Top 8 Picnic Spots in Islamabad to Visit
If we talk about one of the earliest human settlement sites, Islamabad should be top of the list. The construction started with an effort to combine classical Islamic architecture with stylish patterns and circumstances. It covers a total area of 220 km2 (80 sq mi) with an urban area of 220.15 km2 (85.00 sq mi). As it’s located on the Pothohar Plateau of the northern Punjab region, it has several places to visit, hill stations, shopping malls, and various historical places in Islamabad.
Islamabad is divided into eight different zones. Below we have listed down these eight zones.
- Diplomatic
- Administrative
- Industrial
- Residential
- Greenbelt
- Commercial areas
- Institutional
- National Parks
Besides this, Islamabad is known for its natural beauty, scenic views, and lush green parks. Also, the Capital is playing an extensive role in developing the world’s top schools, best colleges, and government and private universities in Islamabad to promote the education sector of Pakistan. Islamabad is blessed with all beautiful commodities. Even if they are Islamabad parks or picnic spots in Islamabad, they all hold scenic and greenery views. In this blog, we are going to talk about the top 8 picnic spots in Islamabad.
List of Top 8 Outing Places in Islamabad
| Name | Location | Establishment Date | Nearby Places | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Rose and Jasmine Park | Srinagar Hwy, Islamabad Capital Territory | ——— | Pakistan Monument, Shakarparian, and Lok Virsa Heritage Museum | |
| 2. Marghzar Zoo | Pir Sohawa Rd, E-7, Islamabad Capital Territory | 1978 | Daman-e-Koh and Japanese Garden | |
| 3. Shakarparian National Park | Expressway Islamabad | 1960-61 | Rawal lake, Pir Sohawa, Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh | |
| 4. Ayub National Park | Main Grand Trunk Road, Rawalpindi, 4 KM from GPO | Before the creation of Pakistan | Jinnah Park | |
| 5. Lake View Park | Near Jinnah Avenue in zone IV of Islamabad | ——— | Rawal Lake | |
| 6. Saidpur Village | located at the foot of Margalla Hills | 1530 | Daman-e-Koh | |
| 7. Pakistan Monument | Western side of Shakarparian Hills | 2010 | Shakarparian, museum, 1969 restaurant | |
| 8. Ankara Park | Murree Road Islamabad | 2005 | Rawal Dam |
1. Rose and Jasmine Park
Rose and jasmine park is one of the most beautiful places in Islamabad, where you can find the most charming environment with a wide range of flowers and scrubs. As the name signs, it’s a park of flowers that offers a magnificent aroma to its visitors. It is located in the area of Shakarparian near the Sports Complex Aabpara, straight to the Kashmir Highway in Islamabad. It’s a public garden – a park famous as one of the best places in Islamabad. This name is given to the park because it has dominant varieties of roses and Jasmine. It’s spread over an area of over 40 Kanal, with more than 200 extraneous varieties of roses and a dozen varieties of jasmines. That is also a big reason that attracts foreign tourists. The CDA – Capital Development Authority has taken responsibility for maintenance and organizing seasonal flower manifests in the park. Anyone who visits Pakistan Monument, Shakarparian, and Lok Virsa Heritage Museum must consider attending Rose and Jasmine Park. We can undoubtedly say you will never forget the time you spend here. Also read about famous places to visit in Islamabad.
Some of the facilities that make the park one of the top places to visit in Islamabad include:
- Walking and running track
- Cycling track
- Cafeteria
- Parking area
- Sitting area
- Picnic point
If you are a gardening or flowers lover, Rose and jasmine park must be on your list for sure. You can also read about best colleges in Islamabad.
2. Marghazar Zoo
Marghzar zoo is also known as Islamabad Zoo. It is located next to Pir Sohawa Rd, E-7, Islamabad. It began in 1978 as a wildlife park that highlights deer, monkeys, leopards, Indian gazelle, lions, bears, reptiles, and fascinating birds. It is spread in a total area of 82 acres – 33 ha with a ratio of 1 million annual visitors. Later on, to represent a species of birds, the management built a birdhouse. The zoo includes many gardens and a park where you can enjoy sightseeing. Marghzar zoo is one of Islamabad’s famous places and the best for kids due to the variety of swings and activities found here. In May 2020, the zoo was closed as a result of the court’s order. However, in June 2021, the management of the park was handed over to Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. Now the zoo is under construction, and the renovation of the zoo is designed as a conservation center. All animals are sent to temporary shelters. After the completion of construction, the Islamabad zoo will be open to the public. Undoubtedly, it will be one of the best places to visit in Islamabad. Also learn about Shopping Malls in Islamabad.
3. Shakarparian National Park
If we talk about one of the most popular Islamabad picnic points, Shakarparian National Park will be on the top of the list. It holds the title of the national park. It is located near the zero point interchange and straight to the Islamabad Expressway. It’s speculated to be the home of the Pakistan Monument Museum. Lok Virsa Heritage Museum is also near it. It is stated that old Gakhars tribe rulers lived here before the Indo-Pak separation in 1947. One of the most impressive things about this stunning park is that the parade ground is also located near where it organizes the Pakistan Day Parade on 23 March. It is located at an altitude of 609 meters, filled with gorgeous trees and flowers that give a spectacular view of Islamabad. All these are the reasons that make Shakarparian Park one of the most popular and Islamabad beautiful places. The best part is, several of the best restaurants in Islamabad and cafes offer another level of tasty food. It also has well-maintained jogging tracks and walkways for the residents and visitors.
