The Greater Iqbal Park – A Treasure of Lahore
The Greater Iqbal Park is a treasure of Lahore; it is one of the city’s largest and most beautiful parks and attracts thousands of visitors daily. The park was named after the great philosopher and poet of Pakistan, Muhammad Iqbal, and it is home to several exciting attractions. This blog will take a closer look at the Greater Iqbal Park and its many attractions!
The Greater Iqbal Park is located in the suburbs of the Walled City of Lahore and covers over 100 acres. The park is home to a number of different attractions, including a lake, a digital museum called The National History Museum, and a playground. The park also has several facilities to facilitate visitors, such as a food court, soft rail, library, open-air gym, and a pool.
Talking about the attractions this park owns, the artificial lake at The Greater Iqbal Park is one of the most popular attractions. The lake is home to several different fish and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. It spreads over four acres, including an 800-ft. long musical fountain. The playground is another popular attraction, and it is perfect for children of all ages to play and enjoy. The museum at The Greater Iqbal Park is also worth a visit. The museum is home to several different exhibits, and it is a great place to learn about the history of Lahore. The museum is said to be the Parks and Horticulture Authority Lahore’s project. It was inaugurated by Shehbaz Sharif on 17 April 2018. The museum takes you on a journey through the history and major events of Pakistan. The museum owns advanced technology that helps visitors have an immersive experience. Other attractions owned by the park are Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore Fort, Tomb of Allama Iqbal, Tomb of Hafeez Jalandhari, a library, shopping areas, food courts, dancing fountain, shopping stalls throughout the parks, different types of tracks, a Mini golf course, and much more to enjoy.
Greater Iqbal Park Lahore Attractions, Timings, and Location
The Greater Iqbal Park is a great place to visit for a day out with family or friends. The park has something to offer for every age group and is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in Lahore.
Iqbal Park Facilities: The Park has several facilities that visitors can enjoy, including a pool and an amphitheater that is an open-air venue for sports and different events. It also owns a children’s play area for the children to enjoy throughout their visit.
Iqbal Park Location: The Park is located in the heart of Lahore, easily accessible by public transport. The best way to get to the park is by taking a bus or taxi from anywhere in Lahore. You can also visit the park by yourself on your transport. Different educational institutes also plan their trips here. Iqbal Park has a wide variety in almost every aspect, be it historical places to relax.
History of Greater Iqbal Park Lahore
The park was built in 1971 and is named after the national poet of Pakistan, Allama Iqbal. The park was originally called “Iqbal Bagh” but was renamed to its current name in 1975.
Throughout the Mughal era, the ground hosted ceremonial military parades, but after the Sikhs ascended to power, the ground was known as “Parade Ground.”
After the British landed in India and captured it, the ground was renamed again and named “Minto Park,” but after Pakistan gained independence, the park was renamed to its current name, “The Iqbal Park.”
Iqbal Park Attractions
Iqbal Park Lahore was renovated and upgraded in 2015 when a contract was given to Habib Construction Services Limited to complete this project. The contract included the expansion plan of the park, and it was completed in 2016 with a total cost of 981 Million Rupees.
After being upgraded, the park is known for its famous attractions which are:
Minar e Pakistan
The Minar-e-Pakistan, meaning the Tower of Pakistan, is a tall tower located in the middle of the Greater Iqbal Park, built to commemorate the Pakistan Resolution. The tower is 70 meters tall and offers a panoramic view of Lahore from the top, and the top is easily accessible by stairs or an elevator.
Minar-e-Pakistan was built between 1960 and 1968, covering the site where the All India Muslim League passed the Pakistan Resolution (known as Lahore Resolution before) in 1940.
The tower was designed under the supervision of a Russian-Pakistani architect named Nasreddin Murat-Khan reflecting a blend of Mughal and Islamic architecture of modern times.
Minar e Pakistan holds great significance in Pakistan and is used for different religious and political gatherings. It is one of the most famous visited sites that attract tourists and is also known as the “Liberty Tower of Pakistan.”
