Karachi, a major business hub of Pakistan, is also a thriving cultural and traditional centre. The destination is full of beautiful attractions like beaches, parks, museums, and historical structures. Take a look at some of its main attractions.
- Mohatta Palace Museum
Commissioned as a palatial residence in 1927 by a rich trader named Shiv Rattan Mohatta, the Mohatta Palace eventually became home to Fatima Jinnah, known as the ‘Mother of the Nation’ of Pakistan. This erstwhile palace is a mute spectator to lots of colourful history and was finally turned into a museum on 15th September, 1999. Numerous exhibitions with truly unique thematic displays have been hosted here. Mr Jinnah’s car is also displayed here. The museum was started with three galleries in 1999 and the number went up to 44 by 2005.
- Mazar-e-Quaid
Mazar-e-Quaid, the tomb of Pakistan’s founding father, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Karachi. Hordes of tourists, especially history enthusiasts flock to this place. The tomb is also interesting from an architectural perspective. It is made of white marble and has curved arches that reflect Moorish origins. A four layered crystal chandelier inside the tomb lends an elegant appeal to the inner chamber. This chandelier was gifted to Pakistan by China. The mausoleum is situated in a huge tranquil park and is brilliantly illuminated with flood lights at night. The graves of Jinnah’s sister, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime minister of Pakistan, are also part of the mausoleum.
- Clifton Beach
Clifton beach, a popular tourist spot along Karachi’s coastline, is full of life. There are numerous food stalls, amusement parks, and facilities for horse and camel riding at the beach. Performances by snake charmers and funny antics by dancing monkeys lure families with kids. The beach is also a good place for souvenir hunting as you can buy a variety of jewellery and other interesting stuff made of seashells here. Amusement area comprises of an aquarium and a bowling alley. The famous Clifton Oyster Rocks can also be seen from the beach. When you visit the beach, make sure to catch the spectacular sunset.
- National Museum of Pakistan
The National Museum of Pakistan was established on 17th April, 1950 to study and conserve the cultural and artistic heritage of the country. The museum comprises 11 galleries. The most famous of these galleries is the Quran Gallery which contains more than 300 transcripts of The Holy Quran, including 52 holographs. Other galleries have beautiful artefacts depicting the history of art and culture in Pakistan, such as the Gandhara Art, Indus Valley Civilization and Islamic vintage coins among others. The Ethnological Gallery houses statues of diverse cultural groups. Around 70,000 books and 58,000 old coins are preserved in the museum.
