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.     

Swat Valley; A sublime experience for the life time

In this rushing life of responsibilities and liabilities, one always deserves a short break to become not only relieved but also get fulfilled with pleasant memories to boost up the mood. Planning a tour of some excellent place can execute the purpose. There are number of places worth visiting in Pakistan, but Swat Valley is exceptionally wonderful and stands among very few touring venues which leave a life time impression on the tourists’ mind.

There are number of beautiful sites to visit in Swat Valley, and it is difficult to touch all these in a tour of few days. Especially, family trip needs a very tactful and comprehensive plan to move ahead. Mingora, the main city of Swat Valley, is situated at a minimum drive of four hours from Islamabad City. Mingora City is the first major destination to start a tour of the valley. A family, reaching there through public transport, can hire a vehicle in Mingora city. There is an ample availability of vehicles ranging from cars to vans, depending upon the choice and size of a group or family. 

First night can be spent in Mingora City or in Fizza Ghat which is a nearby town situated at the bank of Swat River. It is recommended to start the journey towards Kalam Ctiy next day early in the morning to visit various beautiful spots on the way. There are two ways to go to Kalam, one through Charbagh and second through Matta. Road situation is very good at Matta side and surrounded by beautiful terrain on the way. Charbagh side is surrounded by even more beautiful terrain having a number of apple and peach gardens, but road condition is comparatively rough. First notable place to visit on the way is Miandam valley that is full of beautiful water streams, flowers in the spring, and a whirling road in beautiful hills. One hour is quite enough to move around and feel the beauty of greenery and gushing water streams. There are number of hotels available for those who want to spend a night there. After Miandam, one moves to Madyan bazaar and then to Bahrain where one can observe powerful flow of Swat River, high rise green mountains and beautiful waterfalls. After spending an hour or so, 45 kilometers drive remains ahead to reach at Kalam valley. Throughout this journey to Kalam, most of the time River Swat moves parallel to the road, enticed with link streams, high hills, fruit gardens, waterfalls and even snow glaciers depending upon the season. 

There are many hotels in Kalam offering very good accommodation and services. One can stay in a hotel based upon personal choice and budget. Here, staying in a hotel at the river bank amazes the experience of this visit.  After spending a night, first day at Kalam can be spent by visiting Hill Top, Bund meadows, Ushu valley, Matlitan and even Gibral valley. 2^nd day should be dedicated to visit the beautiful Mahondad Lake after hiring a jeep from Kalam bazaar. Moving early in the morning is advisable to enjoy different beautiful spots on the way to lake, that are snow glaciers, big waterfalls, fast flowing streams, huge pine trees, intimidating flow of river etc. Reaching Mahondand Lake is like reaching at a piece of paradise which is encircled in scenic green mountains, upright pines, grassy grounds, clean cold water and beyond belief weather. Lunch can be taken along with or can be taken from little food huts set by the locals. In past there was no hotel there to stay, but these days a good hotel accommodation is available at Mahodand. 3 to 4 hours are sufficient to move around, do boating, taking lunch and enjoying the scenery. After coming back from Mahondand and taking a little rest, Kalam bazaar is worthwhile to visit in the evening.

Next day an earlier departure back to Mingora or Fizza Ghat is required to visit Malam Jabba in after noon and White Palace Marghazar in evening. Malam Jabba is the highest touring site in Swat Valley. Road to Malam Jabba is narrow and steep, and very beautiful all the way. Malam Jabba is also an outstanding view point to see far spreading sceneries all around. There are few hotels to stay in Malam Jabba and a night can be spent there. Malam Jabba is also a skiing spot during the snow season and so is a place being visited throughout the year even while few other places are blocked by the snow. One and half hour is enough to enjoy the stay at this place. The last but not the least place to visit is White Palace Marghazar that can even be visited in the evening. White Palace is a beautiful palace built by past head of state of Swat. It is a most visited family spot near Mingora City.  Tea is served there by the administration in return to the entry ticket purchased. There are also rooms available next to the palace to stay at this beautiful place.