Allama Iqbal Museum
Allama Iqbal’s Museum is also located in the park and is dedicated to the life and work of Allama Iqbal, the national poet of Pakistan. The museum has a number of exhibits that showcase his life and work.
The museum is basically located in “Javed Manzil,” which was the last home of Allama Iqbal and where he took the last breath of his life on 21 April 1938. Javed Manzil was the house built under the supervision of Allama Iqbal’s elder brother, Atta Muhammad. The house is now converted into a museum that holds the personal belongings of Allama Iqbal, including manuscripts, letters, certificates, documents, first-edition books of the poet himself, photographs, furniture, medals, awards, crockery, etc.
This museum is a treat not only for people who are into history but also for children, so they get to know their national hero better. Allama Iqbal’s museum adds great value to Iqbal Park Lahore.
Musical Fountain at Greater Iqbal Park
The Musical Fountain is a popular attraction in the park and is located near Minar-e-Pakistan. The fountain has a light and sound show synchronized with music. The show is held every evening and is a must-see for visitors to the park. The show lasts for 15 minutes and starts at 5:45 pm.
This fountain attracts many people, so it is wise to go a little early to get to the spot where you can enjoy it freely without anyone blocking your way.
Two-kilometer-long Soft Rail
The soft rail is a two-kilometer-long track that runs through the park. The track is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. People can come there for morning, and evening jogs, or even night walks. Children can come along with their bicycles to cycle around the park. If you’re looking for a great place to jog or walk in Lahore, check out The Greater Iqbal Park Lahore.
Library at Greater Iqbal Park
One of the main attractions for book readers is the library. A library attracts people like nothing else; you can be a novel lover and head toward a library. If you are interested in historical events, you can head toward the library. The place does not restrict anyone from coming. If you need some time in a quiet place, you can head towards the library. So keeping these things ahead and the historical significance of the park, the government, opened a library with several books on different topics. The library is open to the public and is a great place to relax and read a book. Do you love reading books? If so, visit The Greater Iqbal Park today and explore the fantastic collection of books here.
Open-Air Gym
The park has an open-air gym that is free to use for visitors. The gym has a number of different machines and equipment that you can use to stay fit and healthy. It is an excellent attraction for gym lovers to come for their workout.
Mughal-Style Baradari
Baradari means twelve doors, Bara means twelve, and Dar means doors. It has a traditional structure that highlights the Mughal Era. The park has a Mughal-style baradari that is used for events and functions. In the past, the Mughal prince would enjoy events in this building. The baradari can accommodate up to 1000 people and is a popular venue for weddings and parties.
Tomb of Allama Iqbal at Greater Iqbal Park
The park has the tomb of Allama Iqbal, the national poet of Pakistan. The tomb is made of red sandstone from Jaipur, India, and is a popular tourist attraction. It has a Mughal Architectural style. It is one of the park’s most prominent attractions because of such a huge name, the national poet of Pakistan.
Tombs of Hafeez Jalandhari
The park also has the tomb of Hafeez Jalandhari, a famous poet of Pakistan. The tomb is made of marble and is a popular tourist attraction.
Hafeez Jalandhari was buried in Model Town before, but his tomb later shifted near Minar e Pakistan, which makes it in Iqbal Park.
National History Museum at Greater Iqbal Park
The park has a National History Museum that contains a number of exhibits on the history of Pakistan. The museum is open to the public and is a great place to learn about the country’s past. Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the museum on 17 April 2018.
Buggy Track
The park has a buggy track that is perfect for a stroll. The track is wheelchair accessible and is a great place to enjoy the scenery.
Boating Lake
The park has a boating lake where you can rent a boat and paddle around. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing. One of the most relaxing attractions of the park is the boating lake, especially for young people and children.
Gazebos at Greater Iqbal Park
The park has several gazebos that are perfect for picnics and gatherings. The gazebos are located throughout the garden so people can sit and rest and witness the great view of the surrounding area.
Play Area for Children
The park has a play area for children, equipped with many different rides and games. It has ample open space with plenty of room to run around. The play area in the garden is an excellent place for kids to have fun and burn off some energy attracting not only kids but also their parents so they can relax while their kid plays safely in the play area.
