Havelian | History, Tourist Attractions and More

Havelian, located in KPK, emerges as a captivating town that beckons with its rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking natural beauty. Located just 110 kilometres north of Islamabad along the famed Karakoram Highway, Havelian sits strategically, a mere 12 kilometres shy of Abbottabad, cradled at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. 

The town’s name, Havelian, meaning “The Mansions,” resonates with the echoes of the past, echoing the grandeur of old residential mansions and caravan-serais that once played host to ancient caravans traversing the Silk Route. Join Graana.com on a virtual journey as we explore the charm and allure of Havelian, where every corner tells a story steeped in history and natural splendour.

 

Location of Havelian

 

 

The city, located in the Abbottabad District of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, lies along the Indus River, approximately 75 kilometres (47 mi) from Abbottabad, the district headquarters. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and numerous historical landmarks, Havelian attracts visitors to attractions such as the Havelian Fort, Havelian Bazaar, and Havelian Mosque.

The town serves as a significant agricultural hub, surrounded by fertile farmlands. A substantial portion of its population is engaged in farming and related industries. Additionally, the city is a cultural and traditional hub of Hazara.

In the surrounding areas of the city, you can find one of Pakistan’s largest ordnance factories known as Pakistan Ordnance Factories Havelian (POF). Furthermore, there exists an ordnance depot in proximity to both the city and the factory.

The town boasts good connectivity to the rest of Pakistan through road and rail networks. Regular bus services link the city to Abbottabad, and the town hosts a railway station facilitating transportation.

 

Origin of Name

The term “Havelian” finds its origin in the literal meaning of “The Mansions.” This nomenclature is closely tied to the historical context of old residential mansions and caravan-serais that once accommodated ancient caravans traversing the Silk Route. The city is characterised by mild summers and subsequent rainy showers.

 

History

While the prehistory of the city has not received extensive research, it was undoubtedly a significant location during the Kashan period (60 AD to 6th AD). Functioning as the gateway to the valleys in the south, the region played an active role during this time. Stone inscriptions found on rocks in Mansehra further substantiate that the area was a cradle of Buddhism in earlier times.

In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi ascended to power, inheriting the Ghaznavid dynasty empire from his father, Sultan Sebuktegin. By 1005, he successfully conquered the Shahis in Kabul and proceeded to extend his rule over the Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire subsequently governed the area.

Under British rule, the present-day district of Abbottabad was established as a Tehsil within the Hazara District. After Pakistan gained independence, it retained its status as a Tehsil of Hazara until 1981, when the former Abbottabad Tehsil was elevated to district status. Following this, the district underwent division into two Tehsils, namely Abbottabad and Havelian.

 

Get How to Reach There?

The city is conveniently accessible from Islamabad/Rawalpindi, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours. Vans and air-conditioned coasters depart every half an hour from the capital city of Islamabad to Abbottabad, allowing passengers to disembark en route at Havelian.

Additionally, a train service operates twice a day from Rawalpindi railway station, offering affordable fares. This journey presents an excellent opportunity to appreciate the region’s diverse flora and fauna, coupled with breathtaking views of gullies and valleys. The railway track traverses through villages and hamlets, providing glimpses of the authentic local lifestyle in its unadulterated form.

 

Places to Explore

The city, a small town and sometimes a tourist destination in Pakistan, lends itself to a day’s easy exploration. Given its size, there’s a limited array of activities and attractions to engage in. Accommodation choices are also few, often positioning the town as a brief layover before venturing into neighbouring cities.

Travellers commonly pause in The city for a swift snack and a short respite on their journey. For those seeking more diverse experiences, it’s advisable to venture into the adjacent cities. The following landmarks are well-regarded attractions in close proximity to The city:

1. Khanpur Dam Viewpoint
2. Eidgah Sharif
3. Race Course Park
4. Taxila Museum
5. Green Spot
6. Masjid Rajgan

When in the city, visitors can consult the list of nearby cities to craft a memorable itinerary, determining which neighbouring city promises the most rewarding experiences.

 

Transport in Havelian

The city relies on various modes of public transport, including auto-rickshaws, modified Suzuki pickup vehicles, and tongas, accommodating 8 to 13 passengers. Taxis and rental cars are also accessible. Vans and buses play a crucial role in establishing connectivity between the city and nearby cities and towns in the region.

 

Hazara Motorway Project

 

On November 29, 2016, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif initiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hazara Motorway, a vital component of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor. This 60-kilometre-long, 4-lane fenced expressway, with an estimated cost of Rs. 33 billion, aims to significantly reduce travel time from Islamabad to Havelian to just 30 minutes. 

Additionally, it will serve as a crucial road link for the city’s Dry Port project. The project envisions creating numerous job opportunities, fostering new business prospects, and contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

 

The Silk Road Connection

 

The city has historical importance as the starting point for the Karakoram Highway, constructed between 1966 and 1978 by FWO and Chinese engineers. The construction work for this vital road began at the Bridge of the city.

