Hidden spots in Islamabad

Little known places in Islamabad that are completely worth your time

Islamabad is often considered a very insipid city in Pakistan. This is partly due to the fact that it does not have a rich history, like other major cities such as Karachi or Lahore, which span hundreds of years. It is also partly because of the way Islamabad is marketed, with the hills in mind. Don’t get us wrong we like a good hill as much as any other person, but chalking Islamabad down to Faisal Mosque, a few hiking trails and some places to eat is very reductive. Islamabad has a lot to offer and now more than ever with unique attractions and experiences that you probably will not get anywhere else in Pakistan. The truth is that many Islamabadis may not even know about some of these places, however, this article is not to judge anyone to simply share the love for these locations and offer a unique opportunity to anyone who finds himself in Pakistan’s capital.

Islamabad Bird Aviary

With Margazar Zoo shutting down Islamabad lost one of its biggest attractions. However, where visiting a zoo is sort of a detatched experience where you get to look at animals through a fence, the bird aviary is completely different. You get to be amongst the birds in this large space designed for birds – from flamingos to parrots hovering all around you. If you have even a tinge of bird watcher in you watch it as these friendly birds flock around you, and show boat so you can take the most Instagram worthy pictures. It also happens to be one of the biggest aviaries in Asia and with its lush interior you might just trick yourself into thinking you are in a Disney film. If you have a fear of birds this is the place to get rid of it too, its understandable that this experience might not be for everyone.

Railway Heritage Museum

Railway in Pakistan has a deep and important history. Being the back bone of any industrial revolution, it carried Pakistan into the new age. It allowed for easier access to far-flung areas for employment and it even offered people the opportunity to visit their loved ones more often. If you are a history buff or just into trains this place is a must visit. It makes you feel like you are in an episode of the Peaky Blinders especially on a dusky day, because of the old-timed building the museum is situated in and the surrounding beautiful and pristine antique locomotives that seem to take you to Hogwarts at the drop of a hat. This one is also great for kids because it can be a real educational experience, which is aided by an extremely learned staff that know their stuff and are happy to answer any questions.

Shah Allah Dita Caves

Maybe you do not care for birds and trains. Maybe the reason you are in Islamabad is for the hills and to get away from civilization. To find something with more meaning to it. Well, the Shah Allah Dita Caves were made for you. Far away from main Islamabad you can find yourself transported back in time to this ancient civilization, which is more than 700 years old and is surrounded by ruminants of its Buddhist residents. You would not necessarily think Islamabad is a place where you could find something straight out of an Indiana Jones movie but the caves are just that and more. Trek around the village, go inside some caves, look at the amazingly preserved Buddhist relics and then find a piece of your inner puzzle that you never even knew you were missing.

Melody Food Park

Okay, now that you have played with some birds, taken amazing pictures next to some cool trains and found yourself amongst ancient caves. You must have worked up an apetite. Islamabad has you covered in that respect too and though you could make your way down to one of the many amazing resteraunts in the city, you should definitely also consider going down to the Melody Food Market. Now it is no Lahore food street but, what it lacks in enormity it makes up for in it’s variety, because Islamabad is such a multi-cultural hub. There is a piece of every province in Islamabad from Balochi tikka to charsi kebab and from Sindhi biryani, to Afghani burgers. The Food Park is a great place to take your taste buds on an adventure and try out new food or even quench some homesickness by trying something from your province.

Bruti Waterfall

No list of places to see in Islamabad would be complete without giving homage to the area’s intense natural beauty. Nestled in the Margalla Hills is this beautiful natural waterfall. It is a great place to be to kill the heat and what makes it even better is that you can make a whole day out of it because you have to hike there. Just imagine a picnic by the waterfall and swimming in the ice-cold water afterwards. Sounds serene, doesn’t it? Well then, what are you waiting for? Pack your trekking boots and make your way up there.

Islamabad is more than just a few trails and a few green roads. Islamabad is a city that will surprise you with how much it does have to offer. All you need to be is inquisitive about what opportunities lie there. This list covers 5 however, just by talking to some locals on your way there or seeing a random sign board to something you find interesting may just lead you to an adventure of a life time.