Changa Manga Forest: Picnic at World's largest man made forest

Families or individuals who reside or visit Lahore, and want to spend a picnic day at some place outside the city, Changa Manga Forest is one of the best touring site to go. The major distinction of Changa Manga is its status being the largest man made forest on earth. Changa Manga is covering an area of 12,000 acres that is 48.6 square kilometers. The plantation of the forest was started by British in 1866 to get wood fuel for the railway engines at that time.

Changa Manga is situated at a distance of nearly 80 kilometers from Lahore City, and can be reached after a continuous drive of one and half hour. One has to travel a distance of 67 kilometers at Multan Road, and then, at Jamber, has to turn left to drive for another 13 kilometers to reach the forest. After entering the forest, one has to drive further for three kilometers inside the forest to reach at the main entry point. There is ample vehicle parking available at the site.

Changa Manga Forest has a variety of attractions for the tourists. The major population of trees, along with many other varieties, belongs to Sheesham, Kicker and Popular. There are big grassy grounds where flowers are also planted in an organized manner. Mehtabi Lake, also called Lunar Lake, is a beautiful circular lake with hanging bridge and with facility to do boating in it. There are play grounds where one can enjoy playing cricket, football or other games. There is a play area for children, which is equipped with different types of swings to take on. A long but shallow water flowing canal inside the forest is also an attraction to sit along or move around. Model of “Minare Pakistan” also attracts the visitors to appreciate the skill of its architect. One of the fantastic experiences there is the 5 kilometers long ride of a mini train that gives a wonderful view of the forest. Changa Manga is a natural wild life habitat especially for the birds. There is also a zoo to see variety of species; hog deer, Indian peafowl, nilgai, jackal and wild boar. There is a big and deep water canal running parallel to the inner peripheral area of the forest, where one can also spend time and see a water turbine. There are also vegetation farms, alongside the forest, with variety of crops.

There are canteens and restaurants present at the forest to fulfill the needs of tourists. A forest rest house is also there but can only be booked through the Forest Department. Camping can also be arranged after coordinating with administration of the forest.

Changa Manga Forest can be visited throughout the year but best visiting season is winter. During summer season, it is sensible to take umbrellas or wear hats to avoid direct heat of the sun. Forest can only be visited during the day time. A minimum of 3 to 4 hours are required to visit and enjoy all the attractions at the site. Place is heavily visited during public holidays and weekends. A group or family can take cooked meals along with or even can cook at the site. For cooking, one has to take cooking tools along with like gas cylinder and cooking pots. Ready made eatables are also available at the shops inside the forest.

 

A good camera will do the purpose to preserve this beautiful picnic memory.