Takht-e-Bahi Archives -

Situated in the heart of Pakistan, the capital city of Islamabad boasts an ideal location that offers easy accessibility from both within the country and internationally. Moreover, its proximity to various key destinations allows visitors to embark on captivating day excursions to explore the region’s natural and cultural wonders. Below are outlined some of the major excursions from Islamabad. DAY EXCURSION TO RAWALPINDI OLD CITY: Rawalpindi, the sister city of Islamabad, is a dynamic urban center celebrated for its bustling markets, rich historical sites, and lively ambiance. Travelers have the opportunity to discover various attractions such as the antique structures within Raja Bazaar, the lively markets of Saddar, and the historic edifices and thoroughfares predating Pakistan’s formation. Notable landmarks include the Pakistan Army Museum, Ayub National Park, and the iconic St. Paul’s Church Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi’s proximity to the capital city adds to its accessibility and appeal to visitors. DAY EXCURSION TO TAXILA WORLD HERITAGE SITE Taxila is an ancient metropolis situated approximately 45 kilometers north of Islamabad, the country’s capital city. Positioned on the border between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, Taxila derives its name from the Sanskrit term Taksasila, translating to “city of cut stones.” This significant archaeological site was discovered in the late 1800s by the renowned archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham. Covering an area of approximately 30 square kilometers, Taxila boasts a rich museum and over 50 sites of historical importance. Notable sites within Taxila include Julian, Sirkap, Mohra Moradu, and Julian. Acknowledging its cultural significance, Taxila was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pakistan in 1980. You may also be interested in: Excursions from Gilgit DAY EXCURSION TO WAH MUGHAL GARDENS The Mughal Gardens, dating back to the era of Akbar, are situated in the city of Wah, less than an hour’s drive from Islamabad. Akbar commissioned Ahmed Mehmar Lahori for their structural and architectural design. These gardens boast exquisite design and have served as the inspiration for numerous significant architectural endeavors due to their ingenuity. In 2006, a team of researchers discovered evidence of a sophisticated water system underlying the gardens, showcasing their modernity for their time. Travelers along the Grand Trunk Road from Peshawar to Islamabad, or those visiting Taxila and Khanpur Dam, can take a moment to explore these historic gardens. DAY EXCURSION TO GURDWARA PANJA SAHIB Gurdwara Panja Sahib, located in Hasan Abdal approximately 50 kilometers from Islamabad, holds immense significance for the Sikh community as one of their most sacred places of worship. Its importance lies in a rock within its premises believed to bear the handprint of Guru Nanak. Twice a year, Sikhs from across the globe make pilgrimages to this Gurdwara. While the Gurdwara’s architecture is stunning and worth admiring, access to the compound is restricted to the general public. DAY EXCURSION TO ROHTAS FORT – A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE Rohtas Fort (Qila Rohtas) is one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pakistan, designated in 1997. The gigantic Rohtas fort is an exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture surviving today. It was built by Farid Khan – the “Lion King” – well known as Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. Located some 16km northwest of Jehlum city, the fort was strategically built in a gorge on a small hill 300ft above its surroundings, and it commands the old route from the north to the plans of Punjab across the Potohar Plateau. Rohtas Fort is located some 98 km from Islamabad and takes about 2 hours to reach. The major reason behind the erection of this rampart was to subdue the pro-Mughal Ghakkar tribe and to thwart the possible return of Mughal Emperor Humayun who had fled to Iran after his defeat in the battle of Kanauj at Chaunsa. DAY EXCURSION TO KALARKAHAR & MALOT TEMPLES Kalarkahar is a serene town located in the Chakwal District of Punjab, Pakistan. It is approximately a two-hour drive from Islamabad, making an ideal day excursion from the capital city. Kalarkahar is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring lush green hills, freshwater lakes, and picturesque landscapes. One of the main attractions in Kalarkahar is the Kalarkahar Lake, a tranquil reservoir surrounded by verdant hills. The Malot Temples, also known as the Malot Fort Temples, are a historical and archaeological site located near the village of Malot in the Salt Range of Punjab, Pakistan. These temples date back to the 10th century and are an important representation of the region’s ancient Hindu heritage. DAY EXCURSION TO KHEWRA SALT MINES The Khewra Salt Mine, also known as the Mayo Salt Mine, stands as the world’s second-largest salt deposit. Situated in Khewra, an administrative division within the Jehlum District of Punjab Province, Pakistan, it holds the distinction of being the largest salt deposit in the country. This remarkable site serves as a crucial source of salt and stands as one of Pakistan’s premier tourist attractions, boasting an estimated total of 220 million tons of rock salt deposits. Its origins trace back to the era of Alexander the Great, where legend has it that his horses were observed licking the rocks during their encampments. Located approximately 160 kilometers from Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Khewra is easily accessible and can be reached within a three-hour drive. DAY EXCURSION TO KETAS RAJ TEMPLES Ketas Raj is a complex of ancient Hindu Temples nestled at an altitude of 2,000 feet above sea level. The temples are situated near the Chakwal district in the Potohar region of Pakistan. The Ketas Raj, also known as Qilla Ketas, originally is a sacred pilgrimage site steeped in history and spirituality. The temples hold a history that dates back to the days of the Mahabharata, approximately 300 BC. Katas Raj encompasses a cluster of seven ancient temples, remnants of a Buddhist Stupa, medieval temples, Havelis, and recently constructed temples, all centered around a revered pond. This pond was once enclosed by a fort, temples, bathhouses, and rest houses. DAY EXCURSION TO ATTOCK FORT Attock Fort stands as a significant historical monument situated along the banks of the River Indus at

