Lahore is a heaven for nature lovers, having some of the most beautiful parks. These parks range from very big landscaped gardens to natural forest settings. They are ideal for a delightful family outing. Parks in Lahore are a perfect blend of beauty and tranquility, offering a refreshing break from urban life.
Top 7 Most Beautiful Parks in Lahore
Table of Contents
Some of the most famous parks in Lahore are listed below.
Greater Iqbal Park
Greater Iqbal Park, previously known as Minto Park, is a notable urban park situated on the outskirts of Lahore’s Walled City, making it easily accessible. This park is renowned for housing Minar-e-Pakistan, a significant national monument in Pakistan. Spanning 125 acres, the park features an artificial lake covering four acres and boasts an impressive 800-foot-long musical fountain.
The park is a site of historical importance, containing the tombs of two prominent Pakistani figures: the philosopher-poet Allama Iqbal and the poet Hafeez Jalandhari.
Top Attractions:
- Soft rail
- Library
- Children’s Play area
- Lake
- Musical Fountain
- Open air gym
- Walking and Jogging Track
- Food Court
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Address: Androon, Taxali Gate Rd, Lahore.
Jilani Park
Jilani Park, formerly known as the Race Course, is a renowned family amusement park in Lahore. It was named in honor of Nawab Sir Sultan Muhammad Jilani Khan who was a former governor of Punjab. Originally a horse racing track, it was transformed into a public park in 1985, offering various recreational facilities.
Jilani Park is a popular park in Lahore for photography, jogging, and walking. It hosts annual events like horse racing competitions, food festivals, and flower exhibitions, drawing visitors nationwide. A unique feature of the park is its Japanese-style landscaping which sets it apart from other parks in Lahore. Spring is the ideal time to visit this beautiful park in Lahore.
Top Attractions:
- Cricket Grounds
- Walking Track
- Artificial Waterfall
- A boating lake
- Botanical Garden
- Swings & Slides
- Food Stalls
Timings: 6:00 am-9:00 pm
Address: Jail Rd، opposite Services Hospital, G.O.R. – I, Lahore.
Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park
Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, covering 67 acres, is a notable park in Lahore renowned for its size. Its name, translating to “The Garden of Iqbal,” honors Dr. Allama Iqbal, a renowned Pakistani poet and philosopher. This park is a favored recreational destination, attracting locals and visitors, especially bustling on weekends. It has a range of attractions.
Additionally, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park is a venue for various events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its cultural significance. It is an ideal park in Lahore for family outings, offering a blend of exercise, relaxation, and picturesque views.
Top Attractions:
- Large Artificial Lake
- Children’s Play Areas
- Recreational Rides
- Mini Zoo
- Food Stalls
- Jogging Track
- Diverse Vegetation
Timings: 6:00 am-6:00 pm
Address: Fazal e Haq Rd, Gulshan Block, Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore.
Jallo Park
Jallo Park, located 20 km east of Lahore along the Wagah-Amritsar Railway Line and ½ km from Canal Garden, is a renowned park among the residents of Lahore. This vast park, sprawling over 837 acres, was initially a reserve forest utilized for timber, fuelwood production, and forestry research. Later, 456 acres of this area were transformed into a theme park, offering a diverse array of cultural, amusement, and educational facilities.
The park is accessible to everyone without any entry fee, making it a budget-friendly recreational spot. It has more than 120 species of trees, bushes, and climbers, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate diverse flora and natural beauty. Jallo Park is not just a park but a hub of economic and recreational activities and a showcase of natural splendor.
Top Attractions:
- Log Huts
- Benches
- Grassy Lawn
- Zoo
- Gazebo
- Water coolers
- Water Slides
- Boating
- Water Fall
- Swings
Timings: 6:00 am-5:00 pm
Address: Bhagwanpura, Jallo Road, Lahore.
Model Town Park
Model Town Park is one of the best parks in Lahore. The park was Established in 1990 by Punjab’s Governor General (R) Ghulam Jilani Khan. This park in Model Town stands out for its extensive features and maintenance.
Additionally, Model Town Park is a favorite among fitness enthusiasts, having a 2.0 km clay jogging track, one of the largest in Asia, made purely of mud and clay. This track, along with a 5.5 km walkway of hard tiles, provides ample space for jogging and walking, catering to those keen on maintaining their fitness regime in a scenic outdoor setting.
The park’s combination of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and accessibility highlights it among the top parks in Lahore.
Top Attractions:
- Children’s Play Area
- Monkey Bars
- Slides
- Swings
- Tunnels
- Swinging Bridges
- Pond
- Golf Course
- Outdoor Gym
- Wheelchair Accessible
Timings: 5:00 am-10:30 pm
Address: Model Town, Lahore.
Shalimar Park (Shalimar Bagh)
Shalimar Bagh, also known as Shalimar Gardens, is a renowned park in Lahore. It was constructed during the Mughal era by Emperor Shah Jahan. This park symbolizes the opulence and grandeur of that period. Shalimar Bagh spans 16 hectares and is celebrated for its symmetrical layout, prominent central waterway, and detailed marble craftsmanship.
Notable structures within Shalimar Bagh include the aiwaan (grand hall), hammam (royal bath), two gateways, and minarets. The gardens also host a variety of plants and flowers, such as jasmine, roses, and marigolds, contributing to its allure. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Shalimar Bagh one of the best parks in Lahore and a peaceful retreat for weekend outings.
Top Attractions:
- Water Fountains
- Beautiful Lawns
- Flowers & Greenery
- Designated Picnic Spots for Families
- Food Shops
- Ample Parking Space
Timings: 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Address: AH1, GT Rd, Shalamar Town, Lahore.
Changa Manga Forest Park
Changa Manga, a village in Lahore District, is renowned for its wildlife reserve and forest. Named after the 19th-century bandit brothers Changa and Manga, this forest became a wildlife reserve in 1984, encompassing 12,355 acres.
Notably, Changa Manga is celebrated as one of the world’s oldest hand-planted forests, having a rich biodiversity. It shelters 14 mammal species, 50 bird species, six reptile species, two amphibian species, and 27 insect species, offering a diverse ecological environment.
The forest, situated about 80 kilometers southwest of Lahore, was once recognized as the world’s largest man-made forest. However, in recent times, it has suffered from massive illegal deforestation.
Top Attractions:
- Various Animals
- Adventure Park
- Chairlift
- Water Park
- Picnic Spots
- Mini Train
Timings: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Address: Railway Station, Changa Manga Road, Lahore.
Conclusion
The above-listed parks in Lahore are renowned for their unique features, recreational facilities, and natural beauty, making them excellent destinations for a relaxed day out with friends and family. These parks are well-equipped with various facilities for recreation, for example, playgrounds for children, jogging tracks, picnic spots, and sometimes even boating or amusement rides, catering to all age groups.