Across the border: 4 interesting places in Lahore, Pakistan

Bollywood has time and again taken a stride across the border to portray Pakistan. In this week's release, 'Happy Bhag Jayegi' the heroine, Happy, played by Diana Penty runs away on the eve of her wedding. She ends up in Lahore, in Pakistan. While the movie is set in Pakistan, the shooting was done entirely in India. But away from the make believe world Bollywood is a Pakistan that shares a history with us. of  We bring to you four interesting monuments from Lahore, Pakistan. 

Wazir Khan Masjid

A unique monument of Mughal architecture, the Wazir Khan Mosque was built during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.  It took seven years to complete. It was named after Hakim Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari who was the governor of Lahore and the person who initiated the construction of the mosque. The mosque has four octagonal minarets. It is decorated with glazed tile mosaics floral patterns, calligraphy verses from Koran and Persian and situated near Lahore's Old City. 

Where?  Wazir Khan Mosque is located on the Eastern side of Lahore old city, 300 m away from Delhi Gate. It can be easily accessed from other landmarks in Lahore.

Badshahi Mosque

A landmark of Lahore, the Badshahi Mosque was constructed in 1671 and 1673. The mosque has eight minarets and the courtyard it is said can host more than 50, 000 people simultaneously. The massive prayer hall is divided into seven parts by beautiful arches. The mosque suffered significant damage over the years and was restored about half a century ago. 

Where? Badshahi Mosque is located on Fort Rd in the North-West part of the Walled City, 600 m distance from Lahore Fort and about 1.7 km West from Wazir Khan Mosque.

Lahore Fort 

It is believed that the Lahore Fort was founded by Prince Lav, Lord Rama's son from the epic Ramayana. However, the current fort came to be around 11 AD. And since it is at a strategic point between Persia, India, China and Afghanistan, it has been conquered and destroyed time and again. The Mughal Emperors built on and modified the fort several times between 13th to 15 th centuries. The fort has two separate sections - the administrative and the private residences. 

Where? Lahore Fort is located on the Fort Road in the North West part of the Walled city. It is open from Monday to Friday. There are three small museums operating in the fort. 

Shalimar Garden

The Shalimar Garden complex was built between 1641 and 1642 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Spread over nearly 16 hectors, the garden is built on three terraces - Farah Baksh, Faiz Baksh and Hayat Baksh. Waterfalls, ponds, and pavilions are the hallmarks of this garden. 

Where? Shalimar Gardens Complex is located about 8 km distance from NW Walled City, via Ghoray Shah Road from Lahore Fort or Badshahi Mosque. It is about 7 km East from Wazir Khan Mosque, via Ghoray Shah Road.