All You Need to Know About Multan:
Multan is a city located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is located in the Indus Valley, on the left bank of the Chenab River. Apart from being the 10th largest city of Pakistan, it is also known as a major cultural hub and economic corridor of the southern part of the province.
Having a rich history, Multan is entitled to be one of the oldest cities in the Asian subcontinent. Being the capital of the ancient Malavas who dominated the area in the fourth century BCE, Multan was conquered by Alexander the Great in 326 BCE and came under Umayyad dominion around 712 CE. It remained the last bastion of Islam in India for three centuries before becoming a center for the Qarmatian heretics in the tenth century. Over the years, it was repeatedly sacked and besieged despite being the military and commercial key to the southern passage into India. it was ruled by the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire until being taken over by the Afghans (1779), Sikhs (1818), and British in the following years (1849). Kashtpur, Hanspur, Bgpur, and Sanb (or Sanbpur) were previous names for Multan. Its current name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Mulasthan” referring to city’s ancient sun temple.
Multan is referred to be the City of Sufis due to the abundance of shrines and Sufi saints who were born there during the Islamic rule. Bazaars, mosques, shrines, and magnificent tombs are all across the city. Fariduddin Ganjshakar, often known as Baba Farid and regarded as the first significant poet of the Punjabi language, was born there.
The city, which has a dry port and strong transportation options, has developed into a significant political and economic hub for the nation. As a hub for commerce and industry, it has air, train, and road connections to Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Faisalabad. The following businesses can be found in the area: flour, sugar, oil, and textile mills for cotton, wool, and silk, soap, glass, fertilizer, foundries, and a sizable thermal power plant. It is renowned for its cottage industries and handicrafts (such as ceramics and camel leather work). In addition to various colleges connected to the University of the Punjab, there are hospitals and public gardens. The University of Multan was established in 1975, before becoming the Bahauddin Zakariya University. Outside of the mediaeval walled town, sizable erratic suburbs and satellite towns have been built. The various shrines found in the old city are magnificent works of art and architecture.
- Community and Languages
There are many communities living in the city of which majority is Punjabi but residents of Multan are called Multanis. One of the earliest languages used in southern Punjab is Multani. It is a Punjabi dialect that combines Sindhi with the Jhangochi variety of Punjabi. Multani was the previous name, but Saraiki is now in use. It is primarily spoken in the districts of Multan, Muzaffargarh, and surrounding areas.
- Weather and agriculture
Multan has a dry climate with extremely scorching summers and bitterly frigid winters. The city has some of the most extreme weather conditions in the nation. On May 27, 2010, a record-breaking high temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) was observed. Thanks to the hot weather and the plentiful fertile soil that has been well-irrigated, the terrain surrounding the city is a flat plain that is excellent for agriculture. One of the best mangoes in the world is grown in Multan. Mango farms are without a doubt the most prevalent sight in the Multan suburbs. Mangoes come in a wide variety of kinds. The mangoes grown here are likely the sweetest on the planet, and a significant amount of the crop is shipped to other nations. Beside mangoes, Multan renowned for the growth of citrus, guavas, and pomegranates, wheat, cotton, rice, and sugar cane.
- Transportation
Few bus routes serve as public transit, but thousands of motorized three-wheelers provide unauthorized public transportation services at a reasonable cost. With few major roads in the city or connecting it to suburbs, Multan is comprised of narrow streets. Consequently, the major and feasible mode of transportation for the locals is motor bike.
Places to Visit in Multan:
For individuals who have a thorough understanding of historical locations, Multan is renowned for its rich historical heritage and offers many wonders. The 10th largest city in Pakistan, Multan is renowned for its spectacular architecture and historic sites. According to certain historians, Multan is thought to have been the center of Sufi activity for the past 2000 years, making it more intriguing to learn about the city’s well-known tourist attractions.
Multan is known for its mediaeval forts, boating on the Chenab River, and outstanding mango and citrus fields. Multan is worth visiting due to the numerous Muslim shrines and Hindu temples that are renowned tourist destinations. The handicrafts, regional embroideries, chocolates, fruits, and souvenir tiles are what draw shoppers to the various marketplaces and bazaars of the city.
