Orphan kids take safari train to Takht Bhai
Photo: Express
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) has arranged another spectacular train safari to the historic Takht Bhai Buddhist archaeological site for the orphan children of Zamong Kor and families to provide them an opportunity for enjoyment and entertainment.
Organized on the special directives of K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the families and destitute children enjoyed the guided train tour to the historic Buddhist site and explored the archaeological significance of the remarkable place declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site.
Advisor to Chief Minister on Tourism Zahid Chanzeb said the train safari was also aimed at promoting religious tourism and informing people about K-P’s rich history and heritage sites.
The tourists were taken from the Saddar Cantt Railway Station, where they were welcomed with vibrant tunes of a traditional band performance.
They reached the Takht Bhai Railway Station after sightseeing stops at various stations, including the City Railway Station, Nasirpur, Pabbi and Mardan. Throughout the excursion, the participants explored the remnants of the 1st Century AD of Buddhist civilization.
The tourists were also briefed on the historic significance of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site besides visiting ancient monasteries inside the Buddhism Archaeological Complex.
During the journey, the tourists were informed about the traditions and culture of the Buddha era and the religious importance of the relics to Buddhism’s followers and archaeology experts who often visited the sites for prayer and meditation.
There were big crowds of tourists and visitors at the historic sites and scenic places during the Eid holidays. The visitors hailed the initiative and stressed the need for organising such activities for the entertainment of tourists and the promotion of tourism in the province in the future.
They termed the train safari tour one such great endeavour which they had thoroughly enjoyed, adding that the KPCTA staff members and the Tourism Police had facilitated them during their visit.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 14th, 2024.