Excursions from Islamabad Read Post »

Attock Fort, Banjosa Lake and Tolipir, Chattar Park, Kalarkahar and Malot temples, Ketasraj fort, Khanpur dam, Khewra Salt Mines, Malot Temples, Murree Hills, Muzaffarabad and Pir Chinasi, Noori Waterfall, Peshawar, Peshawar and Khyber Pass, Rawalpindi, Rohtas Fort, Simly dam, Swat Valley, Takht-e-Bahi, Tarbela Dam, Taxila, Umbrella waterfall

Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol

Takht-i-Bahi Monastery and Sahr-i-Bahlol Ruins in Gandhara, Pakistan In the heart of Mardan city, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, lie two historical treasures: the Takht-i-Bahi Monastery and the Sahr-i-Bahlol ruins. Both structures, dating back to the early 1st century, are situated merely 5 kilometers apart and have earned the prestigious title of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pakistan, a recognition bestowed upon them in 1980. Takht-i-Bahi: An Overview The name Takht-i-Bahi is a fusion of two Persian words, “Takht,” signifying “top” or “throne,” and “Bahi,” translating to “spring” or “water.” This nomenclature paints a vivid picture of a monastic complex perched atop a hill, overlooking a meandering stream. Another interpretation suggests that it could mean the “Throne of Origin.” Majestic Architecture The grandeur of the Takht-i-Bahi monastery sprawls across three interconnected spurs on a hill, rising from 36.6 meters to 152.4 meters in height. The primary structures grace the central spur, commanding a panoramic view of Mardan’s plains, accessible via a staircase boasting around 300 steps. Within this complex, you’ll find the main lower stupa court, the upper south stupa court, a Grid Monastery, an assembly hall, covered stepped passageways leading to dimly lit meditation cells, and various secular buildings. Additionally, scattered around the main complex, spread over 4 kilometers, are several units, potentially serving as residential areas or assembly halls, all visible from the hill’s summit. A Scenic Retreat The journey to the top of the Takht-i-Bahi archaeological relics hill rewards visitors with a breathtaking view. One can gaze across the plains, with Peshawar visible on one side and the Malakand Pass and Swat’s picturesque hills on the other. During winter, a thick blanket of fog sometimes envelops the region, shrouding even the nearby Takht-i-Bahi bazaar and Mardan City in an ethereal veil. Discovery and Historical Significance In 1836, the site’s existence was first noted by General Court, a French officer in the service of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Dr. Henry Walter Bellew, a British medical officer born in India, explored it in 1864, leading to a series of excavations. Harold Hargreaves conducted further research from 1910 to 1911. The travel records of Chinese monk-pilgrim Xuanzang (602-64) also allude to this archaeological marvel. The site’s relics were mentioned for the first time in 1836 by the General Court. Dr. H.W. Bellew’s visit in 1864 resulted in a report detailing the remains and a stupa on the central spur. He also described sculptural fragments, possibly parts of large-scale sculptures. Subsequent excavations in 1871, reported by F.H. Wilcher, unearthed a total of 165 sculptural fragments, primarily depicting seated Buddhas and standing