Saturday 1 October 2011

Tourism Potential Investment Opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP)

Tourism Potential Investment Opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP)

Nature has gifted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with rich cultural and tourism friendly environment. It has the potential of becoming a big tourist attraction in the world, due to its scenic beauty, geographical location, climate and natural resources.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is exceptionally rich in terms of multitudes of tourist attraction. The essence of this attraction is visible from the remarkable natural picturesque comprising beautiful rivers, splendid water falls, spell-bound lakes mostly in the mountainous region and green valleys in most parts of the province. Due to its geographical location, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa has had been a confluence of different civilizations which flourished and vanished with the passage of time.
The quasi contiguity of the province, with the Central Asian states and with xiangiang province of China attracted many migrants, businessmen, warriors and fortune seekers in different ages for settlement. The interaction among different races and their co-existence led to a rich cultural heritage. The glimpses of such heritage are evident from the Ghandhara archaeological sites at Gur Khattree Peshawar, Takh-Bahi (Mardan), Seri Behlol (Mardan), Shabaz Gari (Mardan) Nimo Gram Buddhist Stupa (Swat), and collection of Ghandhara art preserved at Swat Museum, Chakdara museum (Dir Lower) and Peshawar museum.
• The total area of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is 100200 sq.km
Northern Zone: A mountainous region full of natural picturesque having 5 small and big rivers.
Mid Part: It comprises of Peshawar Valley, a seat of different civilizations.
Southern Zone: Rugged dry hills and vast gravelly plains with patches of alluvial agri fields.
• North of province is exceptionally rich in picturesque and alluring landscape, exotic valleys and dense pine forest.
• The natural lakes and thick forests of the province are safe heaven for eco tourism.
• Ghandhara remains testify the rich cultural heritage of the province.

PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE PROVINCE Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP)

PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE PROVINCE Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP)

The province is broadly divided into three different zones with their peculiar physical stratum. The northern part of the province is adorned with beautiful valleys having 5 rivers running roughly north to south inter alia the Chitral, Dir, Swat, Indus and Kaghan. These valleys are on the northern edge of the monsoon belt, fairly green and partially wooded in their southern sections. The mid part had been the seat of the ancient civilizations particularly Peshawar remained the hub of activities for different civilizations including Buddhist Hindu Shahi, Sikh, Islamic and British culture all having their mark on the city. The southern part of the province is below the monsoon belt and consists of low, rocky mountain and wide, gravely plains. The important cities and areas of the province are described for the convenience of the reader.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

HAZARA REGION -

HAZARA REGION

The region of Hazara is like a door to heaven, opening up to visitors a world replete with natural beauty. It was a favourite gateway from the plains into Kashmir during Mughal, Durrani and Sikh rules. It is a large area some 10,000 sq. km. The world famous Karakoram Highway starts from Havelian, a town in this region at a distance of 101 km from Islamabad. The mighty "Lion River" Indus or Abasin flows through the entire length of Hazara. It is strategically located between the Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir, Punjab and the rest of the KPK "North West Frontier Province". Hill stations collectively known as the Gallis and the Kaghan valley are the best known parts of Hazara. Pakistani and foreign tourists throng its cool and serene valleys during sizzling summer.

HARIPUR - 81 km from Islamabad

HARIPUR


Located at 81 km from Islamabad on Hasan Abdal-Abbottabad road, Haripur was founded in 1822 by Hari Singh, a general of Ranjit Singh's army. He was the Governor of Hazara in 1822-23. A fort built by the Sikhs called Harikishan Garh is at present being used as a police station. There is also a British cemetery.

ABBOTTABAD - distance of 121 km from Islamabad

ABBOTTABAD

Abbottabad is named after its founder James Abbot, Hazara's first British Deputy Commissioner. It is at a distance of 121 km from Islamabad via Hasan Abdal. It is 1220 meters above sea level and is situated at the crossroads of most of the areas of tourist interest in Pakistan like Nathiagali, Murree, Thandiani, Kaghan valley, Swat valley, Skardu, Gilgit and Khunjrab. Taxila, one of the most important archaeological treasures of the subcontinent is not very far from here. There are two hills towering above Abbottabad, Shimla Peak and Sarban Peak. There are very fine panoramic views of the town and its surroundings from Shimla Peak. The famous Pakistan Military Academy is on the hill to the north-east side of the town. Shimla Park located on a nearby hill with a pine forest is well worth a visit. Abbottabad has still a very British air with its European style bungalows, the club, the church and the cemetery.

THANDIANI - 50 min drive to Abbottabad

THANDIANI


Thandiani means "cold" in the local language. Therefore being a cool place it got the name of "Thandiani". It is 2700 meters above sea level on a small plateau surrounded by pine forests. This beautiful spot can easily be approached from Abbottabad, which is 24 km away. It is totally unspoiled and has the loveliest of views of all the hill stations of Pakistan. The scenery here is breathtaking and superb.

NATHIAGALI - 40 min drive to Abbottabad

NATHIAGALI

Nathiagali clad in pine, walnut, oak and maple trees, is the prettiest hill resort in the Galiyat region. It can be approached both from Murree and Abbottabad. It is 34 km from Abbottabad as well as from Murree. Nathiagali is 2501 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green lofty mountains. The British tried to create a little England here with its small timbered churches, parks, bungalows and the Governor's House. Breathtaking landscapes, spring water and fresh air make it one of the most peaceful hill stations in Pakistan.