My First Love, My Beloved Islamabad: The Second Most Beautiful Capital in the World

My Beloved Islamabad, the second most beautiful capital city in the world, is a well-developed, lush green, clean, serene, hygienic, fresh, well planned and modern capital city of Pakistan.

The city is divided into different sectors and each has its own beauty. Islamabad has a twin sister city called Rawalpindi. Both cities have around 4 million inhabitants altogether. Islamabad is has been built from scratch in the 1960s when then President of Pakistan Ayub Khan decided to move the country’s capital from Karachi to the north of the country. The word Islamabad means “City of Islam”.

My beloved Islamabad has a subtropical climate and has five weather seasons.

The city is very famous among the local tourists when they want to spend their holidays in a green and serene ambiance escaping the noisy, hustling, ill-planned and overpopulated cities of Pakistan. However, every city of Pakistan has its own merits and demerits.

As I have mentioned earlier that my beloved Islu is a new city and does not have one culture. People migrated to the city from all corners of the country, and everyone shares their own values and culture.

Among the top 10 beautiful capitals, my beloved Islamabad has been adjudged as the second most beautiful capital of the world, as per the study done by toptenfindings.com. London has secured the number one position, Islamabad second, Berlin third followed by Washington, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, Budapest, Ottawa, and Moscow.

The criteria they adopted to rank the cities included Population density, Infrastructure, greenery, and mountain views.

Whenever you want to visit my beloved Islu, you should visit the following tourist places.

Lok Virsa Museum

Pakistan is a multi-cultural country. Every region has its own culture and values. Therefore, if you are interested in learning about the diverse cultures and values of Pakistan, the Lok Virsa Museum is your place to visit. Lok Virsa exhibits the multi-cultural heritage of Pakistan. A visit to the museum will fully equip you with the knowledge of Pakistan’s diverse cultures by listening to different music and watching locally produced short documentaries and other indoor and outdoor exhibitions. The Museum is only a few minutes walk away from another fascinating tourist place and landmark of Islamabad, the Pakistan Monument.

 

Pakistan Monument

The Pakistan Monument is a famous touristic place and a landmark of Islamabad. It is designed like a flower with four big and 3 small petals. The four big petals symbolize the four provinces of Pakistan, namely Khyber Pakhtun Khwa, Punjab, Sindh, and Baluchistan. The 3 small petals symbolize the 3 autonomous regions of Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and Federally administered Tribal Areas FATA. FATA has been now merged with Khyber Pakhtun Khwa province and it is no longer carrying the autonomous status. I will recommend you to visit the place during dusk if you are staying in Islu for few days. I assure you that you will enjoy your time.

 

Pakistan Monument Museum

The Pakistan Monument Museum is just opposite to the Pakistan Monument. It is a wax museum where you will learn about the complete history of Pakistan.

 

Saidpur Model Village

Saidpur is an ancient village which holds many leftovers of ancient civilizations. You will find many scenic views and serine places to hang out for a few hours. The village is full of old traditional and modern restaurants and it is located near the beautiful and iconic Mountain, Margalla hills.

 

Faisal Mosque

Faisal Mosque is one of the largest Mosques in the world with a capacity to accommodate 100,000 worshipers at one time. The construction of the Mosque was funded by the late Saudi King, King Faisal, and the Mosque is named after him. The Mosque is designed in a Bedouin tent style which is very unique and distinct from other traditional designs that usually have a green dome. I recommend you to visit the spiritual landmark of the city at the sunset. I am sure you won’t regret your decision and will experience a distinct spirituality and peace of mind. It’s a must-visit place.

 

Unique Hiking Trails

If you are up for an adventure and unique experience, Islamabad Trekking Trails is for you. It offers unique views of the city at every juncture. The trails are safe and well-marked and mapped. While hiking you will be surrounded by nature, peace, fresh air, and if lucky you will experience some rare wildlife. I will recommend you to visit Trail 5 which is one of my favorite trails. The trail leads to the iconic restaurant of Islamabad, the Monal restaurant.

 

Daman-e-Koh

Daman-e-Koh is located on Margalla Hills and it is the viewpoint of the city. You will be able to see the mesmerizing view of the entire city. Daman-e-Koh is very famous among local and international tourists. You will experience many monkeys there mostly attracted by food. However, sometime they will steal food from your hands. There is no better view of my beloved Islu then this. You will be amazed to see the greenery of the city by yourself from up there. I will strongly recommend you visit the viewpoint site on Sunday as on Sunday it is jam-packed from tourists.

 

Centaurus Mall

Some might wonder why on earth I am suggesting them to visit a mall. Well, mostly foreigners deem Pakistan a very conservative country. This perception of yours, if you have, will change by visiting the Mall. You will experience the ultra-modern and highly educated class of the society there. Secondly, the Mall has an amazing food court having both traditional and foreign food chains and restaurants. Centaurus has everything that a modern Mall should have.

 

The Monal

Monal restaurant is located further up the hill from Daman-e-Koh at Margalla Hills. At Monal, you will dine with a breathtaking view of the city and the Margalla Hills. The restaurant offers both, local and foreign foods. However, it is a bit expensive as compare to other restaurants in Islamabad. If you go further up the hill, you will encounter another mesmerizing resort called, the Highland Resort. Personally, as a resident of Islamabad, Highland Resort is my favorite place to dine or hang out with my friends. In short, there is nothing beautiful in the world as Islamabad.