History
[edit]Chakwal (Urdu: چکوال), (Punjabi: چکوال) is the capital of Chakwal District, Punjab, Pakistan. It is 90 km south-east of the federal capital, Islamabad, and is named after Chaudhry Chaku Khan, chief of the Mair Minhas tribe from Jammu, who founded it in 1525 CE during the era of the Mughal Emperor, Zaheerudun Babur. It remained a small but central town of the Dhan Chaurasi Taluka for many centuries. In 1881, during the British era, it was declared the Tehsil Headquarters. It was upgraded to district status in 1985. The area of Chakwal city is about 10 km².
Chakwal city has been bestowed by rich culture, history, art and extravagant environment. Once been known as a picnic spot for the Mughal dynasty and the British Lords also holds the record for producing fine men like Colonel Muhammad Khan, Tabish Kamal, India's prime minister Manmohan Sing and many other well reputed people.
The common language of the people of Chakwal is Punjabi's dialect Dhani. Punjabi (Dhani) of Chakwal is a mixture of Pothohari(30%), Saraiki(90%) and Hindki(50%). Since people with different culture fused together, the languages also embraced each other.
Chakwal is mainly an agriculture area. Chakwal is famous for production of international standard oranges, wheat, barley, sugarcane, and many other fruits and vegetables. Many international cement companies have planted their factories around the city whose success versace environmental issues are debatable.
Get in
[edit]There are four ways to enter main city:
- By motorway through Kallarkahar exit, crossing Bhaun and entering Chakwal in about 25 minutes.
- By Motorway through Chakwal exit, Balkasar interchange crossing Thoa Bahadur and entering city in about 30 minutes.
- By N5 GT road taking Mandra exit before Rawat and following Chakwal road in about 1 hour.
- By N5 GT road taking sohawa exit and following Chakwal road in about 1 hour.
Get around
[edit]Chakwal is a small city so transport is mostly the Qinqi Rickshaws. They work as local and special transport.
See
[edit]There are many historic places in Chakwal district, some important places are as follows:
- Kallar Kahar Resting in the mountains of the salt range the valley of Kallar Kahar withholds beautiful environment, Dazzling sceneries, Wonderful historic and prehistoric spots and Museums. Kallar Kahar also has Pakistan's first fossil museum but the mainstay of tourist attraction is the Kallar Kahar lake that lies in the heart of the valley. Other attraction spots are Bagh e sufa, Takht e Babri, the famous shrines and other gardens and mountain ranges.
- Katas Raj The castle of Katas Raj and the pond of tears is a very sacred place for Hindu and Sikh community. On top of the castle is World's tallest temple of Shiva and there are 8 Hindu temples and many Sikh temples surrounding the castle.
- Malot Fort Remainings of ancient fort. Also a view point of river Jehlam, river Chanab and Sargodha
- Lakes
Chakwal is also known as Lake District The lakes around the city have become picnic spots for their beauty. Some of the famous lakes are:
- Dhok Taalian lake
- Kot Raja lake
- Khokhar zer lake
- Dharabi lake
- Ghazial lake
- Walana lake
- Mial lake
- Nakka lake
- Dhurnal lake
- Grebh lake
- Khai lake
- Minwal lake
Do
[edit]- Karah(Bull race) is the most popular source of entertainment in the district
- Kabadi
- Volleyball
Buy
[edit]Main Market of Chakwal is Chappar Bazar in the center of the city. You can buy all sorts of food, clothing, accessories and electronics at reasonable price. But without tasting Pehlwan Rewrri your Chakwal trip is incomplete! Present it to your friends as a specialty of Chakwal (Pakistan).
Chakwal's Zarri khussa(footwear) is very famous
Eat
[edit]- Haji's "daal anda" near Shah Multani, Bhaun road Chakwal
- Sheraz Tikka House, Talagang Road Chakwal
- Emporium's Shawarma, Talagang Road Chakwal
- Al Qaim Hotel, Tesil chowk(24/7)
- Pizza Time, Bhaun Road
- Al Mukhtar Royal Palace, Balkassar interchange
- Super Balochi Sajji Rice, Talagang road Chakwal
- Unique Broast House, bypass road Chakwal
- Pizza Hot, Talagang Road
- Tasty haleem center, Chaparr Bazar
- Italian Pizza, Talagang road
- Rahat Bakery, Bhaun Chok
- Hafiz Burger, Rawalpindi Road Chakwal
- Al Mecca, Talagang Road
- Rahat restaurant, Jehlam Road
- Pehlwan Hotel; Chicken Pulao, Chaparr Bazar
- Madina Hotel; Haleem, a street of Chaparr Bazar
- Zalmi Restaurant, Pinwal road Chakwal
Drink
[edit]- Pehlwan Juice House's milk shakes and fresh fruit juices, Chaparr Bazar
- Punjab Juice house's Rubbery Milk, Baab e Chakwal
- Nisar Hotel's lassi, Talagang Road
Sleep
[edit]- Mecca Hotel, Talagang Road
- Azeem International Hotel, Bhaun Chok
- Al Murtaza Hotel, Talagang Road
- Al Murtaza Restaurant, Talagang Road