Karachi (The Pearl of Arabian Sea) , the history of mega polis dates back to 18th century, when it was formally planned and established by a Seth, a local merchant. Researchers claim that there has been a small settlement around the Arabian Sea, even centuries before Jesus Christ. Apart from the proven facts, it has been a folk tradition that Karachi was once a village of fishermen, called Kalachi or Kolachi. It later changed to Currachee, Currachi and finally Karachi in the times of British rule. Crochey, Caranjee and Kurrachee are other corrupted versions. The city earned prominence while the British made it provincial capital, after annexing Sindh in 1843.
The Zoroastrians or Parsis are responsible for many of the heritage buildings and other landmarks of Karachi. They are truly called the pioneers of city as they served enthusiastically to make Karachi a proper city from the ashes of fisher-men’s village.
In 1947 saw the emergence of first ideological state in the Sub-continent. The newly born Pakistan chose Karachi as its capital. It was then a small, clean and cultured city of 400,000 people. As the floodgate opened for immigrants, it soon developed as a big city of ethnic diversity. The world recognized it as one of the most important towns of the region for it had all the charm, attraction and opportunity for the natives, as well as foreigners.
Even after shifting of capital to Islamabad in 1959, Karachi kept on touching the height of growth in every aspect. Now it is a mega city of more than 20 million people, having an international airport, a modern seaport, railway stations, flyovers, overhead bridges, underpasses and metallic roads, with other necessities. It is by far the largest city of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Places of Interest:
The birthplace of Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan has many pleasant attractions like sunny, sandy beaches, deep-sea fishing, yachting, golf and horse racing, besides rush-taking shopping markets. You can buy indigenous handicrafts, beautifully woven, handmade rugs/carpets, jewellery, garments, cloth, pottery and a lot more. There are also beach attractions and clubs in Karachi.
- Quaid-e-Azam’s Tomb
- Tooba Mosque
- PIA Planetarium
- Safari Park
- National Museum
- Empress Market, Saddar
Excursions from the City:
Chaukhandi Tombs
It is situated at a distance of 27.35km from Karachi, the place is very famous for its unique and extraordinary high graves, having impressive carving and engraving of the sandstone slabs and floral motifs. There are two other similar types of graveyards in the remote areas of Karachi, but little known to the general public.
Built between the 15th and 18th centuries, the Chaukhandi Tombs now form a remarkably well-preserved necropolis that often attracts curious visitors and archeologists alike, but the area is not without foreboding legends.
Bhambhore
This archaeological site, known also as the actual coast of Debal, where great Muslim conqueror, Mohammad Bin Qasim landed in 712 AD, is about 64 kms/ 40 miles away from Karachi. You can find a rich collection of painted pottery, coins, beads etc. at the site museum.
Haleji Lake
Asia’s greatest water-fowl reserve, the Haleji lies at a distance of 70kms/52 miles from the City of Lights. It is well known for the migratory birds flowing down from the cold Siberia.
Thatta
The historic city of Thatta, which also served as the capital of Sindh for about four centuries, lies at a distance of 98 kms/ 61 miles. It also has the splendid Shahjahani Mosque, built by the great Mughal emperor Shahjahan in 17th century and Makli Hill’s graveyard.
Keenjhar Lake
The beautiful lake is situated in the north of Thatta, at a distance of 24kms/ 15miles. There you can enjoy a stay at PTDC Motel, offering air-conditioned accommodation and delicious food.
Makli Hill’s Graveyard
The necropolis of Makli is a living proof that the historical city of Thatta thrived on the forefronts of culture and civilization. It is the resting place of countless dignitaries including holy saints, kings, native rulers, chiefs and viziers. It is considered as the largest ancient graveyard in the world.
Mohenjo-Daro
This 5000-year old center of civilization can be visited at a distance of 563kms/350miles from the present capital of Sindh. The worthy site offers spectacular view of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, Indus Valley Civilization. The visit to museum will provide you detailed history through various goods, discovered during several excavations.