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Metropolis in Punjab, Pakistan
Photo: Khalid Mahmood, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rawalpindi is a city of 2.1 million people (2017) in Pakistan. It is a bustling town strategically located between the Punjab and Azad Kashmir. It has a strong colonial influence and possesses a large military cantonment with the headquarters of the Pakistan Army. It is the sister city of Islamabad, essentially its older sister. To locals, it is simply known as "Pindi".
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Gardens that have a depressing history of political assassination - The first prime minister of Pakistan, Khan Liaquat Ali Khan, was assassinated here in 1950, and 57 years later Benazir Bhutto was assassinated here on 27 December 2007.
The park was opened in 1991. It has a play area for children, lawns, fountains and flower beds. A cricket stadium was built in 1992 opposite the Public Park. The 1996 World Cup cricket matches were held on this cricket ground.
McDonald's, Pappasalis, Cinepax and COSMO (Cash and Carry) are built inside this park.
It covers an area of about 2,300 acres and has a play area, lake with boating facility, an aquarium, a garden-restaurant and an open air theater.
The Army Museum was established in 1961 to collect and display material relating to the Pakistan Army and the British Indian Army.
Modern western style cinema complex showing a range of south Asian and Hollywood films.
Enjoy the scenic beauty and mountain valleys of Pakistan from a helicopter. Askari Aviation provides helicopters and aircraft for adventures and safaris. They have several itineraries on their website and each trip starts from Islamabad.
On the first Sunday of each month a tourist train (possibly steam) makes its way from Pindi to Taxila, stopping at Golra Sharif station where there is a small museum. From Taxila a coach can take you to Khanpur dam - or you can check out the Taxila museum and ruins. The train leaves Pindi around 9am, returning in late afternoon.
A good collection of Pakistani restaurants popular with families and couples - including a nice outdoor grill serving sheesha around low tables (Shahinshah). Plenty of parking and feels secure - and very little traffic.
Excellent upscale Pakistani and Afghan restaurant. Dual western seating and lounging on cushions setup. Air conditioned also makes for a good choice in summer. The fact it is always busy is testament to the great food, atmosphere and service. Meal around Rs600.
Western quality Chinese restaurant set away from the main road. Extensive menu covering all the Chinese bases. Seafood is a bit of a specialty (the honey prawns being particularly good) and even lobster is available. Perhaps Pindi's nicest restaurant. Note that the portions are all designed for 2 people to share, so ask for half portions as necessary. Around Rs600 per person for a decent meal.
very popular bakers and Pindi's best place for pizza (Rs. 650). Outdoor eating area.
Memorable setting on the terrace of the minigolf course, with a small lake, flamingos, and Greek statues. Good selection of Pakistani food (BBQ and curries mainly). Popular with Pindi's middle classes. About Rs700 per person for a good sized meal.
Pindi isn't the place to go for a good steak - but if you are looking for one then this uncomplicated family restaurant is probably your only choice. Serves a range of Western food, including sizzling hot-plate style steaks.
Government-run, centrally located, and apparently named after Harry Flashman, the anti-hero in the novels by George Macdonald Fraser.
Features outdoor pool and steakhouse. Lit up in green twinkle lights sometimes.
One of the oldest and most traditional bazaars of Rawalpindi. Moti Bazar is famous for clothes and artificial jewellery, Saraf Bazar is the most famous gold market of Rawalpindi famous for good quality gold and unique designs. Purana Qilla (translation: old castle) is a bazaar that is famous for variety of fancy wedding clothes. The traditional snacks like gol gappay, dahi bhally, smosa chaat, chana chaat, fruit chaat are very famous in these bazaars. Also while visiting these bazaars you will get to see old temples and Lal Hawali, buildings with old architecture.
One of the largest shopping malls of Twin City. It deals in garments imported from Hong Kong, Thailand, Italy, France, and the UK, imported and stylish jewellery, men's branded suiting, branded shoes, children's branded suitings, complete range of ladies western dresses, party wears and under garments.
If you are looking for a multifloor shopping mall, with escalators, shiny floors and lots of shops this is a good option (especially in summer when the bazaars are baking hot). Lots of clothing shops covering male and female fashions, and a good option if you are looking for a comparatively relaxed shopping experience.
By train
Rawalpindi has its own central railway station, with regular services to many destinations within Pakistan.
By road
Rawalpindi has extensive road networks, linking it directly to various major cities such as Lahore, Peshawar and Taxila to the north.
By bus
Skyways, Daewoo travels are one of the nicer long-haul operators. Skyways offer some direct services from Islamabad and Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi.
Rawalpindi is a large sprawling city - however the centre, focused on Raja Bazaar is walkable - but easy to get lost, so a GPS or compass isn't a bad idea.g. Raja Bazaar to Saddar) it's best to hop in a taxi.
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