Sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to Soan Valley”, Kallar Kahar is a town in Punjab that has a lot to offer in terms of scenic views, historical landmarks, and archaeological wonders.
If you are planning to visit this astounding valley, Graana.com has prepared a comprehensive guide on Kallar Kahar below.
Introduction and History of Kallar Kahar
Kallar Kahar is a popular tourist place located in the Salt Range of Chakwal district. Due to its straightforward approach, its popularity has further expanded with the construction of the Lahore-Islamabad motorway.
It is well-known for its stunning lake, the rolling hills surrounding the area, and the large number of peacocks that you can find there. A museum with a remarkable collection of antiquities on display has recently been built in Kallar Kahar as well.
It is important to discuss the history of this area before proceeding further. Some of the earliest civilizations in human history were based in the Potohar region, and artefacts from ancient populations have been discovered, particularly in the Soan Valley.
In addition to human settlements, it has been discovered that dinosaurs also lived there throughout the prehistoric period. Moreover, this was located on the primary route from the subcontinent to central Asia.
Location of Kallar Kahar
Kallar Kahar is located 25 kilometres to the east of Chakwal, and is surrounded by tall and majestic mountains.
Soan Valley is 1.5 hours away from Islamabad, and about 4 hours away from Lahore. Even though the M2 Motorway is one of Pakistan’s busiest motorways, the Kallar Kahar Interchange will make it easy for you to reach the area.
Several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Rohtas Fort, Taxila, and Buddhist Ruins, are close to Takht-e-Bahi. Additionally, it takes 1-3 hours to drive to the well-known Khewra Salt Mines and Katas Raj Temples.
The Weather of Kallar Kahar
Extreme temperatures can occur both in the summer and the winter. In summers, they can rise as high as 40 degrees Celsius, while in winters, they can fall as low as 5 degrees Celsius.
Therefore, be sure to pack appropriately before visiting Kallar Kahar.
Top Places to Visit
There are many places to visit in Kallar Kahar, as well as in its surrounding areas, some of which include:
- Kallar Kahar Museum
- Takht-i-Babri
- Kallar Kahar Lake
- Molat Fort
- Swaik Lake
Kallar Kahar Museum
The museum displays a diverse collection of objects that provide insight into the history and culture of the area.
It comprises three galleries, the first of which is devoted to the civilizations of the Indus Valley and Gandhara. A lovely stupa is on display in the middle as you walk into the galley. You can also check out earthen jars from the Mehrgarh and Indus Valley civilizations, as well as small earthen animal toys.
This exhibit also contains some exceptionally well-crafted Buddhist statues, which are unquestionably among the museum’s most cherished artefacts. Its coin collection is also pretty noteworthy. Coins dating from the Ghaznavid through the Mughal era are on display. This gallery also displays some exquisitely carved doors, which were a common Punjabi feature.
Another exhibit features a sizable collection of ancient animal fossils, and even plant fossils, which formerly inhabited the earth millions of years ago. You may view their teeth and bone fragments here, as well as a large elephant fossil.
The third gallery displays miscellaneous items, including swords from the Mughal and Sikh eras. Daily-use metal pots are also included in this gallery, as well as a few musical instruments. Two exquisitely crafted stone statuettes of Hindu deities Hanuman and Ganesha also attract many visitors.
Takht-i-Babri
The Mughal King Babar used to address his soldiers from Takht-e-Babri, a tiny tableland fashioned from a limestone structure and placed in a fruit orchard. It is well-known that Babar visited the Kallar Kahar region in 1519 AD and chose to stay there because he liked the 500-year-old historical location.
Babar ordered that Takht-e-Babri, a sizable limestone boulder, be treated and made into a throne. There are a number of visitors to the Takht every day because it is a highly popular local attraction.
Kallar Kahar Lake
Kallar Kahar Lake, which is 5 feet deep and covers an area of 8 km square, is surrounded by the Kallar Kahar Mountains. Fishing, motor boating, and pedal boating are some of the most popular activities that take place here.
The first Mughal garden constructed in the subcontinent, Bagh-e-Safa, is also close to the lake’s shorelines.
It is recommended to visit this place during sunset; the Kallar Kahar Mountains provide a stunning view as the sun is sinking behind them.
Molat Fort
Molat Fort is one of the most famous forts in Pakistan. It is located 12 kilometres from Kallar Kahar and 40 km from Chakwal City on top of a hill in the village of Molat.
It was constructed from the Salt Range’s bright red sandstones, on the orders of Raja Mal Dev Khan, a Janjua Emperor, in the 12th century.
A distinctive fort in the area, it is considered a significant historical landmark. There are also two Hindu temples that are a blend of classic Kashmiri and Greek architecture. There were several different kings who came to rule Molat.
Swaik Lake
Also known as Khandoya Lake and Neela Paani, Swaik Lake is situated 10 km away from Kallar Kahar and is surrounded by cliffs, mountains and rocks. There are several fun activities for visitors to do here, such as swimming and diving in the lake. Lastly, the cascading waterfall also makes it a worthwhile experience.
Places to Stay in Kallar Kahar
To boost tourism in Kallar Kahar, the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) recently built the TDCP Lake View Resort, which offers scenic views of Swait Lake.
Additionally, it is among the top and most convenient locations to stay in Kallar Kahar. It provides roomy, comfortable lodgings outfitted with contemporary amenities.
There is a restaurant here as well, which is popular for its Chinese menu. There is also a mosque, a play area for kids, BBQ and boating facilities, a snack bar, and plenty of parking space.
Travel Packages
To encourage tourism in Kallar Kahar, the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) not only offers visitors cosy lodging and leisure amenities, but also enticing trip packages.
These include lodging, meals, and transportation for day trips to some of the most well-known places in the area, like Soan Valley, Katas Raj Temples, and Khewra Salt Mines.
You can contact TDCP at the following numbers for further details:
- For Lahore (Head Office): 042-111 111 042
- For Multan: 061-9200955
- For Rawalpindi: 051-9272128
For more information on popular family vacation spots in Pakistan, visit Graana Blog.
