UPDATE (Feb. 12, 2021): Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to inaugurate the Miyawaki urban forest in Jilani Park on Feb. 12. The government is planning to develop around 51 urban forest sites in Lahore to tackle the problem of air pollution. The plantation of these forests is part of the incumbent government’s broader strategy to protect the environment.
Lahore is a city known for its vibrant history and lush greenery. In fact, it is also known as the “City of Gardens,” owing to the fact that it’s home to many parks and open, green spaces. In this blog, we shall focus on Jilani Park, which is one of the most famous parks in Lahore.
Administered by Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), is one of the most amazing places to visit in the city, especially if you’re looking for some outdoor family fun.
Jilani Park: An Overview
One of the most important features of Jilani Park is that it’s a popular venue for hosting different events. Without any delay, let’s get into the details of what the place has to offer and everything there is to know about it.
History
On October 3, 1985, then-Governor Ghulam Jilani Khan inaugurated Racecourse Park. Initially, it was exclusively used for hosting polo games. In the early 2000s, following a campaign by a group of activists, who didn’t want the park to turn into a housing society, it was given the name “Jilani Park” after Ghulam Jilani Khan.
Area
The park spans an area of 88 acres of land, which comprises a lot more than just green spaces. There’s a cricket ground, a waterfall and several other facilities that make Jilani Park one of the most popular spots for people looking for interesting outdoor activities.
Location of Jilani Park
Jilani Park is located on Jail Road, opposite to Services Hospital, G.O.R. – I, in Lahore. The location lends it a significant advantage of being one of the most visited parks in Lahore. It’s a popular weekend entertainment and leisure spot for people from across the city, especially on weekends.
Facilities in Jilani Park
As stated above, the park is a lot more than just a park. Visitors have access to the following facilities in Jilani Park:
Jogging Track
While there are plenty of parks in the vicinity of G.O.R.-I, local residents prefer coming here for a morning or evening jog because of its well-built track, which is 1.8 miles long. The beautiful scenery of flowers and trees along the track helps refresh the mind, while you provide your body a much-needed boost to maintain its physical health.
Cricket Field
Not fond of jogging but love cricket? Don’t worry as this park will cater to your choice as well! There’s a cricket ground in Jilani Park where you can often spot children as well as adults playing their favorite game.
Lake
One of the main attractions of Jilani Park is its lake. In a bid to provide better leisurely activities to visitors, boating is also available here. You can either ride in a motorboat or take a paddle boat for a spin.
Waterfall
Jilani Park has its own waterfall! It is a man-made attraction that’s several feet tall and operates all day long. The cool, sparkling water of this waterfall is often a relief for sore eyes in the scorching heat of summer.
Children’s Play Area
There is a dedicated kids’ area right in front of Gate A of the park. There are multiple swings for kids including slides, seesaw and sling swing among others.
Festivals And Events
The fact that the park is located in the center of Lahore makes it easier for people from across the city to get here. The following events are often held at Jilani Park:
Spring Festival
Of all the festivals celebrated here, the spring festival is arguably the most famous one. Jashn-e-Baharan is a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring with colors, warmth, music and food.
In the past, kite-flying events used to be the highlight of the festival and the most-awaited time of the year for Lahoris. Even now the gardens inside the park are decorated with a variety of colourful flowers.
The festival usually starts in late February or early March of every year and lasts for three to four weeks.
Flower Exhibitions
Spring is the season of colours, especially those found in nature. In order to celebrate this time of the year, Jilani Park hosts a flower exhibition that lasts for about a week.
LABARD Mela
Every year, the Lahore Businessmen Association for the Rehabilitation of Disabled (LABARD) organises an event called LABARD Mela. The aim of this festival is to encourage differently-abled children and instill confidence in them by helping them engage in different activities.
Lahore Eat
Lahoris are famous for their love of food across the country, so a list of eventsin Lahore is incomplete without a food festival. Lahore Eat is a popular three-day festival that’s organized almost every year in the City of Gardens. Restaurants and independent food-based businesses set up their stalls to sell different cuisines and recipes. Concerts are often held at this event to make the experience all the better for visitors. It is one of the most awaited festivals of the year.
Canteen And Restaurants
There are several canteens from where visitors can get refreshments. There is also a restaurant called “Polo Lounge,” which is known for its delectable main courses.
If you want other options for fast food or ice-cream, McDonald’s is situated next to Jilani Park and KFC is right across the road. Cock N Bull, Café Reload, Covo Restaurant, Desi Pardesi Restaurant, and Baghdadi Restaurant are other options available in the vicinity.
Gardens
Although the park looks beautiful throughout the year, it’s a sight to behold during the season of spring. Pretty pink orchids, tall sunflowers, brightly coloured daisies and tulips in lush green gardens serve as amazing backgrounds for photos. Owing to its beauty and the afore-mentioned facilities, Jilani Park is a favorite spot for families and students for picnics.
Nearby places
Jail Road is one of the busiest roads of Lahore and you can find a number of famous areas near this route:
- Mall Road is a 10-minute drive
- Services Hospital is right across the road
- Gulberg is a 5 to 7-minute drive
- Lahore Cantt is a 5 to 7-minute drive
So, this was all you needed to know about Jilani Park. If you’d like to add anything to our overview, write to us at blog@zameen.com.
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