Sahiwal
Sahiwal (ساہِيوال) is a city in the Punjab region of Pakistan. With over 207,000 inhabitants (and recent estimates being even far higher), it's a major regional city in the densely populated area between two rivers: The Sutlej and the Ravi. Sahiwal is a large city with a few interesting sights, but it's also an important transport hub for the famous nearby archaeological site of Harappa.
Get in
Located on the main Lahore–Karachi railway, Sahiwal is well connected by rail. There are direct train connections to Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Samasata and Madina-tul-Hajjaj.
Bus connections are also frequent and run to and from most larger towns in Punjab, including Lahore (rs 120, 3 hours) and Bahawalpur.
There are three best approaches to reach Sahiwal. First approach is from Lahore. Sahiwal is located about 170.5 km from Lahore, it takes you about 2 h 18 min to reach Sahiwal on car. Foreigners can reach Sahiwal by landing at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and then take bus or train to reach Sahiwal. The road from Lahore to Sahiwal is dual carriageway with 2 lanes in each direction with central barrier so this is safer approach. Second approach is from Multan. Sahiwal is located about 176.9 km from Multan , it takes you about 2 h 24 min to reach Sahiwal on car. Foreigners can reach Sahiwal by landing at Multan International Airport of Multan and then take bus to reach Sahiwal. The road from Multan to Sahiwal is dual carriageway with 2 lanes in each direction with central barrier so this is safer approach. Third approach is from Faisalabad. Sahiwal is located about 93.5 km from Faisalabad, it takes you about 1 h 56 min to reach Sahiwal on bus. Foreigners can reach Sahiwal by landing at Faisalabad International Airport of Faisalabad and then take bus to reach Sahiwal but this road is single carriageway with 2 lanes but without any central barrier so this is not safer road as compared to Lahore and Multan.
Get around
See
Southwest of Sahiwal city are the archeological remains of Harappa, an ancient city dated 3000 to 5000 BC. This was one of the main centers of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, which is also called the Harappan Civilisation.
Sahiwal serves as the main hub for visitors to Harappa, which is about 45 minute drive away. Buses (Rs 15) leave every 30 minutes and minibuses are available too for slightly more (Rs 20). Alternatively, you can rent a private autorickshaw for about Rs 350 (one way) or Rs 500 (return, with 2 hours waiting time).