Interested in touring Faisalabad? Well, this guide will help you determine the best places to visit in Faisalabad, but first, let’s learn a bit more about the city.
About Faisalabad
Faisalabad is the third most populated city of Pakistan. It was called Lyallpur until 1977 when its name was changed in honour of the late Saudi king, Shah Faisal-bin-Abdul Aziz. It is also the second largest city of Punjab. Founded in 1880 by the British Lieutenant Governor of Punjab Sir Charles James Lyall, the city was named in his honour.
Today, Faisalabad is a major industrial hub and its road, rail and air networks allow for easy commute. The city is also known as the “Manchester of Pakistan” in reference to its booming textile industry, which is quite similar to Manchester’s. Another title given to Faisalabad is “City of Textiles,” for similar reasons.
Exploring Faisalabad can be a joy for those interested in its rich history. However, it is slightly off the beaten path and not many people are aware of the historical gems this city holds. Here, we’ll discuss how you can get to Faisalabad and what you can see there once you arrive.
Reaching Faisalabad
Being just 120 kilometres from Lahore and 360 kilometres from Islamabad, the M-3 Motorway connects the city of Faisalabad to the M-2 Motorway. However, the easiest way to reach the city, for both domestic and foreign travellers, is to take a flight directly to Faisalabad International Airport.
Places to Visit in Faisalabad
Once you reach the city, here are some of the most famous places of Faisalabad that are worth a visit:
The Clock Tower
Faisalabad’s Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower is located within its city centre. The Clock Tower was founded in 1903 by Sir Charles Riwaz who was the British Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. It is an architectural marvel to behold. However, what’s unique about this site is not the clock tower itself, but the fact that an aerial view of the area forms the Union Jack, which is the British flag.
Surrounding the clock tower are 8 different markets, each named after an area or city that it is directed towards. These markets are:
- Chiniot Bazaar
- Karkhana Bazaar
- Jhang Bazaar
- Katchery Bazaar
- Amin Pur Bazaar
- Montgomery Bazaar
- Bhowana Bazaar
- Rail Bazaar
Gatwala Park
Gatwala is a wildlife and forest preservation park that was established between the years 1985-1992. It is located 15 to 20 kilometres away from Faisalabad on the Faisalabad-Sheikhupura Road. Today, this park is a major picnic spot for the locals with boating, camping and other activities for families to enjoy. The park also has a wildlife breeding centre and lush green forests to enjoy.
D Ground
A tour of Faisalabad offers its share of shopping opportunities. Among these is D Ground, which is the second most important commercial hub of the city. The semi-circle area of the D is divided between a park and the office of Radio Pakistan, while the roads forming the D are full of high-end shopping outlets and eateries. Tourists and locals alike can enjoy themselves here.
Jinnah Garden
Named after the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Jinnah Garden is actually the final resting place of Sir Charles James Lyall. It is one of the central parks of the city and is also known to the locals as “Company Bagh.”
Qaisery Gate
Qaisery Gate is located at the outer edge of Rail Bazaar. A straight walk through the bazaar can lead you to the Clock Tower and the 7 adjacent markets. It was built in the late 1800s during the British Rule and is well preserved to this date.
Gumti Water Fountain
Built in front of the Qaisery Gate, Gumti Fountain is another structure that has withstood the test of time from the early 1800s to date. While it has now become a busy intersection for traffic, it was once a designated spot for town meetings. The fountain is still in working condition today.
Lyallpur Museum
Faisalabad has a rich history attached to the name Lyallpur and there’s no better place to witness it than visiting the Lyallpur Museum. As a heritage museum, it preserves the history and culture associated with the area within its walls.
While the construction began in 2010, it was actually completed by 2013.
Various collections are displayed in 10 different galleries within the museum. These galleries are:
- Orientation Gallery
- Regional Heritage Archaeological Gallery
- Chenab Colony Gallery
- Sandal Bar Gallery
- Thought and Act Gallery
- Pakistan Movement Gallery
- Social Beauty Gallery
- Muslim to Sikh Period Gallery
- Textile Gallery
- Lyallpur Gallery
Other Places of Interest
Aside from the above-mentioned major tourist attractions in Faisalabad, here are a few other sites to visit while you’re in town:
- Am Tex Waterfall
- Canal Park
- Faisalabad Hockey Stadium
- Iqbal Stadium
Faisalabad holds many natural and historic gems if you know where to look for them. We’ve made your job easier by listing down all the sites that are truly worth a visit in our travel guide to faisalabad. Safe Travels!