Lahore Fort
The Lahore Fort is the citadel in Lahore, adjacent to the park, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pakistan because of the 21 notable monuments. It was rebuilt in the 17th century during the peak era of the Mughals.
Artificial Lake
The park has an artificial lake, around which you can stroll. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing. It also has a musical fountain which has been mentioned above. The musical fountain adds more beauty to the lake.
Mini Golf
The park has a mini golf course perfect for a fun and challenging game. The course is located near the Lahore Fort and is a great way for the aged people to spend an afternoon. The mini golf course adds ten times more attraction to the park.
Golf Cart Rides
The park offers golf cart rides for visitors who want to explore the park without having to walk. The carts are available for rent at the entrance of the park. You can rent one, use it, travel around, enjoy and give it back while heading home.
Laser Light Show
The park has a laser light show that is synchronized with music. The show is held every evening and is a must-see for visitors to the park.
Artistic Food Courts
Lahore is very famous when it comes to food, and the park has a number of food courts that offer a variety of different cuisines. The food courts are a great place to enjoy a meal, and you can enjoy your favorite meal, whether desi or not. The food court offers every type of meal.
Shopping Area
The park not only has attractions for men, children, and students only; it also attracts women through shopping stalls where you can buy souvenirs and gifts. The shopping area is located near the exit of the park.
Historical Pilgrimage
The park has several historical pilgrimage sites that are popular with tourists. The sites include the tomb of Allama Iqbal and the tomb of Hafeez Jalandhari. It also has Minar e Pakistan built in and the national museum of Lahore. A great site for history lovers. Apart from these, the park also owns Mughal-style Baradari, reflecting the historical era of the Mughals.
Majestic Fountain
The park has a majestic fountain that is a popular spot for photo opportunities. The fountain is located in the center of the park and is a great place to cool off on a hot day. It is a great spot to attract all the social media addict people with aesthetic feeds so that they can add more of it by taking pictures here.
Running and Cycling
The park has several running and cycling tracks perfect for a cardio workout. The tracks are located throughout the park and have a great view of the surrounding area. Best of all, you can even rest in between when you get tired.
The Greater Iqbal Park Timings
The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset; however, the timings may vary on events and public holidays. If you are planning a trip to Iqbal Park, then it is a must to check the timings.
Location of Iqbal Park
Located on the outskirts of the Walled City of Lahore, Iqbal Park Lahore covers over 100 acres with different historical and amusing places around to enjoy. The park is easily accessible by any public transport, especially Azadi Chowk Metrobus Station.
FAQs
What is the area of Iqbal Park Lahore?
The space The Greater Iqbal Park covers is said to be 329 acres.
Is the Iqbal Park worth it?
The Greater Iqbal Park is a treasure trove of Lahore. With its many different attractions, the park has something for everyone. From its museums and historical sites to its laser show and majestic fountain, the Geater Iqbal park is a must-see place.
There are a few tips for visitors to keep in mind before visiting the park:
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. Since the park is rich in history and amusement, you would not want to miss any spots.
- Please bring plenty of water with you as it can get hot during the day plus you would be walking so there would be a need for one.
- Don’t worry about visiting with the children; they will enjoy many activities, and you can relax in the meantime. Don’t forget to come prepared with their things.
- The best time to visit the park is early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat. Even though Iqbal Park is a great place to explore, the heat can be overwhelming at times, and you cannot enjoy it the way you’d want to with all that heat, so it is better to avoid visiting when the heat level is at its peak.
- The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between October and March because they are the best months for the weather in Lahore, so to have a memorable and good time in the park, do visit during these months.
Brief Conclusion
If you plan a trip to Lahore, then make sure to add The Greater Iqbal Park to your list of places to visit. The park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and one of the best places to relax and have fun. It is a great place to visit for a day out with family or friends, and the park offers something for everyone at the park. If you want a place to relax and have fun, Greater Iqbal Park is the perfect place for you!
Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy your time at the park. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below.