The finest place to discover Pakistan’s numerous architectural styles and learn about the developing legends of the lovely city is Multan. You will enjoy the stunning and recognizable monuments of these sites as you uncover the facts and tales about the historic city.
- Fort of Multan
The Multan Fort, also known as Fort Kohna Qasim Garden, is a historic symbol of South Asian architecture and defense. Fort Kohna has been around for over 2600 years, and its construction is dated to between 800 and 1000 BC. Multan Fort was constructed by the Katoch dynasty to stave off invasions from the neighboring cities in the north and west. However, the British Empire extensively damaged the fort while it was under colonial rule. Despite the damage, the area still has its beauty and artistic quality, and the magnificent fort’s architecture will stun you.
The massive fort is undoubtedly a work of beauty where you may admire the setting’s architecture. A citadel inside the fort was severely damaged by Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s battering artillery in 1818. Multan Fort is made up of 30 turrets, a mosque, a Hindu temple, and a palace. The fort had eight gates, but eventually only four remained. They are the Hareri, Sikhi, Qasim, and Khizri gates. Don’t forget to visit the Multan Fort if you want to learn about Multan’s historical sites!
- Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam
One of Multan’s most well-known saints of the Sufis is Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh. His mausoleum is located at Multan Qila, on the northern border of Multan Fort. Son of Pir Sadar Al-Din Arif, Shah Rukn-e-Alam was a mystic who belonged to the Suhrawardiyya Sufi order. The tomb, which was created with red tiles to display the earliest example of Tughluq architecture, left behind a lovely structure.
More than 100,000 worshippers go from all over the world to Multan each year to visit the spectacular shrines and well-known historical sites. The heart of Multan, the tomb, has been around for 700 years and underwent renovations in the 1970s by the department of Auqaf.
According to historians, the well-known Ghias-ud-Din Tughlak, the governor of Dipalpur, built the monument. In order to replicate the previous Mughal architecture in this historic edifice, Multan Kashigars renovated the burial and decorated it with bluestones. Don’t forget to visit Shah Rukn-e-Alam Tomb to see the stories about the tomb as they develop!
- Baha-ud-Din Zakariya Shrine
In mediaeval South Asia, Baha-ud-Din Zakariya (also known as Bahauddin Zakariya) was a prominent Sufi mystic, poet, and teacher. He founded the Suhrawardiyya order in Baghdad and was Rukn-e Alam’s grandpa, a revered saint who is interred 500 meters southwest of the Centre in a magnificent monument. Pilgrims from all over the world have come to Multan’s famous spot to pray and spread Islam. He passed away at Multan in 1268, and his shrine was built to promote Islam.
Bahauddin Zakariya’s life story is left behind in the mausoleum. After his father passed away when he was 12 years old, Zakariya was a young boy who travelled around the Islamic world. He travelled to Medina, Bukhara, and Khurasan. He was in Baghdad, studying under the Sufi guru Abu Hafs Umar Suhrawardi. As a result of Abu Hafs Umar’s studies’ admiration, Zakariya was sent back to Multan to construct a compound for the gatherings of Sufis and Mystics.
- Monument of Patrick Alexander Vans Agnew
You may locate a massive tower by the name of Patrick Alexander Vans Agnew in the middle of Multan, next to Ibn-e-Qasim Bagh, which is housed inside Fort Khona. This takes into account the famous landmark that serves as the starting point for the Sikh Evolution.
It serves as a memorial to Patrick Alexander, a British civil servant who was killed by Dewan Mulraj’s retainers. As a result, the Second Sikh War broke out, and the Punjab region was annexed by the British.
The tragic tragedy where his grave was buried at Kohna Fort is memorialized in the story at a famous Multan monument. His burial is next to the fort after you visit the Vans Agnew Monument. It is one of Multan’s historical locations. Don’t forget to visit the Vans Agnew Monument to learn more about the architecture and insights!
- Ghanta Ghar
The renowned Multan Clock Tower, also known as Ghanta Ghar, is one of Multan’s most popular tourist destinations. In Punjab, the Clock Tower houses the headquarters of the local administration and is the most frequented tourist attraction. The Ghanta Ghar was built by the British Raj in or around 1884 AD. Construction on the Ghanta Ghar started in February 1884 and was finished in four years.
