Links to the Taj

Day 19 - Lahore

Another early start to see the old city of Lahore. We stopped briefly for a quick look at the Lahore Railway Station before heading to the huge grounds of the Tomb of Noor Jahan. The mausoleum was built in the 17th century for the Mughal empress Noor Jahan, with the marble centotaphs of the empress and her daughter side by side inside the main building.

 

It was a short drive from there to see the tomb of Noor Mahal's husband Emperor Jahangir, also set inside a large garden along with some other smaller tombs. Jahangir was the father of Shah Jahan, who along with this tomb also built the Taj Mahal for his wife. Similarities can be seen between this tomb and the Taj, with heavy use of semi-precious stones (like lapis lazuli) inlaid in the shape of flowers in white marble.

Next was a visit to Lahore Museum. It was quite busy so once again we attracted a bit of attention, what was amusing when we first arrived in Pakistan was starting to wear on us a bit! The exhibits were quite varied, ranging from a section on different buddha statues, a big (and not particularly flattering) statue of Queen Victoria, and odd things like a piece of the Berlin wall. After we'd seen enough we found a seat away from the crowds to enjoy some peace and quiet! 

Lunch was at Yasir Broast on Tourist Street near the Anarkali Bazaar, and in a very busy part of town and as we walked along the street had a glimpse of daily life in Lahore.   

From there it was back in the bus to the Delhi gate, walking along the busy street and then past a spice market to Shahi Hamman, a Turkish bath built by Shah Jahan in 1635. It had received awards for the quality of the restoration, with baths being excavated and highly decorated frescoes uncovered. 

Not far from there was the Wazir Khan Mosque with its detailed painted frescos and as well as the underground tomb of a Sufi saint. This was the most "touristy" part of Pakistan we'd seen on the whole trip, with a few shops just outside the mosque selling souvenirs and artwork.

The walk back through the bazaar and the wait for our bus on a very busy corner had us all choking on the fumes and smog of Lahore's chaotic polluted traffic.

Back at the hotel we had a last dinner with our travelling companions as they were all flying home in the early hours of the morning, while we still had another full day left in Pakistan.