Hotels, Things to do, Places to visit, Restaurants, Attractions, Car Rental in Sheikhupura

Sheikhupura

Sheikhupura, also known as Qila Sheikhupura, is a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Founded in 1607 by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, Sheikhupura holds historical significance. It is the 16th largest city in Pakistan by population, situated approximately 38 kilometres northwest of Lahore. The city is also connected to the Kasur District, enhancing its strategic location within the region.

Sheikhupura is a satellite town and an industrial city known for its thriving rice farming industry. The presence of Nestlé Pakistan further adds to the city's economic significance. Despite its ancient roots and pre-British history, the city has seen significant growth with the establishment of various housing societies and towns around its borders, driven by industrial expansion. Some notable developments include New Civil Lines, Wapda Town Sheikhupura, and the E Community Housing Society, contributing to the city's modern urban landscape.

Hiran Minar

Hiran Minar or The Deer Tower is an early 16th-century Mughal era complex located in Sheikhupura, in the Pakistani province of Punjab.

The Mughal Emperor Jahangir built this piece of architecture inside a beautiful lake. It was built as a place for the emperors to go hunting. It has a minaret, a pool, a pavilion with two stories, and a bridge that connects the minaret to the pavilion. In the middle of the pool is a pavilion with eight sides that was built during the time of Shah Jahan. The pavilion has two floors and a stone gazebo on the roof called a chhatri. Emperor Humayun built the Sher Mandal at Delhi's Purana Qila, which looks a lot like the pavilion. It is one of Sheikhupura's most popular tourist spots.

Shrine Of Syed Waris Ali Shah

The Shrine of Syed Waris Ali Shah is located in Jandiala Sher Khan, Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan, on Hafizabad-Sheikhupura Road. Waris Shah, born around 1722 in Sheikhupura, is considered one of the greatest Punjabi poets and is widely recognized for his epic folk story of Heer-Ranjha, which has become an integral part of Punjabi cultural heritage.

Waris Shah's poetry, particularly his retelling of Heer-Ranjha, has left a lasting legacy in literature, making him immortal in the hearts of his followers and readers. He passed away in 1798, but his influence continues to live on. Every year, thousands of devotees from all over the region visit his tomb in Jandiala Sher Khan to pay their respects. The mausoleum was designed by the mausoleum committee in 1975, and construction was completed in 1978. The tomb, a place of great religious and cultural significance, attracts not only those who admire Waris Shah’s poetry but also individuals seeking spiritual solace.

Sheikhupura Fort

The Sheikhupura Fort is located to the southwest of the old city, on Bhikhi Road, Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan.

While it has long been associated with Emperor Jahangir, there is no concrete evidence to confirm that he built it. The fort dates back to the early Mughal era, or potentially even earlier, and has undergone significant changes and expansions over the centuries. The fort's current structure is approximately 128 meters from north to south and 115.5 meters from east to west, forming a roughly square shape. Its walls stand at an average height of 11.5 meters, giving the fort a grand and imposing appearance. Positioned in the southeast of Sheikhupura, the fort dominates the cityscape and remains a prominent landmark in the region.

Sheikhupura Stadium

The Sheikhupura Cricket Stadium is located near Ch Saeed Virk PTI, in Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan.

This versatile stadium serves various purposes, with a seating capacity of 15,000 spectators. It holds historical significance as the venue where renowned cricket player Wasim Akram achieved his highest Test score. In addition to the main stadium, the area surrounding the facility features several amenities, including a public park, an electronic scoreboard, a gymnasium, and a stadium shopping complex. Notably, a miniature stadium for ice hockey is also present. Furthermore, the hockey stadium has been named after Saeed Anwar Malik, a legendary Pakistani hockey player who competed in three Olympic Games, in honor of his contributions to the sport.

Khanpur Canal

Khanpur Canal, also known as Canal Upper Chenab, is a man-made waterway located near Al-Khaleej Energy PVT, in Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan. This canal stretches from the head of the River Chenab at Marala to the River Ravi.

The canal is surrounded by picturesque woods, offering stunning views of the lake from various vantage points. It is a popular spot for visitors who come to enjoy the cool breeze, serene atmosphere, and beautiful natural surroundings. People often visit to relax, have a meal, and enjoy grilled fish and other local delicacies. The tranquil environment also makes it an ideal location for family gatherings and quiet conversations while taking in the peaceful scenery.

Gurdwara Sacha Sauda

Sacha Souda is a significant Sikh temple (Gurdwara) located in Farooqabad, Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan. The name Sacha Sauda translates to "True Deal," which is derived from a story about Guru Nanak.

According to the story, Guru Nanak gave away his father's money to a poor person instead of investing it in his father’s business. When questioned about his actions, Guru Nanak explained that feeding the hungry was the best way to spend money, and that was the true and most rewarding act, which he referred to as "Sacha Sauda" or the "True Deal." The Gurdwara Sacha Sauda was built by Ranjeet Singh on the spot where the sadhus (holy men) were fed. Over time, the Gurdwara fell into disrepair due to encroachment by local Gujjar families. However, in 1992, the Evangelical Trust Property Board (ETPB) took responsibility for its evacuation and restoration. After years of efforts, it was restored to its original state, allowing Sikh pilgrims to visit and pay their respects to this important religious site.

Nightlife

Culture and Heritage

Due to its proximity to Lahore, Sheikhupura's culture is heavily influenced by Lahori traditions. The city celebrates various cultural activities such as basant, cattle shows, melas, and theatre, which are cherished by its residents. People in Sheikhupura prefer traditional attire like chadar/dupatta, dhoti, kurta-shalwar, and turban. Punjabi, English, and Urdu are the main languages spoken in the city. The trend of education is steadily improving, with more institutions being established to meet the growing demand for quality learning.

Sheikhupura, like much of Punjab, has a rich cultural and culinary heritage. The literacy rate in the province is around 43.6%, with a growing number of educational institutions in the city. The local cuisine is a blend of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, where the use of ghee (clarified butter) and spices is prominent. Sweetmeats are a staple, and Namkeen Lassi is the favourite drink, while Shag with Roti is another popular dish in the region. Music and dance are an integral part of the Punjabi culture, with Bhangra being the most well-known form of music and dance. Punjabis are passionate about folk songs, music, and Qawwali, which are loved globally. Instruments like the dhol, tabla, dholki, flute, chimta, and sitar are commonly used in performances. Punjabi dance styles, such as Dhamal, Lodi, Kikli, Sammi, Gidda, Bhangra, Gatka, and Dandiya, are lively, filled with energy, and full of excitement. These dance forms have gained international recognition and are considered some of the most celebrated art forms today.