The Hidden Gems Of Sindh

Sindh, the southern province and second largest by population, provides Pakistan access to the Arabian Sea. The tourism world, enamored by the high , majestic mountains of North Pakistan tends to forget the historical and cultural richness of this area. This article explores the hidden gems of Sindh.

Karachi, 12th largest metropolis, Pakistan’s major sea and airport, once the capital city, the industrial and financial hub, and a melting pot of cultures and sub cultures is the largest city of the province and deserves a separate article to describe its wonders in detail.

We will venture north east out of Karachi to discover Sindh by road.

A Trip To Rural Sindh

A good network of road connects Karachi to all the major cities and towns of Sindh. Then onwards be prepared for rugged but scenic roads which lead you on a treasure hunt to the hidden gems of Sindh.

Chaukhandi Tombs

Makli Necropolis

Haleji Lake

Just 30 kilometers out of Karachi, The Chaukhandi Tombs are notable for their sandstone carvings built in the funerary style of lower Sindh. This Islamic cemetery was built during Mughal rule between 15th and 18th centuries

A hundred kilometers east of Karachi is the World Heritage Site of Makli. The largest burial site in the world is spread over ten kilometers and houses an estimated half a million to a million tombs built during a four hundred year period. It features several large, intricately carved funerary monuments belonging to various Sufi Saints, scholars and royalty. A legend of a Hajj pilgrim in spiritual ecstasy visualizing him to be in Makkah resulted in Sufi Saint Hamad Jamali in naming the place ‘ Makli ‘, meaning ‘ little Makkah ‘.

Near the Makli tombs is a large fresh water lake which is a Mecca for naturalists and bird lovers. It was a saline lagoon which was converted into a fresh water reservoir by connecting it to River Indus by a feeder canal in 1930’s. It is a wintering site for waterfowl such as Cotton Teal, Indian Spot-billed Duck, PurpleMoor-hen and Pheasant-tailed Jacana. In winter months a large number of Egrets and Herons fly in from the north to breed.

Hala and Bhit Shah

Ranikot Fort

Rashidabad

As we head Northeast deeper into rural Sindh we come to the city of HALA. Hala was a leading Centre of Suharwardi sect of Sufism from 16th century onwards and the mausoleum of Mukhdum Nuh (1592) is located here. Hala is famous for art, glazed colored pottery (Kaashi), woodwork (Jandi), cloth printing (Ajraak), woven cloth (Sussi) and khaddar ( thick cotton made on hand looms).

Nearby is the small town of Bhitshah, best know because of the shrine of the Sindhi Sufi poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. The shrine is covered with traditional Iranian Qashani glazed blue and turquoise tiles. His grave is enclosed by a carved wooden screen and lies under a beautifully painted fresco. Thursday is when musicians serenade the devotees gathered around to recite his poems and pray. A small museum devoted to Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai’s poetry and folktales is a tourist attraction.

About 90 kilometers north of Hyderabad, on Indus Highway is the town of Sann. A rugged road to the left for 21 kilometers leads to the Kirthar National Park and Ranikot Fort.

This 17th century fort is huge, its 35 kilometers long walls connecting several bleak mountains. Allegedly it is the world’s largest fort and is also called, ‘ The Great Wall Of Sindh ‘.

Rashidabad lies 35 kilometers to the east of Hyderabad towards Mirpurkhas. It is neither a historical city nor has a place in Sindhi culture but its importance goes way beyond what history and culture have to offer Sindh. It can be best described as a city of hope, hope and a shining beacon for the future generations of the impoverished.

A new city, catering to the education, health and vocational training of the underprivileged. It is a recommended visit for any tourist who wants to experience what Pakistan has to offer its future generations. The linked videos give an overview of wonder that is RASHIDABAD.