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About Attock | History, Culture & Famous Places

Attock Historical Sites - Tomb of Hakeema, Lala Rukh Mausoleum, Mughal Garden, and Attock Fort

Attock

The historical city Attock is 48km from Rawalpindi and 17km from Taxila. Attock is the district headquarter.

It has six districts

  • Attock
  • Hassan Abdal
  • Fateh Jang
  • Hazro
  • Pindi Gheb
  • Jand

From the tourist point of view, there is a Gurdwara Panja Sahib, the tomb of Lala Rukh in a square garden, and a dedicated place to Sufi Saint Baba Hassan Abdal on a nearby hill.

Attock_Train_Brigde
The beautiful scenery of Attock Train Bridge

Key  information about Attock

Name Attock
Location Punjab, Pakistan
Historical Significance A region with a rich history and strategic importance
Geography Situated at the confluence of the Indus and Kabul rivers
Population Approximately 1.88 million (as of 2021)
Area Approximately 6,858 square kilometers
Administrative Division Attock District
Nearby Cities Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Nowshera
History Ancient crossroads of Central and South Asia, Strategic military importance during colonial and modern eras
Cultural Diversity Home to various ethnic groups and languages, including Punjabi, Pashto, and Urdu
Economy Agriculture, industry, trade, and proximity to the Indus Highway and the Grand Trunk Road contribute to its economic significance
Forts and Landmarks Attock Fort, Sheikh Badin National Park, Kala Chitta Range, Indus River banks
Education Home to several schools, colleges, and a campus of Allama Iqbal Open University
Healthcare Facilities Hospitals and medical services available for residents and visitors
Accessibility Connected by the Grand Trunk Road and railway to major cities in Pakistan
Language Predominantly Punjabi, Pashto, and Urdu spoken
Local Markets Offer traditional goods, handicrafts, and agricultural produce
Religious Sites Places of worship for various religions, including mosques, gurdwaras, and temples
Climate Experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters
Nearby Attractions Hasan Abdal, Wah Cantt, and the scenic Kala Chitta Range
Historical Legacy A region with ties to the Indus Valley Civilization and Alexander the Great’s campaigns
Cultural Festivals Celebrates various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year

Famous Tourist Spots and Historical Sites

Hassan Abdal

(City of The Guru)
Saint Baba Hassan of the 15th century is also called Baba Kandhari. He lived there from 1404 to 1416. This city was settled by his efforts and named Hassan Abdal after him.

He died in a village Baba wali in Qandahar Afghanistan and was buried there. You can enjoy the sight of Hassan Abdal city and suburbs through a staircase on the hilltop.

The world wonder highway Resham starts from the right side of Hassan Abdal. This highway leads to China through Abbottabad, Mansehra, Basham, Dasu, Chillas, Gilgit, Hunza, Sosat, and Khunjrab Pass.

This highway has strengthened the Pak-China relationship.

Hassan-Abdal.
An Aerial view of Hassan Abdal

Gurdwara Panja Sahib

It is one of the sacred places of Sikhs. Pilgrims across the world visit this Gurdwara two times a year. Specifically, it is crowded in April at the fair of Baisakhi.

Its interior is very beautiful. One part has a handprint of Baba Guru Nanak. Sikhs consider it sacred. Baba Guru Nanak reached Hasan Abdal in 1521 with his brother Mardana.

This Gurdwara is located at the same place where they stayed in Hassan Abdal. Different tales have been dedicated to his hand reflection.

According to Sikhs’ religious beliefs, Baba Wali Qandahari moved the stone from the hill and Baba Guru Nanak stopped with his hand. And as a result, his hand was printed. It was built by Hari Singh Nalwa in 1823. It was under the Hindu administration till 1920.

It was given under the supervision of Sikhs after their protest. On 25th November 1920, the Gurdwara Panja Sahib committee was established. People can reach in five minutes from Hassan Abdal general bus stand.

Gudwara_Panja_Sahib
The sacred place of Gurdwara Panja Sahib

Tomb of Hakeema

Khawaja Shams-ud-din Khawafi, King Akbar’s engineer built this tomb for himself. During its construction, he stayed in the Attock fort for five years. But he died somewhere else and he was not buried in this tomb.

The companion of Akbar Hakeem Abul Fateh Gillani and his brother Hakeem died and he ordered to bury them in this tomb.

Lala Rukh Mausoleum

This tomb is named after the daughter of Mughal king Aurangzeb Lala Rukh based on a story by Irish poet Tamus Mor. However, there is no proof in history about the daughter Lala Rukh. It is adjacent to the tomb of Hakeema.

tomb-of-lala-rukh-Attock
The remains of the tomb of princess Lala Rukh

Mughal Garden

Mughal emperor Akbar established this garden. It is between Hassan Abdal and Wah Cantt near Wah Town.

