Murree is the most well-known hill station in Pakistan, and justifiably so. Besides its picturesque views, you can find several other places to visit in Murree with your friends and family, making it the ultimate holiday destination.
The area features tall pine and oak trees, pleasant weather, towering mountains in the background, colonial buildings reflecting rich cultural history, and spectacular views from chair-lift rides. The hill station is located approximately 7000 feet above sea level.
It only takes an hour and a half’s drive to reach this location via Srinagar Highway, Islamabad. In this article, Graana.com brings you a list of the best places to visit in Murree and its surrounding areas.
History of Murree
The name “Murree” is derived from the Hindi word “mar-hi”, which means “high place”. A hill station was built there when the British took control of Punjab in 1849. Located conveniently close to the Military Cantonment of Rawalpindi, it was a sanatorium created to assist British military officers.
Later, it served as the Punjab government’s administrative centre. It is now a hill station and a popular tourist attraction in Pakistan.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Murree
Murree is immensely popular, mostly because of its short distance from Islamabad, making it easily accessible for people in surrounding areas. Whilst living in some of the top hotels in Murree, you can explore popular destinations in the area mentioned as follows:
- Mall Road
- Holy Trinity Church
- Pindi Point
- Bhurban
- Patriata Chair Lift
- Chattar Park & Sangrela Natural Park
- Ghora Gali
- Lalazar Park
- Kashmir Point
Mall Road
One of Murree’s most well-known tourist destinations is Mall Road, which is a vibrant marketplace where many one-of-a-kind souvenirs, hand-crafted cultural artefacts, and a variety of dry fruit, among other items, are sold.
There are also several well-known eateries here that serve delectable food like fish and chicken karahi. Even late at night, you’ll see this street thronging with tourists.
Located at Mall Road’s highest point, the General Post Office (GPO) is a significant landmark in Murree. Its construction began in 1867. In 1970, there were some changes made to the building’s façade. It is still a central spot in the area, and one of the top places to visit in Murree.
Holy Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Church is yet another significant monument that makes it to the list of top places to visit in Murree. Located on Mall Road, it is a major historical structure in Murree.
It was built between 1850 and 1857, and was frequented by British Army officers and their families at that time. Approximately 400 worshipers can congregate in the main hall at once.
The hall’s windows are made of stained glass that features an Indian design, and it has a wooden floor.
The original pipe organ still stands in the main hall, which used to play carols and hymns before the partition but is currently inoperative. Plaques, with the names of important figures who passed away during the colonial era, are displayed on the walls.
Pindi Point
Since you can see the twin cities from the top of this viewpoint, it is known as Pindi Point. Pine trees and the stunning Murree Hills are also visible from here. Pindi Point is easily accessible from Mall Road in just 15 minutes.
There are many restaurants and cafes in the area. The 1.5 km descent from Pindi Point to Bansara Gali is also a fun alternative route for individuals who prefer chair lift rides. Because of the diverse range of activities and picturesque views, it is one of the best places to visit in Murree.
Bhurban
It is among the top attractions in Murree and makes for a wonderful vacation. Murree is 20 minutes away by car from Bhurban, and Islamabad is around an hour away.
Amongst the best hotels in Bhurban, Pearl Continental Hotel especially provides a luxury experience, complete with stunning views. In addition, it offers quick access to a hiking track in the surrounding Ayubia National Park, and also features a nine-hole golf course.
Patriata Chair Lift
New Murree, located just near old Murree, is located about 15 kilometres away from the major areas in the direction of Lower Topa. It is one of the best spots to visit in Murree, and is particularly beautiful in the summer.
Additionally, it is well-known for its chair lift rides and cable car system, which extend from New Murree to Patriata.
Planning your trip during the summers can help you avoid the usually large crowds in Patriata. The weather is pleasant and comfortable otherwise, during the rest of the year.
Chattar Park & Sangrela Park
Among the many places to visit in Murree, a visit to Chattar Park should be high on your list. While the kids can enjoy the haunted house and rides, you can take a stroll through the gardens or check out the bird aviary.
There are also several restaurants here that serve traditional food items as well as fast food. The park, which is located on Kashmir Road, does not require a ticket for entry.
Sangrela Park is an ideal location in Murree for camping and outdoor activities, with its rushing streams, tall pine trees and little ponds. It is only 16 kilometres from Toll Plaza.
Ghora Gali
The administrative hub of Murree Tehsil in Rawalpindi District is Ghora Gali, which is only a short 30-minute drive from Murree. There is also a chairlift here that runs 1,100 metres from Ghora Gali to Pindi Point. It once served as a popular vacation spot for British troops prior to the partition of India.
In order to provide a safe home for kids who became orphans during the war, Lawrence College was built in 1860 in this area. In the same year, Murree Brewery was also set up, which is one of the first modern beer breweries to be established in Asia.
Lalazar Park
Since Lalazar is only 1 km uphill from Dunga Gali, many tourists who come to Murree to spend the summers also make a stop at Lalazar Park for its beautiful scenery. The second-highest peak in the region, Mukshpuri Mountain, can be reached by continuing on the same path. People may see Ayubia, Murree, and Azad Kashmir from here.
Lalazar Park makes a lasting impression on visitors with its dense forests, breathtaking views, and winding trails to Mukshpuri.
Kashmir Point – Places to Visit in Murree
If you’re coming from Mall Road, Kashmir Point can be reached in 15 minutes. You may get to Kashmir Point by driving there or by hiking. Right in the centre of Kashmir Point lies the Government House, which you can also visit. It is one of Murree’s most well-liked tourist destinations.
Murree Safari Railway is a train that travels through the Government House, entertaining both children and adults. The imported German train rumbles through the entirety of Kashmir Point.
It usually takes the safari train 20 minutes to complete its tour of the official mansion, where no other vehicles are permitted. Don’t miss out on the old photographs of Murree from the colonial era that have been hung up on the walls.
Other Places to Visit in Murree
In addition to the variety of activities available in Murree, there are many places worth visiting that showcase the city’s extensive colonial past. For instance, there are many chapels and cemeteries in the region that were constructed before the division.
Some examples in this regard include the Garrison Church Gharial (which is now used as an indoor basketball court), Lawrence College Chapel, St. Denys’ High School Chapel, and Jesus & Mary Convent Chapel.
For more information on the best tourist attractions in Pakistan, visit Graana Blog.
