on the train safari, immersing themselves in the cultural and historical narratives of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), alongside insights into the ancient relics of Takht Bahi. Informative brochures were also provided to enrich their experience.

The train safari commenced its journey from Saddar Cantt Railway Station at 9:00 am, making sightseeing stops at City Railway Station, Nasirpur, Pabbi, and Mardan before reaching its destination at Takht Bahi Railway Station. Upon arrival, visitors were greeted by Hassina Shaukat, Manager Events, who extended a warm welcome, distributed traditional items, and adorned them with garlands. Emphasizing KPCTA’s commitment to promoting rail tourism, Hassina Shaukat expressed the authority’s intent to organize similar tours in the future, offering tourists more opportunities to explore and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.

She elaborated that these tours would offer valuable insights into the rich history of K-P, serving to attract foreigners to indulge in the diverse culture and traditions of the province. Upon arrival at Takht Bahi, participants were escorted to the Takht Bahi relic’s monastery, where they received enlightening briefings from the Curator of the Takht Bahi Directorate of Archaeology.

The curator depicted the grandeur of the Buddha era and underscored the historical significance of these sites, acknowledged as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2024.