LAHORE

Lahore is the capital of Province of Punjab. It is also the second largest city of Pakistan. The city has been named after King Lav who is purported to have ruled Lahore earlier. It also means 'Lohawar' with the meaning 'Fort as strong as Iron. The city regarded as one of the third largest cities of the world came under Muslim rule in 713 CE and became a part of the Mughal Empire from 1524 to 1752. The city was entitled with the status of the capital of the empire during Akbar's rule from 1584 to 1598. After the Mughal Empire, the Sikhs captured the city and made it the capital from 1799 to 1849. The Victory of the British in the Anglo-Sikh war led them to take charge of Lahore until the formation of Pakistan in 1947.

Tourist Attractions: The city known for its monuments, lures in tourists to its soil who reach here with the intention of viewing the forts built by the Mughal Emperors.

Places of Attraction:Lahore, which has the monuments, built by the Mughal emperors gains the attention of one and all who visit the city. Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, which can be considered as the good example of Mughal-Gothic style attracts tourists from far and wide. The Badshahi Masjid and the Alamgiri Gate situated next to the Lahore Fort are also the works of Mughal kings. Minar-e-Pakistan -Tower of Pakistan is the major landmark of the city. Lahore Zoo, Hazuri Bagh Baradari, Chauburji and Shahi Mohalla also include the major interesting points in the city. Akbari Gate, Bhati Gate, Delhi Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Lahore Museum, Hazuri Bagh, Iqbal Park and Lawrence Gardens are often visited by tourists.

Transportation: The extensive motorway in Lahore, bridges the distance between the cities. The large number of underpasses eases the heavy traffic in the city. Pakistan Railways, which has its headquarters in Lahore, provides train journeys connecting all its cities as well as the neighboring countries. Allama Iqbal International Airport that operates almost all flights mainly Pakistan International Airlines serves the city.

Hotels:The city offers abundant hotels and restaurants that serve the traditional food and thus satisfying the taste buds of the food loving Lahorians. Western fast food chains, like McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway Sandwiches, Dunkin Donuts, Nando's and Kentucky Fried Chicken have opened their branches in the heart of the city. Food Street in the city is a major place where tourists visit to relish the taste of their favorite dishes served there. Coocoo's den is the main café in the city. In addition to this, the city also possesses variety of world-class hotels that often serve as host to the tourists. National Hotel, Windmills Hotel, Avari Hotel Lahore, Pearl Continental, Holiday Inn and Hotel Elites are some of the Lahore Hotels.