A Journey to Kamalia, Punjab

The small city of Kamalia is in Punjab, Pakistan. It is in the district of Toba Tek Singh. Kamalia tehsil is famous for Khadar cloth and poultry. Kamalia is ranked 67th with regard to population. It is one of the smaller cities in Pakistan, but it does have a welcoming environment.

In this blog, Graana.com has prepared a detailed guide on Kamalia city. Let’s explore this city together.

Location

The city is located in the centre of Punjab. It is 28 kilometres from Toba Tek Singh district and 30 km (about 18.64 mi) away from Chicawatni. It is located in the southwest of the Ravi River.  The nearby cities include; Pir Mahal, Rajana, and Sumandari.

History

While Kamalia’s history stretches back centuries, its modern story is deeply intertwined with the rise of the “Swadeshi” movement, a call for self-reliance that swept India in the early 20th century. Khadi, a coarse, hand-woven cloth, became the emblem of this movement, symbolising a rejection of British-made textiles and a return to traditional Indian craftsmanship.

Kamalia, already known for its skilled weavers, emerged as a prominent centre for khadi production. The legacy of the Rai families, who established early markets and contributed significantly to the city’s economic activity, played a crucial role.

With independence in 1947, the demand for khadi soared as a symbol of national pride and economic self-sufficiency. Kamalia’s khadi industry flourished, attracting skilled artisans and contributing to the city’s growth.

However, the rise of synthetic fabrics and changing consumer preferences posed challenges for the khadi industry. While Kamalia’s production continues, it has adapted to modern times. Today, the city produces not just traditional khadi but also new designs and blends to cater to contemporary tastes.

Despite the challenges, Kamalia continues to hold onto its rich tradition of khadi weaving. The city’s modern history is a testament to its ability to adapt while staying true to its roots. Kamalia remains a symbol of skilled craftsmanship and a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Swadeshi movement.

Climate

Kamālia has all year long hot and dry, scorching summers that are clear, and brief, chilly winters that are also clear. The average annual temperature fluctuates between 42°F and 106°F; it is seldom lower or higher than 36°F or 113°F.

The Kamālia Median Temperature  

From April 23 to September 23, or 5 months, is considered the summertime. During this time, the average maximum temperature rises above 98°F. June is the warmest time in Kamālia, with a mean high temperature of 105°F and a low temperature of 84°F.

The average everyday maximum temperature during the 2.7-month mild season, which runs from December 3 to February 23, is less than 75°F. With an average low temperature of 43°F and high temperature of 68°F, January is the chilliest month of the year.

Significance

Kamalia is well-known for a variety of products, such as the Okra crop, poultry, sugarcane, and the hand- or machine-woven cloth known as “Khaddar.” In addition to the “off-season” crops, other year-round crops are grown on fertile soil, such as rice, wheat, cotton, and maze. With such a wide range of commodities, it is a significant location for the agriculture sector.

These crops are so abundant that a large portion of them is shipped to other parts of the nation. Okra is shipped throughout the nation, including to Afghanistan. Poultry is additionally provided to larger towns such as Islamabad and Lahore.

How to Reach Kamalia?

There are several ways to reach Kamalia, Pakistan, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation:

By Plane

The closest airport to Kamalia is Faisalabad International Airport, located approximately 110 kilometres away. From Faisalabad, you can take a taxi, or bus, or rent a car to reach Kamalia.

By Train

Kamalia does have its train station. The station is smaller as many trains don’t entertain this station. Better to reach the city by train via Toba Tek Singh Railways Station or Sahiwal Railway Station. From these stations, you can hire a taxi or rickshaw to reach Kamalia.

By Bus

Kamalia has a bus terminal with connections to several Pakistani cities. You can search online for bus schedules and fares from your origin city to Kamalia.

By Car

If you’re travelling from within Pakistan, driving to Kamalia is an option. The motorway network connects many cities in Pakistan.

