IN THIS POST
– Overview of Rawal Dam Park
– Things to do at Rawal Dam Park
–Latest Updates on Rawal Dam Park
Whether you like observing serene views by the lakeside or have endless love for water sports, the old Lake View Park in Islamabad had something for everyone. The park, set to reopen with the same rigour after six years as “Rawal Dam Park,” will be the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, you’ll find exotic birds, delectable food and lush greenery. Considering the government’s plans for renovating this site, it’s safe to say that Rawal Dam Park is poised to turn into one of the major tourist attractions in the federal capital.
If you plan on visiting the park, once it opens its gates to the public, you need to know how to get there, what to see, and what to do. To help you with your research, we’ve compiled a list of some of the fun activities that were offered at the old Lake View Park. All of this, of course, will be offered at the new, revamped site as well.
Let’s begin!
About Rawal Dam Park, Islamabad
Islamabad, an urban settlement flourishing at the foothills of the Himalayas, is a relatively new city, especially compared to ancient cities in Punjab, such as Lahore. The capital has evolved remarkably, and rapidly, in terms of tourism. A great example in this regard is Rawal Dam Park – a country park that offers majestic views of Rawal Lake.
Although the park is situated in the federal capital, the maintenance and administration are under the responsibility of the government of Punjab.
Situated along the banks Rawal Lake, the park is easily accessible from Murree Road and Kashmir Highway; Islamabad Sports Complex lies to its north-west. The park features:
- Food shacks serving lip-smacking snacks
- Reserved areas for parking and prayers
- Water sports along with the scenic views of Rawal Lake
- Clean and green spaces ideal for a family picnic
On the other side of this park, you can find the new Lake View Park which is often confused with Rawal Dam Park. That’s probably because Rawal Dam Park was previously known as Lake View Park.
Now that you’ve all the information about the Rawal Dam Park and its location, let’s take a look at the recreational activities you can enjoy alone or with your family.
Recreational Activities at Rawal Dam Park, Islamabad
There are a number of fun activities at Rawal Dam Park but you can choose any activity based on your interest and the weather, of course. Once you arrive there, here’s what you can do:
Bird Watching
Bird watching is one of the many exciting activities you can enjoy in the park. It doesn’t require any sort of expenditure, or even company, for that matter. And if you’re with family, this activity can be a really smart way to help children learn interesting facts about nature. Just grab a pair of binoculars and ask your children to spot any of these birds found in the region:
- Eagles
- Falcons
- Hawks
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture
- Paradise Flycatchers
- Pheasants
- Spotted Doves
- Yellow Vented Bulbul
You can also provide children with images of these birds to help them spot their feathery friends with ease.
Boating and Canoeing
The park houses a slew of fun activities for everybody, especially families. Although it offers a wide range of water sports, boating and canoeing remain the top picks among families with children. Learning how to sail a boat is essentially a leisure activity but it can also help your child learn some valuable skills. However, it’s important to teach your child water safety measures before hopping on the boat.
Strolling and Walking
Get close to nature and breathe in the fresh air while you take a stroll in the park. Soak up sun rays in the morning and appreciate nature in its raw form. You may be surprised to know the countless benefits of having a day just by yourself. Just try to walk barefoot on fresh grass and you’ll discover how soothing it can be for your mind and body.
Take our word for it: you will find some of the best moments to share with your friends on Instagram or Snapchat stories after exploring different corners of the park.
Barbeques and Picnics
Packing a picnic basket and heading to Rawal Dam Park is also an option if you’re considering fun things to do with children in Islamabad. Remember to visit the park an hour before sunset, since the place becomes crowded after 5 PM, especially on weekends. Name a better duo than filling your belly with scrumptious grilled meat and enjoying the golden streams with your loved ones and we’ll wait.
Play Family Games
In this fast-paced world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to spend quality time with families. We cannot sugar coat the fact that “family time” has reduced to screen time and the sole interaction people have with their loved ones often takes place on social media. So, if you’re tired of seeing your kids glued to their mobile devices all day long, it is time to take them to Rawal Dam Park for some real fun.
Outdoor activities are essential for the healthy development of a child. At Rawal Dam Park, parents can engage with their children by playing fun outdoor games. You can do a scavenger hunt! It is a great way to allow them to observe and explore the different corners of the park.
In a nutshell, Old Lake View Park is the perfect, and budget-friendly, option for families who are looking for fun activities to do in Islamabad. It’s also the place to be for individuals who want to spend some time on their own in a serene environment, away from the madding city crowd.
Latest Updates on Rawal Dam Park, Islamabad
If you’re intrigued to visit Rawal Dam Park any time soon, you will be glad to know that the Parliamentary Secretary on Interior Shaukat Ali announced on Jan.2 that the park will reopen after nearly six years. He added the process of the park’s renovation will be completed within a month.
The old Lake View Park was a popular picnic spot for not just people living in Islamabad but for visitors from other cities as well. Rawal Dam Park promises to offer a similar, in fact, better, experience. It will also house a historic Hindu temple, which will officially become a part of the park after completing the renovation work. Hindu residents living in nearby areas will not have to travel to Krishna Mandir in Saddar, Rawalpindi, after the opening of the temple in Rawal Dam Park. Mr. Ali added the park will be renovated without damaging the natural beauty of the site.
So, until the park reopens, check out our recently published guide on fun weekend places in Islamabad. For more informative posts, subscribe to Zameen Blog. Email your feedback and suggestions at blog@zameen.com.
