Daily Times

LAHORE: The History by Night Tour is re-launching from today (Friday) by the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA).

The tours were not being conducted during Ramadan and are being re-launched again for tourists to see the heritage of Lahore at night. Tourists would be taken into the illuminated historic complex of Huzoori Bagh where they would be given a guided tour of the Mughal era’s Roshnai Gate, Huzoori Bagh Baradari, Badshahi Mosque, the Tomb of Allama Iqbal and Alamgiri Gate of Lahore Fort, whereas WCLA in coordination with the Evacuee Trust Property Board have opened the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh during these tours.

Almost 1,000 tourists from Lahore and other parts of Pakistan had attended these tours which will take place on Friday and Saturday every week.

According to sources, the History by Night Tours, which had started in March this year, were being appreciated by the public but few had certain reservations on the ticket amount and that it was not affordable by the common people. Sources further added that it was a much needed initiative to highlight the hidden heritage of Lahore as the locations shown in these tours were not opened for the public otherwise which include places like the Summer Palace, interior rooms of Sheesh Mahal and the Samadhi. Sources said that the refreshments served during the tour need to be improved and should now be according to the hot weather, adding that WCLA should reduce the walking tour and use the Rangila rickshaws more as it is difficult for aged people to walk that length.

A tourist who had attended the tour previously, Samina Ahmed was of the opinion that it was a good initiative by WCLA as it was something unique for Lahore.

“I had attended the tour with my children who had come from Canada and they were stunned to see the illuminated and well preserved heritage of Lahore. They had an impression of Pakistan which is negatively shown by the media abroad, but this tour and security arrangements changed their perceptions. The highlight of the tour is the performance at Sheesh Mahal along with traditional refreshments.”

Another tourist Salman Philip said, “It is an excellent place to visit if you want a glance on the past and Great Mughal Empire. The efforts and hard work of employees of WCLA must be appreciated. They city is gradually but beautifully being restored to its original beauty and that was much needed.”

Published in Daily Times, June 29^th 2018.