The archeological site offers a peaceful environment for those seeking a break from hectic routine. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
Bhanbhore is a great tourist destination because of its hilly terrain. Historians believe the remains of one of the earliest known mosques in the region are still preserved here. Residents believe that River Indus used to pass near Bhanbhore years ago and the spot is now called Gharo creek. It is also the hometown of Sassui and Punhoon - a famous folktale of love.
The archeological site offers a peaceful environment for those seeking a break from hectic routine. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
Despite an important tourist site, the government is yet to initiate a strategy to make this place attractive for visitors. The road to the site is narrow and the department has not fixed a board giving directions on the National Highway. If tourists come in the morning or afternoon they can hardly visit the entire site. “It is hot, and there is no shelter for people planning to stay and explore the beauty,” complained a visitor, Ashfaque Ali.
“I am waiting for the sunset. I want to feel the silence and enjoy the peace of mind,” Ali added. Ali has been visiting this site consecutively for the last couple of years and believes that staying overnight offers an amazing experience. “Stay here, wander here and go for fishing. Lie under the open sky and stare at the countless stars. The memory won’t leave you,” he said.
Ali and his friends said that the site offered a dreamlike view during rains and in the evening. “The ideal time is between Asr and Fajr prayers. Abrupt showers multiply its beauty.”
Talking about the facilities available, he complained that since there was no drinking water at the site, no one could walk around for long.
Officials of the provincial government said that they had realised that developing infrastructure at the archaeological site was the need of the hour.
“We just see a few hundred people on weekends. There will be more rush if the plan is implemented,” said an official on the condition of anonymity. “We don’t know what to preserve or how to preserve it. Bhanbhore narrates our history and we should learn more about it.”
The archeological site offers a peaceful environment for those seeking a break from hectic routine. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
Sindh Director for Archaeology Qasim Ali Qasim said that the master plan for the development of site would be ready by December this year, and work would start by January next. “It is a comprehensive plan to make the site an alluring place for tourists,” he added.
The plan involves establishing a boundary wall around the site and providing facilities to the tourists. Water will be released in the natural lake adjacent to the site, while boats will be available for tourists to see the surrounding area. Maintenance and conservation of the site will also be undertaken.
Qasim informed The Express Tribune that private parties will be encouraged to launch boat projects. “The sea close by the site offers a beautiful view for visitors,” he added.
The archeological site offers a peaceful environment for those seeking a break from hectic routine. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
A resident, Abdul Sattar, said that a cafeteria, a library and a waiting room should be built. “People just know it’s a historic site. What they should know is that it’s the place from where Muhammad Bin Qasim entered Sindh. They should also know this city is famous for folktales.”
Sattar said that Bhanbhore is an ideal place for people who needed peace of mind and wanted to learn the history of Sindh.
The archeological site offers a peaceful environment for those seeking a break from hectic routine. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
The archeological site offers a peaceful environment for those seeking a break from hectic routine. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2013.
COMMENTS (3)
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Visited this place three years back and still cannot forget the sound of wind and the peace one can find here. For all history lovers its a must visit place as it is the place where Babul Islam is.
Will be happy to visit these places. I was amazed at the beauty of Islamabad, Murree
Having been lucky enough to visit all the major archaeological sites in Pakistan (Taxila, Harappa, Moenjodaro, Bhambore, Makli, buddhist ruins in Swat), I get this sense of loss as none of the sites have been fully developed for generating funds for upkeep and care, so we may lose these sites to naturalor manmade disasters sooner or later.