We’ve all heard of fairy tales right from our childhood. What if I take you to a place which brings you to your own fairy tale in the present world? Yes, exactly! There’s this place in the hills surrounding Shakarparian in Islamabad which has been present for hundreds of years and mesmerizes its visitors with its enchanting beauty. The area had a natural lotus lake with pink and white flowers. It is 100ft long and 68ft wide and it was recently discovered by the Capital Development Authority. It was decided that a small park will be established around the lake for familial gatherings.
Beauty of Lotus Lake
On a perfect day, the sun is shining down on the water and the trees reflect in the lake. The turquoise waters of Lotus Lake are a sight to behold, and it’s no wonder that people are mesmerized by its beauty. It is very clear and you can see the bottom. The lake is very calm and peaceful. There is no cemented infrastructure or construction done on the park- it is given a more natural look with wooden benches and a few barbeque pits here and there on the Shakarparian Hills. The park is almost 10 acres with a lotus lake, installed wooden benches, and a barbecue site. Stones and woods have been used for making the sitting places in the park. To maintain the natural beauty of the park, the CDA has planted saplings and grass.
In the same vicinity, an ancient mosque was also discovered. The ruins of an abandoned ancient mosque were discovered while carrying out development work at the Lotus Lake. It is unknown in exact terms when the mosque was first built. However, the architecture of the walls of this mosque shows that it is at least 500 years old structure. It can be ascertained with an old Banyan tree in the same compound which is determined to be at least 300 years old. The mosque was in dilapidated condition and it was restored by the CDA to recreate the ambience of this area.
Time to Visit the Lotus Lake
Moreover, an old baithak or waiting area was also discovered in the surroundings of Lotus Lake. It shows that the lake had frequent visitors at some point of time in the past. The ancient waiting room was a small, cramped room that was used by the people of this area. The room was dimly lit in the daytime and had a musty smell. The floor was covered in a layer of dust.
As we stroll around the area, a natural lotus lake with pink and white flowers is a beautiful sight. The flowers are often seen in pairs, with one pink and one white flower. The petals of the pink flower are slightly longer than the white ones. The flowers have a sweet fragrance, which is said to be like the smell of jasmine.
The Forestry at the Site
Recently, the government has also established Mayawaki Forest at the site of Lotus Park. Mayawaki Forest is one of the best picnic places in Islamabad. It is located in the center of city and quite accessible for the city’s residents. The forest is also home to many species of birds, animals and reptiles. It is a great place to unwind, relax and enjoy nature. One can witness children playing on the swings, parents watching their children and people picnicking on the grass.
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There are a number of picnic spots in the forest that are ideal for families and groups. There are also a number of trails that move around the hills. The forest is also home to a number of streams that are a great place to cool off on a hot day.
So, if you haven’t visited this beauty in Islamabad as yet. It’s the right time to do it now!