Here are some routes you can take:

• Islamabad to Kamalia: This route is approximately 517 kilometres via M-2 Motorway and M-4 Motorway. The drive should take around 5 to 6 hours.
• Lahore to Kamalia: This route is approximately 380 kilometres via the M-2 Motorway. The drive should take around 4 to 5 hours.
• Karachi to Kamalia: This is a longer route, approximately 886 kilometres via M-5 Motorway and M-4 Motorway. The drive should take around 12 to 14 hours.
• The distance from Faisalabad to Kamalia is approximately 87.4 kilometres.

From Lahore

• By Car: Getting behind the wheel is the easiest and fastest choice. Travel the M-2 Motorway for a seamless, 4–5-hour drive of about 380 km.
• By Bus: Several bus companies run routes between Kamalia and Lahore. Find the right timetables and prices by searching online. According to the operator and the route taken, the journey time may change.
• Via Train: Although there isn’t a direct train connection, you might think about travelling 23 miles from Kamalia to Sahiwal Junction Station in Lahore via train. Take a taxi or rickshaw from Sahiwal to your destination.

From Faisalabad

• By Car: At about 87.4 kilometres, this is the quickest route. Drive the Faisalabad-Jhang Road; it’s a simple trip that should take one to one and a half hours.
  By Bus: Kamalia and Faisalabad are connected by frequent bus services. Check out bus timetables and fares online. The company and route may have an impact on the length of the trip.
  By Train: There isn’t a direct train, just like in Lahore. Toba Tek Singh Junction Station (TBS), located approximately 42 kilometres from Kamalia, is a good place to take the train. You can take a rickshaw or taxi to Kamalia from the station.

Dynamics of the City

Most Kamalia residents are polite and amiable. Compared to many other cities, this one is rather crime-free and serene. Surprisingly, despite the streets’ extreme narrowness, the nearby families have grown closer to one another and look out for one another through good times and bad.

The majority of people own and operate their own small companies. These include farmers, commission agents at agriculture and dry ration markets, merchants in important bazaars, and owners and operators of weaving machine units (looms).

Like in other parts of Pakistan, most people there enjoy politics. Every sort of election, including pre-elections, has a high turnout and enthusiastic participation. Kite flying and pigeon keeping are two popular local pastimes. There are many pigeon houses and kite-flying kits on rooftops. The youth like cricket because they are Pakistani. The days when plenty of places, like “Master-11” and others, were the teenage dream come true are long gone.

Another issue is the availability of clean drinking water. The water table in the city is progressively dropping. However, that is just one problem. Living comfortably is becoming increasingly difficult as fresh underground water becomes more contaminated and yellowish-brown in many places.

 Demographics of Kamalia City

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kamalia

Following are the most common questions and their answers about Kamalia.

What is Kamalia famous for?

Kamalia is primarily known for its high-quality Khadar cloth, a coarse, hand-woven fabric with a rich history in Pakistan. The city has been a prominent centre for Khadar production for generations, boasting skilled artisans and a thriving textile industry.

How big is Kamalia?

While exact figures might vary depending on the source, Kamalia is generally considered a small city. Estimates suggest a population in the range of 135,000 people.

Is there a train station in Kamalia?

Yes, Kamalia does have a railway station. However, information regarding operational train services might be limited. It’s advisable to check the Pakistan Railways website or reliable travel portals to confirm current train schedules to Kamalia. Alternatively, consider nearby stations with better connectivity and connect to Kamalia by road.

What are some things to do in Kamalia?

Beyond experiencing the charm of a traditional Pakistani city, Kamalia offers some interesting options:

• Immerse yourself in the world of Khadar: Visit local markets or workshops to witness the weaving process, learn about Khadar’s history, and purchase authentic fabric.

• Explore the local culture: Delve into Kamalia’s vibrant bazaars, sample regional cuisine, and interact with friendly locals.

• Discover historical sites: While information might be limited, explore any historical landmarks or monuments within the city.

What is the best time to visit Kamalia?

The cooler months, typically from November to March, offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Kamalia. Summer temperatures can be quite high, especially considering the lack of widespread air conditioning in smaller cities.

This was all about Kamalia, for more information, visit the Graana blog.