4. Ayub National Park
Ayub National Park is one of the best picnic spots in Islamabad. It is also known as Topi Rakh and claimed to be Asia’s largest park. It covers a total area of 313 acres – 127 ha. It is almost 4 KM from Rawalpindi zero point. It is most famously known for its Jungle World theme that attracts the kids and the adults both. The park surroundings make it more famous as the Rawalpindi Golf Course and DHA are next to it. It also offers other activities including boating fun in lakes, various picnic spots, shadowed jogging tracks, horse rides, camel rides, and food streets. The management has also introduced Jungle Barracks, where you will find luxurious and five-star facilities if you plan to stay. The park also has a beautiful and large zoo with all major animals and birds including, Blue Bulls, Hog Deer, Urials, Pheasants, Peacocks, Parrots, Ostriches, Emus, Black Swans, Mute Swans, Pelicans, Ducks, White Tiger, African Lions, Bears, Puma, Zebras, Monkeys – Baboon and Vervet Monkeys. All these facilities and services are the reason that makes it one of the best parks in Islamabad.
5. Lake View Park
Last but not least, here comes Lake View Park. It is located on Murree Road and next to Rawal Dam – one of the largest dams in Pakistan. The reasons for being on the list of Islamabad famous places are lush green camping spots, play areas for children, boating amenities, horse riding, paintball arena, picnic spots, sitting areas, food stalls, rock climbing zone, and festival arena. It facilitates and offers pleasant experience to its visitors that take some time from their busy routine to come and enjoy a moment. The picnic area has various grills for barbecue, or you can also take home-cooked food. Home-cooked foods are gaining momentum and are one the best small business ideas in Pakistan. There are several attractions in the park. Some of them are listed below:
- Sitting pagoda
- Picnic point
- Ibex club
- Rock climbing gym
- Motorsports ranch
- Rococo aviary
- Festival arena
- Passenger road train
- Paintball battlefield
- Boating arena
- Fishing area
- Horse riding mobs
- Swimming pool
The park is maintained and managed by the Capital Development Authority – CDA. The management also organized music festivals and other functions throughout the year. Because of its friendly and delightful environment, it’s known as one of the best picnic spots in Islamabad. You can also read our blog about the top Historical Places in Pakistan.
6. Saidpur Village
If you love to spend your leisure time in the lap of nature, Saidpur Village is one of the best picnic points in Islamabad inviting you to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a historical village located at the foot of Margalla Hills, The Saidpur Village has become tourists’ favorite picnic spot due to its old architecture traces back to the Mughal Era. Also, there is a historical temple attracting the visitors. Moreover, while visiting the Saidpur Villas, you can enjoy sitting in cafes in Islamabad and having coffee and other delicious foods.
Islamabad picnic points are appealing and inviting as they are enriched with all the facilities a tourist wants to enjoy, including picturesque views, a peaceful environment, swimming pools, etc. The Saidpur Village partakes all these qualities, therefore it is one of the best outing places in Islamabad.
7. Pakistan Monument
Pakistan Monument is a historical place in Islamabad and one of the popular picnic spots in Islamabad. You might have visited the natural beauty of Pakistan including mountain ranges and waterfalls in Pakistan, but now it is time for you to witness the historical beauty of the region. Pakistan Monument is located on the western side of Shakarparian Hills. It was established in 2010 representing the culture and unity of all four provinces of Pakistan.
Apart from its historical background, the Pakistan Monument is located on a height from where the visitors can view the sight of the whole capital city. Furthermore, there are also “1969 restaurant” and other famous hotels in Islamabad located nearby of the Pakistan Monument.
8. Ankara Park
If you are in Islamabad and searching for picnic points near you, put your phone aside and visit Ankara Park. Its lush greenery, variety of trees, and colorful flowers make it one of the best outing places in Islamabad. Due to its calm atmosphere, Ankara Park is one of the most visited picnic spots in Islamabad. The park is spread over 23 acres of land and was established in 2005.
The Park is located at Murree Road Islamabad. In the evening, you can visit with your family to feel the best experience.
So these were the top 8 Islamabad beautiful places that contribute a massive role to enhance the beauty of the Capital. We hope you will find the place that you are searching for.
FAQs
Which is the most beautiful picnic point in Islamabad?
There are many beautiful picnic points in Islamabad. However, the Saidpur Villas has its own charm and beauty.
Which is the most beautiful area in Islamabad?
All the areas in Islamabad we mentioned above are beautiful and the best for picnics.
What is the famous park in Islamabad?
The famous parks in Islamabad are Shakarparian National Park and Fatima Jinnah Park.
How can I spend time in Islamabad?
Spending time in Islamabad depends on your priorities. However, to have the best experience visit some beautiful and historical places in the capital city.