bodhisattvas. Unfortunately, the outcome of the 1911-1913 excavation was less fruitful due to inadequate record-keeping. In 1920, the site underwent significant restoration. Historically, the monastery thrived for 800 years, from the 1st century B.C. to the 7th century A.D. Archaeologists divide its history into four distinct periods: Foundation in the 1st century B.C., evidenced by inscriptions bearing the name of Gondophares (20-46 A.D.). Influence of Kushan kings, such as Kujula Kadphises and Kanishka, in the 1st and 2nd centuries. Development of the Stupa Court and Assembly Hall in the 3rd and 4th centuries. Construction of the Trantic complex with dark cells in the 6th and 7th centuries, overseen by invading Hun rulers. Architecture of Takht-i-Bahi The remains of the complex encompass four main areas: The central “Stupa Court,” features a cluster of Stupas surrounding a central courtyard. Monastic chambers, comprising individual cells arranged around a courtyard. A temple complex, housing several Stupas. Dark cells in the basement, designed exclusively for meditation. The entire structure is constructed using indigenous dressed and semi-dressed stone blocks, set in grey-colored limestone, adhering to Gandhara patterns. The site’s enduring reputation is founded on its remarkable preservation and strategic location, rendering it impervious to hostile incursions. Notably, stone sculptures from the site were relocated to the Peshawar Museum, while the stone inscription of Gondophares now resides in the Lahore Museum. Sahr-i-Bahlol: An Adjacent Enigma The second component of this historical tapestry is the Sahr-i-Bahlol ruins. Also referred to as Seri Bahlol or Sehr-i-Behlol, these ruins belong to a small fortified town from the Kushan period. A mound, approximately 9 meters high, is enclosed by a stone fortification wall. This wall, erected about 3,000 years ago, spans 9.7 hectares but has suffered damage at several points. The site holds remnants of Buddha that have not been adequately excavated. Regrettably, illegal excavations by local residents have led to the discovery of antiques such as statues, coins, jewelry, and utensils. Surrounded by fertile fields, this site now faces the threat of extinction due to ongoing construction. Access to These Treasures Takht-e-Bahi Monastery is located about 2 kilometers east of Takht-e-Bahi bazaar on the Mardan-Swat road, and approximately 15 kilometers north of Mardan city. Mardan itself is situated roughly 70 kilometers from Peshawar and can be reached within an hour and a half. The journey from Islamabad, spanning approximately 150 kilometers, takes around 2.5 hours. Both sites are suitable for a day excursion. Entry Timings: Summer: (1st April – 30th September) 08:00 am to 06:30 pm Winters: (1st October – 31st March) 09:00 am to 04:30 pm Holidays: The monastery remains open on holidays unless high-profile delegations are visiting or special instructions from higher authorities dictate otherwise. Entry tickets: For locals: Rs. 20 Foreign tourists: Rs. 500 Parking charges: All vehicle types: Rs. 50 Photography charges Applicable only to DSLR cameras: Rs. 500 Explore the rich history and architectural splendor of Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol, where the past comes to life amidst the enchanting landscapes of Gandhara, Pakistan.