Holiday tourism: Hundreds throng Lahore Fort, Badshahi Masjid

Visitors take guided-tours organised by WCLA

LAHORE:

A large number of people visited the historical monuments of the city during Eidul Azha holidays, including the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Masjid.

Saman Bashir, one of the citizens, told The Express Tribune that it was amazing to take a tour of the Mughal-era fort. “The Lahore Fort and Badshahi Masjid are truly some of the best monuments in the world,” she said.

Ali Raza, another visitor, said, “It is my first visit to Shahi Hamam, Badshahi Masjid and Lahore Fort. I regret not coming here before. I took advantage of the Eid holidays and planned a trip to these marvelous historical monuments.”

Muhammad Javed, a senior guide at the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), said that the authority was giving guided tours to the visitors.

Ghulam Abbas, a resident of Johar Town, told The Express Tribune that he had joined a guided tour from Mochi Gate to Fort Road Food Street. “I visited many historical sites on the route including Masjid Saleh Kamboh, Lal Khoo, Chowk Nawaab Sahib, Mohallah Shiaan, Mubarik Haveli, Haveli Wajid Ali Shah, Takia Sadhuaan, Haveli Mian Khan, Chohatta Mufti Baqar, Ghazi Ilm Deen Shaheed’s house, Sonehri Masjid, Baoli Bagh, Pani Wala Talaab, Langa Mandi, Chowk Heera Mandi, Food Street and the Lahore Fort,” he said.

Hajira Nawab, a resident of Wapda Town, said that she and her family had enjoyed a similar tour after Eid.

“We travelled from Delhi Gate to Fort Road and witnessed some of the greatest historic sites in our country. It was really an amazing experience,” she said.  Abubakar, another visitor, said that after spending the two days at home, he had visited the historical Walled City of Lahore on Wednesday. “We travelled from Bhati Gate to Fort Road and visited Allama Iqbal’s house, Qamar Manzil, Faqir Khana Museum, Naqsh Art Gallery, Chowk Heera Mandi and Shekhupurian Bazaar,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2014.