Mingora City can be reached from Islamabad after a drive of 4 hours, and Mingora to Kalam takes 4 to 5 hours and may be more if stopping on the way. Jeep track from Kalam to Mahondand takes nearly 3 hours to reach there. One and half hour is required to reach Malam Jabba from Mingora. Marghazar is situated half an hour away from Mingora.Swat Valley can be visited from May to November, avoiding the months of snow falling and snow blockade, especially in Kalam. Swat is heavily visited during the months from June to Mid August, and the heaviest visiting times are Eid Holidays and Kalam Festival in second week of August. Hotel rates are little higher during June to mid August and highest during Eid holidays and Kalam festival. A budgeted tour can be planned after mid of August till November. Temperature is little warm during May to August, and gets colder afterwards. Especially in Kalam, weather fluctuates recurrently and nights are much colder. It is necessary to take warm clothes including jackets to face cold waves.

 
Having a good camera is a must to capture the enchanting beauty of Swat Valley.

Takht Bhai Remains; An astounding visit of ancient times

Visiting a historical place truly grabs a charm to feel the life style of ancient people. Among ancient cultures, the most popular one is of Buddhism due to its unique way of living in places far off the common population of that time. Takht Bhai remains, situated at an altitude of 1,800 feet above sea level, are among the oldest discovered remnants of Buddha, dating back to 2^nd BC to 5^th century AD. These remains are scattered over a huge area of 32.9 hectares, and were dug first time in 1907. This site has also been placed in World Heritage List of UNESCO.

Takht Bhai remains possess a variety of relics like stupas, study rooms, worship places, rooms of monks, living rooms, working places, covered and uncovered pathways, gathering place and very small meditation rooms etc. Each and every part of this site reflects its own narrative regarding various aspects of Buddha life. Moving inside this ancient sanctuary is both very much informative and appealing. 

This site is situated next to the village Mazdoor Abad at the back side of Takht Bhai a small town at a distance of nearly 18 kilometers from Mardan City. This place can be accessed from Islamabad City after a drive of two hours. Tourists moving back from Swat City can also make a stay of 2 to 3 hours at Takht Bhai both to eat famous Chappali Kabab and visit these relics of ancient times. From Takht Bahi, a mere drive of 5 to 10 minutes takes to this very attractive historical place.

This place can be visited throughout the year but ideal time is from September to April when temperature is moderate or a little cold. During peak summer season, it is advisable to take water bottles and wear hats or take umbrellas to avoid direct heat of sunshine. This site is situated at a little height and is reached through stairs, and can be visited during day light only.

Do not forget to take pictures of this magnificent heritage of Buddha history. 

      

Pipe Line Track; Best to Track with Family

Families who want to spice up their touring venture with some tracking mix that is equally easier and impact-full, Pipe Line Track is highly recommended to them. Pipe Line Track was laid down in 1930 at the altitude around 8,200 feet above the sea level. This track is 4 kilometers long and can be completed in 50 to 60 minutes, and even slower if staying at extensively beautiful sceneries on the way. This track can be accessed both from Ayubia and Dunga Gali which are situated at nearly 30 kilometers from main Muree, nearly a drive of 60 to 80 minutes. 

This track can be visited throughout the year except the days when there is extensive snow fall there and when it is blocked due to the snow. There are number of hotels available, near this track, in Ayubia, Dunga Gali and Nathia Gali. This track can also be reached from Murree after a drive of 60 to 80 minutes and from Islamabad after a maximum drive of two and half hour. It is recommended to track here during day light and that is between 7AM to 4PM. One should have a margin of at least two hours before entering into the track to avoid darkness.

May to August are the months when this place is visited heavily by the tourists from different areas and cities. During this time rates of accommodations are at much higher side, and highest during Eid days and other public holidays. Hotel rates are also higher on weekends. A family who wants a budgeted tour to the Pipe Line Track, should plan a visit other than the months mentioned above. September to mid December and then March to end of April are the best months to plan an economical and even more enjoyable tour. Hotel rates during peak seasons move up to Rs. 20,000 per night, but during off season comes down to even Rs. 1,500 per night. 

Weather fluctuates very frequently, so taking warm clothes including jackets are highly recommended. Do not move on the track with an empty stomach. It is essential to take ample water bottles because there is no drinking water available on the track. Food items can also be taken along with and a meal can be enjoyed on the way while sitting inside huts situated on the track. 

Do not forget to take a good camera to preserve this unforgettable experience of your life.