 

Railway Terminus and Future Prospects

Functioning as the terminus of a branch railway, the city has explored the possibility of constructing a railway link to China. Consultants were engaged in February 2007 to examine the feasibility of a railway line passing through the 4,730m-high Khunjerab pass. It’s worth noting that a former through railway to the east was disrupted by the partition with India.

 

Economy

The primary occupations in the city revolve around agriculture and business, constituting the main livelihoods for its residents. A notable portion of the population is engaged in the ordnance factories and ordnance depot. Notably, the factory has its housing area, distinct from the old city. Additionally, The city is home to the courier and cargo company, KMW Domestic and International Courier and Cargo Pvt Limited.

 

Prominent Educational Institutions

Following are some of the most prominent educational institutions located in the city:

1. Government High School
2. International Public School and College
3. Hazara University Havelian Campus
4. The Educators
5. Sir Syed Public School & College Sultanpur
6. Al Arqam School,
7. Jinnah Public School
8. Air Foundation School System

 

Postal Code

Havelian Postcode Type	Delivery Havelian Post office
Havelian Postal Code	22500
Area Name	Havelian
Post Office Name	General Post Office
Post Office Type	Main GPO
Post office Address	Cantt POF Colony, Havelian, Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Tehsil :	Havelian
District :	Abbottabad
City Code	AAW
Latitude	34.043465
Longitude	73.140862
Province	Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

 

Havelian Cantt

Cantonment Board Havelian (CBH) operates as an independent entity under the jurisdiction of the Military Lands and Cantonment Department, part of the Ministry of Defence in the Government of Pakistan. 

Established in March 1983 and officially notified on April 17, 1982, CBH is situated approximately 110 kilometres from Rawalpindi and 16 kilometres from Abbottabad City, nestled amidst lush green hills along the Dour River. Despite resource constraints, the primary goal of the Cantonment Board is to deliver top-notch services.

Overview
Date of Establishment	1982
Area	4205 Acres
PM Housing Scheme Havelian Cantt	+92-992-407362

 

Contact
Phone	+92-992-407292
Fax	+92-992-407060
Email	cbhavelian@gmail.com
Website	cbhavelian.gov.pk
Address	The Office of Cantonment Executive Officer, Barrier No 2, Main KKH Road Havelian

 

Havelian Railway Station

Here is the information regarding the railway station:

Location

• This railway station is located in Havelian, Abbottabad district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.
• Built around 1913 during the British era.
• The station is at an elevation of about 859 metres above sea level.
• Referred to as the last station of Pakistan because there is no railway track system after it.
• Distance from the Railway Station to Abbottabad city is approximately 18 km.
• Part of the Taxila to Havelian branch line, covering 55 km.
• Administratively falls under the Rawalpindi division.

History

• In 997 AD, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi captured the Ghaznavid Empire.
• Havelian means “the mansions,” reflecting the old residential mansions and caravanserais on the Silk Road.
• Mild summers in Haveli.
• During British rule, Abbottabad district was created as a tehsil of Hazara district. Later it was divided into Abbottabad and Havelian tehsils.

Description of Havelian Railway Station

• A large and beautiful railway station.
• Skin-coloured building with a Kalma Tayyaba board above the entrance door, and “Railway Station Havelian” in Urdu.
• Various rooms, including station master office, ticket house, ASM office, TCR, running room, and waiting room.
• Ticket house provides tickets for passengers.
• The ASM office is staffed at night instead of the station master.
• The running room provides accommodation for train drivers and employees from distant stations.
• Platform with a shed and fans for passengers.
• Many flower and fruit plants, including olive, orange, pomegranate, loquat, and jamun.

 

Unique Features

• Considered the last railway station in Pakistan.
• The turntable on the station is manually operated to change the direction of the train engine.

Trains and Schedule

Trains that stop at the Railway Station:

• 267UP – Rawalpindi Passenger: Arrival at 10:50.
• 268DN – Rawalpindi Passenger: Departure at 17:00.
• 12DN – Hazara Express: Departure at 14:00.
• 11UP – Hazara Express: Arrival at 15:00.

 

FAQs

Following are a few FAQs:

Where is it located?

The city is situated in the Abbottabad district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.

 

Why is Havelian railway station significant?

The city railway station holds significance as the last railway station in Pakistan, with no railway track system beyond it.

 

When was this railway station built?

Constructed around 1913 during the British era.

 

What is the elevation of the railway station above sea level?

The height of the city railway station is approximately 859 metres above sea level.

 

How far is Havelian from Abbottabad city?

The distance from the city Railway Station to Abbottabad city is about 18 km.

 

What historical events are associated with Havelian?

In 997 AD, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi captured the Ghaznavid Empire, and during British rule, the district of Abbottabad was created.

 

What facilities are available at Havelian railway station?

The station includes various rooms such as the station master office, ticket house, ASM office, TCR, running room, and waiting room. Facilities like a ticket house, accommodation for train drivers, and a platform with fans for passengers are also present.

 

Are there specific train schedules for Havelian railway station?

Yes, the provided text includes the schedule for trains that stop at the city, including arrival and departure times.

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