The Ahmad Khan Sadozai Haveli’s ruins, which were destroyed during the Multan Siege for an intriguing but unidentified reason, served as the foundation for Ghanta Ghar. Before becoming Jinnah Hall upon independence, the structure was known as Ripon Hall after the town of Ripon.
The space had been used for both business gatherings and cultural events. However, the hall was turned into a museum to explore the historical location behind the Clock Tower because there wasn’t enough room for business meetings there.
Due to its proximity to Multan Fort, the clock tower is simple to reach by rickshaw. If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the city, go to Ghana Ghar Multan. Around the Ghanta Ghar, a number of stores offer traditional Multani goods including ajrak and clay ceramics. You will appreciate going to Ghanta Ghar to learn more about the city’s developing history!
- Chenab River Bank
Multan offers a few naturally stunning features where you can enjoy the scenery while taking a break from the city’s historical sites. This includes the Chenab River Bank, where you can enjoy a picnic there throughout the winter. The river can be deadly in the summer when a lot of pulses float on the surface. When visiting the riverbank in the summer, one should avoid this because it leads to floods.
When you arrive at the riverbank, you can enjoy a picnic there and boating on the water. You may see riding horses and camels on the bank in front of the shore. You can visit Multan and arrange a picnic there while taking in the mesmerizing scenery of the Chenab River Bank!
What to Eat in Multan:
Multan is a city where you can find amazing foods to satisfy both your hunger and taste buds. But in order to know the well, it is advisable to try all the foods that are famous in the region.
Summertime in the area brings forth the seasonal fruit of the mango. They say Multan produces the sweetest mangoes on planet. Try out this fruit if you visit the city in summers.
However, Phikka Khuwa, Maal Pooray, Chilra (Dosa), Satto, Kupri, Bhatt, Dodha, Lassi, Kakko, Dillay aali Siwiyan, Billay aali Siwiyan, sohbat, and other dishes are examples of Multani Saraiki cuisines.
- Sohan Halwa:
Southern Punjab, especially Multan, is known for its traditional specialty known as “sohan halwa”. The halwa dessert is made by boiling a concoction of water, sugar, milk, and corn flour until it becomes solid. Ghee is added to keep it from sticking to the pan while saffron is used to flavor it. As additions, cardamom seeds, pistachios, and almonds are used. Sohan halwa products are also well-known in the southern Punjab cities of Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Uch Sharif, and Mailsi.
- Multani Champ:
Further, if you are a meat lover, you would love to try Multani champ. Made from the Lamb chops, it’s a meal that is cooked over charcoal while being flavored and spiced in various ways.
- Painda :
Adding to it, the Painda or Sohbat is a unique cuisine that is quite well-liked in Northern Pakistan, despite being one of the lesser known dishes. A bed of hot chapatti pieces is topped with a tikka masala curry.
Where to Stay in Multan:
Multan offers vast options when it comes to accommodation. One can find plenty of luxury to budget friendly accommodation options within the city. Four best places to stay in Multan as per my experience are mentioned below:
- Hotel One:
Located at Tariq Road Multan is situated 2.3 kilometers from Cantonment and 600 meters from Nawan Shahr. For guests who want to explore the neighborhood, the hotel offers car rental services in addition to free private parking.
There is a shower, slippers, and complimentary amenities in the private bathroom. There will be a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a safety deposit box in each guest room.
Hotel One Tariq Road Multan is 2.4 kilometers from Ghanta Ghar, and Daira is 2.7 kilometers distant. The facility provides a free airport shuttle to and from Multan International Airport, which is 4 km away.
Price range: starting from PKR 13,000 to 15,000 PKR per night.
Address: 59 – B Tariq Rd, Altaf Town, Multan
Contact: 0341 2201111
- Ramada by Wyndham:
The Ramada Multan hotel is situated in the center of Multan City, close to the Bahauddin Zakariya Shrine as well as the city’s major attractions and commercial centers. Ramada Multan can be the ideal spot to stay as it offers free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a barbeque.
Price range: starting from 15,000 to 17,000 PKR per night.