He stayed here for three days. He caught the fish, put a pearl in their nose, and left them in the water again. There is a Mughal well in the park of Wah Cantt.

Mughal_Garden_Attock
The rich green trees of Wah Garden Attock

Laurence Pur

The city of Laurance Henry, Laurance Pur is located beyond the Hassan Abdal and Mughal Garden.

Sir Laurance Henry was a British citizen and he was settled in Lahore. Nowadays it is famous for its textile industry. You can buy high-quality clothes from factory outlet shops.

Attock fort

Attock is a word from the Turkish language which has the meaning of Daman Koh or foothills. The foundation of this fort near the Indus River was led by Akbar Azam.

Its construction was completed in 14 months under the supervision of Khawaja Shams-ud-din Khawafi. According to defense experts, its construction style is different from Delhi, Lahore, and Fateh Pur forts.

According to Ali Raza Abidi, the Kabul people took this fort from the Mughals. British took it from Sikhs. After that, Sikhs captured it from Britishers. Besides this, it is still in good condition.

This fort has Turkish architecture-style bathrooms, a tunnel for escaping during the war, communication trench signs, a dead cell like a well, and a chair of the British Monarch.

Attock_Fort.T
Attock Fort, A grandeur of architecture by Mughals

It is under the control of the Pakistan army since the creation of Pakistan. An Inn and Kanjri’s fort near the Attock fort is also worth watching.

The doors of the fort have engraved a line: “May Allah blesses King Akbar”.  A stone near the bank of River Indus has signs of a British regiment. They were busy in the war for years.

Schools:

  • Govt. High School for Boys: A well-established public school in Attock offering quality education to male students at the secondary level.
  • Govt. High School for Girls: A public school catering to the educational needs of female students in Attock at the secondary level.
  • Beaconhouse School System: A private school providing a comprehensive education from preschool to secondary levels.

Colleges:

  • Government Postgraduate College: A leading college in Attock that offers a wide range of intermediate and undergraduate programs.
  • Punjab College Attock: A well-known private college providing intermediate and undergraduate education with a focus on science and commerce streams.

Universities:

  • University of Education, Attock Campus: A branch of the University of Education offering various undergraduate and graduate programs in education and other disciplines.
  • University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Taxila Sub-Campus Attock: A sub-campus of UET Taxila that provides engineering and technical education to students in the region.

Hospitals:

  • District Headquarters Hospital: The main government hospital in Attock, providing medical services and healthcare facilities to the local community.
  • Shifa International Hospital Attock: A private hospital offering a range of medical services, including specialized healthcare and diagnostics.

Restaurants:

  • Al-Miraj Hotel and Restaurant: A local favorite, serving Pakistani cuisine and a variety of dishes in a casual dining setting.
  • Biryani Express: Known for its delicious biryani, this restaurant offers a menu of Pakistani and Indian dishes.
  • Pizza Hut Attock: Part of the popular international chain, offering a variety of pizza and fast-food options.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the historical significance of Attock?

Attock is historically significant as a vital crossroads for trade and military movements between Central and South Asia. It also played a role in Alexander the Great’s campaigns.

How diverse is the culture in Attock?

Attock is a melting pot of cultures, with Punjabi, Pashto, and Urdu-speaking communities coexisting harmoniously.

What famous landmarks can I visit in Attock?

Some of the famous landmarks in Attock include Attock Fort, Sheikh Badin National Park, Kala Chitta Range, and the scenic Indus River banks.

Are there any educational institutions in Attock?

Yes, Attock is home to several educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities.

What is the local cuisine like in Attock?

Attock offers a diverse culinary experience, with a blend of Punjabi and Pashto flavors. You can enjoy kebabs, curries, biryanis, and more.

How is the healthcare infrastructure in Attock?

Attock provides access to healthcare facilities, including hospitals and medical services for residents and visitors.

What are some of the cultural festivals celebrated in Attock?

Attock celebrates various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year, marked by colorful processions and traditional music.

Is there religious diversity in Attock?

Yes, Attock is home to places of worship for various faiths, including mosques, gurdwaras, and temples, promoting religious harmony.

What is the significance of the name “Attock”?

The name “Attock” means “gateway” in Persian, reflecting its historical role as a gateway for trade and military movements.

How can I get to Attock?

Attock is easily accessible by road and railway from major cities in Pakistan, making it a convenient destination for travelers.

Wind Up Lines

Attock Fort is the identity of Attcok’s historical city. It is also famous for Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Mughals Gardens, and Lala Rukh tomb.

Nizam Ud Deen Usman

He is known as Travel Blogger. He Visit around the Pakistan to explore the beauty of Pakistan. He is continuously updating his content to feed his reader the best they are searching for.

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