Lahore is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cities in the world but you won’t find it in most travelers’ dream destinations list. But if you are brave enough to keep the negative press aside, fight for the hard-to-get visa and save up for an expensive flight, you will be rewarded with a city known for its unwavering hospitality, rich culture and delicious delights.
There is a famous Punjabi saying, ‘Jinney Lahore nahin vekhiya, O jamyai nai’ (The one who hasn’t been to Lahore, hasn’t taken birth) and anyone who has visited Lahore can validate the same. Keeping in mind all the greatness of this city, we have curated a list of 5 things that the world is forever grateful to Lahore for!
1. Fawad Khan
While India may have first laid eyes on the dashing Fawad Khan as Sonam Kapoor’s lover in the bollywood film, Khoobsurat, the actor has been Pakistan’s favorite man for decades now. It’s not only because of that flawless face, but also his charming personality that can unarguably win most hearts.
2. Badshahi Masjid
A breathtakingly beautiful mosque, built by Aurangzeb in 1673, this is Mughal architecture at its finest. The red sandstone shaped into vast arches and sky-piercing minarets, is delicately inlaid with marble and offset by intricate stone carvings.
3. Nihari
Even though Karachi and Faisalabad offer a great variety of foods, it’s Lahore that draws food lovers from all over the world; and no foreigner returns from Lahore without tasting its mouthwatering, rich and spicy food. One dish that holds a special spot in every Lahori’s heart is the majestic nihari! Nihari is a thick, brown, spicy gravy with tender pieces of meat.
4. The Lahore Zoo
The zoo houses a collection of 1380 animals and over 136 species. The children can enjoy the electronic rides while the adults can relax by indulging in a perfect alongside the picturesque waterfall.
5. Goodbye Freddie Mercury by Nadia Akbar
Nadia Akbar’s audacious debut novel, Goodbye Freddie Mercury gives readers a juicy slice of Lahore by effortlessly breaking the perceived stereotypes of life in urban Pakistan. This book takes us inside the mansions of Pakistan’s ruling elite where we are revealed a life rarely thought existed in Pakistan- think drugs, sex and political plots.