Address: 76 Abdali Rd, Bukhari Colony, Multan
Contact: (061) 4540877
- Hotel Mehran:
Cantonment and Nawan Shahr are both 2.4 km and 1.8 km, respectively, away from Hotel Mehran. This property’s amenities include a restaurant, a front desk open around-the-clock, room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi. For guests who want to explore the neighborhood, the hotel offers vehicle rental as well as free private parking.
The distance between the hotel and Daira is 2.6 km, and the distance to Kumhar Mandi is 2.8 km. nearest airport, Multan International is 4km away from the hotel.
Price range: starting from 2,500 to 3,500 PKR per night.
Address: 154-A Sher Shah Road, Gujjar Khadda, Multan
Contact: (061) 4542601
- Hotel Grace In:
This property’s amenities include a restaurant, a common kitchen, room service, and free Wi-Fi all throughout the place. The hotel offers visitors access to a photocopier, fax machine, and ATM. The hotel offers a continental breakfast each morning. The area is well-known for cycling, and Hotel Grace Inn offers automobile rental services. Hotel is nearby the city center.
Price range: starting from 3500 to 4,500 PKR PKR per night.
Address: House No. 123-A, Hotel Grace Inn, Lalazar Colony, Multan
Contact: 0306 2866262
How to Reach Multan:
Multan is well linked and connected to almost every province and some countries and it is pretty convenient to reach the city. Following are the ways you can reach Multan.
- By Plane:
The population of Multan and the nearby areas is the primary target market for Multan International Airport. The Cantonment section of the city has the airport. A 20-minute trip will get you to the city core from the Cantonment Center.
- By Train:
Multan Cantt, Multan City, and New Multan City are the city’s three main stations. The primary station for the most majority of trains is Multan Cantt. Multan is located on Pakistan Railways’ primary rail route, which connects Peshawar and Karachi (PR). It has excellent transportation connections to all of Pakistan’s main cities. The Shah Shamas Express, Khyber Mail, Tezgam, Awam Express, Jaffar Express, and Quetta Express are the principal railway lines that halt at Multan Cantt Station.
- By Bus:
Nearly all of Pakistan’s major metropolitan bus terminals offer direct buses to Multan. The New Bus Stand, which is in the city’s north, is where the majority of the buses drop off their passengers. Most of Daewoo Bus Service’s stations, including Karachi, offer luxury bus service to Multan. Every hour, buses from Lahore depart. Services from Faisalabad, Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Islamabad, and Bahawalpur run frequently. There is a brand-new, state-of-the-art bus terminal in Multan where you can nearly always find a service to any city.
- By Car:
The city is connected to every region of Pakistan by the N-5 National Highway. The distance is roughly 900 kilometers from Karachi and 400 km from Lahore. Connections to Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Bahawalpur are possible via the road, also known as GT Road. Halfway to Multan from Kallar Kahar is on the highway, and the remaining half is on GT road. 9 hours or so are required.
How Many Days to Stay in Multan:
All the monuments, heritage sites, tombs and shrines in the Multan could be easily visited in three day trip. All the tourist attractions could be visited in daytime while keeping your evenings for exploring the bazaars, food spots and mainstream restaurants of the city.
Weather in Multan:
Multan has a dry climate with extremely scorching summers and bitterly frigid winters. The city has some of the most extreme weather conditions in the nation. On May 27, 2010, a record-breaking high temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) was observed.
If you are visiting the city in summers be ready keep your suitcase ready accordingly and keep yourself indoor as much as possible.
The best time to visit the city would be before the start of summers. You can easily explore the city in daytime without worrying about the scorching sun.
Average Cost of Multan:
A standard 5 days tour package from Karachi to Multan costs PKR 18,000 and above per person.
Final Verdict:
If you are someone who has interest in history, culture and heritage, make sure you take out time to visit this city. This city is full of real time knowledge. Moreover, if you are person with Sufi believes, you would never miss any chance to explore this city which has the most renowned Sufis buried under its soil.
Not only for the sake of history but you can also explore or visit Multan if you are fond of traveling, exploring food and cultures. I am certain you will find so much to add into your experiences.
