Chakwal
(A valley of Peacocks)
Chakwal is a district located in the northern part of the Punjab province in Pakistan. It covers an area of approximately 6,600 square kilometers and is known for its rich agricultural heritage. The district’s economy is primarily based on farming, with crops like wheat, barley, and maize being the main agricultural products.
Chakwal is also famous for its natural beauty and is home to the historic Katas Raj Temples, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. The district has a diverse cultural heritage, with traditional Punjabi music, dance, and festivals playing a prominent role in the local culture.
Chakwal is connected to major cities like Rawalpindi and Islamabad by road, making it accessible to travelers and tourists.
Key info about Chakwal
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chakwal is a district located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is situated in the northeastern part of the province. |
| Population | The estimated population of Chakwal district is over 1.2 million people |
| Area | Chakwal district covers an area of approximately 6,524 square kilometers. |
| Geography | Chakwal is known for its hilly terrain and is part of the Pothohar Plateau. It has a mix of plains and hills. |
| Language | Punjabi and Urdu are the most commonly spoken languages in Chakwal. |
| Economy | Agriculture is a significant part of the local economy, with crops like wheat, barley, and maize being grown. Livestock farming is also prevalent. Small-scale industries are emerging. |
| Education | Chakwal has several educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and a campus of the University of the Punjab. |
| Landmarks | Notable landmarks include the Katas Raj Temples, Kalar Kahar Lake, and the Chappar Rift. |
| Transportation | Chakwal is connected to major cities through a network of roads and highways. The M-2 motorway also passes nearby, providing a link to Islamabad and Lahore. |
| Culture | The culture of Chakwal is influenced by its rural surroundings, with traditions, music, and folk festivals playing a significant role in the community. |
| Notable People | Chakwal has produced many notable individuals, including politicians, poets, and scholars, such as Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. |
Famous Places in Chakwal
Kallar Kahar
It is 25 km from Chakwal (famous in Pakistan for the Rewari, a confectionery item) on the M-2 road. Kallar Kahar is a land of fruit orchards, enchanting green fields, salt, and freshwater lake, and dancing peacocks.
It is 135 km from Rawalpindi and is located at a height of 2500 feet from sea level. In 1519, the first Mughal emperor Zahir-ud-Din Babur crossed this area while going to the subcontinent.
He admired the beauty of this place. So, he ordered to build a beautiful garden there and named it “Safa”. He also built a podium there to address his military. It is still there with the name “Takht Babri”.
The peacocks come down from the hill after Assar. They dance there. This salty lake is called “Chashma Alam” in Mahabharat.
A TDCP hotel, a restaurant, and an information center near the lake. There are facilities for sailing and swings for people of every age. In winter, thousands of birds come here from Siberia.
Potatoes, Japanese plums apricot, and lentils are abundant.
Fossil Museum
A fossil museum was established by the department of archaeology near the rest house of the district council. Rare pieces discovered in this area are displayed there.
Katas Raj Temple
Kohistan Namak is not only famous for salt and discovered animal skeletons but also for the traces of ancient Hindu Temples. There are many temples in the valley.
Nandana, Ganya Mola, Morti, and Katas are notable archaeological sites. They are also in the form of Temples. They were built about 900 years ago Before Christ. There are seven temples.
They are built on square platforms. According to Hindu tales, they were constructed by Pando Brothers when they were living in Kohistan Namak after losing a war.
According to Indian old chronicles, Shiv Mahraj wept a lot at the death of his beloved wife Sati when two water channels came out of his eyes. One of them is in Ajmer Sharif and another is in Katas.
According to another folk tale, ponds came into being in Katas Raj and Nani Tal from the sacred springs. It is also said that the horse of Shiva cried a lot at his death time and his tears became two sacred ponds.
Many Hindus and Sikhs from India and Pakistan come every year in April to visit these sacred places. The former Deputy prime minister of India L.K Advani visited this place in 2005.
At that time, the government of Pakistan contacted the Indian, Nepali, and Sri Lankan Hinduism architects to renovate these temples. Some researchers claim that there are traces of 700 B.C.
If western experts assist in these projects there are chances of signs of the Harappan era. According to general Ghangam, the sacred point of Katas is the second largest place of worship of Hindu pilgrims after Jolaya Makhi in Punjab.
Renowned Muslim Tourist Abu Rehan Al-Biruni visited Katas after learning Sanskrit from an ancient university. During his visit to Katas and Nandna fort, he wrote the book “Kitab Al-Hind”.
Katas village is 40 km from Chakwal and 24 km from Kallar Kahar interchange.
Dulmial
This village is 5 km from Katas. During World War-I, 460 young men from this area joined the army. After the victory, a cannon was given to a village in Scotland and Dulmial as an honor and reward.
It is also famous as “Top (cannon) wala Gaon”. There is a private museum of Malik Rasheed Sahib.
A road goes from Toni Ban to Khara Sewer about 7km away from Balksar Interchange beyond Kallar Kahar. Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh got his early education from Dargah village which is 9km from Toni bun.
Victoria Cross holder Subadar Khuda Dad Khan was born in Dab village which is 4km from Sohawa road.
Malot Fort
A link road from Chowk Jalebi, on the road going to Kallar Kahar and Raj Katas, goes to Malot town. An eight hundred years old temple of the Hindu community is there.
It was constructed by Raja Mil in the Kashmiri architecture style. It is built from red stones. A Shiv Ganga temple is also there.
A fort and three temples at a height of 3200 feet high from sea level are built about 1.5 kilometers from Malot village.
According to Ahmad Hassan Dani, this fort was constructed in 980. Beautiful pieces of paintings are hanging on the wall.
Schools and Colleges
- Chakwal Public School
- The Educators School Chakwal
- Government College Chakwal
- Punjab College Chakwal
Hospitals
- District Headquarters Hospital Chakwal
- Farooq Hospital Chakwal
- Al-Syed Hospital Chakwal
Restaurants
- Chakwal Grill House
- Food Street Chakwal
- Biryani House Chakwal
- Kebab Corner Chakwal
FAQS
A: Notable schools in Chakwal include Chakwal Public School, The Educators School, Government College Chakwal, and Punjab College Chakwal.
Q: Are there reputable hospitals in Chakwal?
A: Yes, Chakwal has healthcare facilities like District Headquarters Hospital, Farooq Hospital, and Al-Syed Hospital, providing medical services to the community.
Q: Which colleges are present in Chakwal?
A: Chakwal is home to educational institutions like Government College Chakwal and Punjab College Chakwal, offering higher education opportunities.
Q: Can you recommend any restaurants in Chakwal?
A: Certainly, popular dining options in Chakwal include Chakwal Grill House, Food Street Chakwal, Biryani House Chakwal, and Kebab Corner Chakwal.
Q: What are popular schools for children in Chakwal?
A: Chakwal Public School and The Educators School are well-known institutions catering to the educational needs of children in Chakwal.
Q: What healthcare services are available in Chakwal?
A: Chakwal offers healthcare services through institutions like District Headquarters Hospital, Farooq Hospital, and Al-Syed Hospital, ensuring access to medical care.
Q: Are there higher education opportunities in Chakwal?
A: Yes, Government College Chakwal and Punjab College Chakwal provide higher education opportunities in the city.
Q: Can you suggest places to dine out in Chakwal?
A: Certainly, explore Chakwal Grill House, Food Street Chakwal, Biryani House Chakwal, and Kebab Corner Chakwal for diverse dining experiences.
Wind Up Lines
Famous as the valley of peacocks, it is a good site for holidaymakers. Confectionery item Rewry is the best dessert in Chakwal. It is a sacred place for Hindus and Sikhs.
