There’s a stark contrast between Rawalpindi and Islamabad — the twin cities — in the quantity and quality of public parks. Talking about parks in Islamabad would immediately remind most of F-9/ Fatima Jinnah Park, Margalla Park, Shakar Parian, Lake View Park, Rose & Jasmine Garden, Kachnar Park, Japanese Park, and an endless list of others worthy of mention. But in Rawalpindi the one that can singlehandedly challenge all of Islamabad’s parks combined is… Ayub National Park.
Ayub National Park, rightly titled ‘Lungs of the Twin Cities,’ is perhaps the most accessible and inclusive public space in the Twin Cities. Before you contest me, take a look at what the park has to offer. Feel free to reach out to me on my social accounts mentioned below to let me know which other public space offers even 50% of the ones I am about to share:
Location
It is situated on what used to be the southern entry point for this Garrison city through the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. The road — even though undergoing repair and maintenance at the time of this writing — is wide even if it inevitably leads you to bottlenecks in both directions. There are two access points, one from GT Road and the other through National Park Road that connect Rawalpindi’s ‘old airport’ road (as we like to call it). It is accessible through public transport as well — something that deserves the attention of the concerned.
‘Rush’?
Rush in Urdu means crowded or busy but one looks to use other words when in the presence of English speakers frustrated at the unease it causes. Because no other word seems to explain our idea better. Anyhow, expect it to be super crowded on festivals like Eid and Christmas; very crowded on long weekends and holidays that fall midweek; crowded on regular weekends, and fairly less crowded in the weekday evenings and even little less crowded (not to mention Calm and Beautiful) in the early morning hours. So, I can’t tell you exactly when to visit. But you can make an informed decision by looking at some of the activities and attractions that ANP has to offer. I have prioritized them in the manner of my most viewed pictures of the places from this park rather than my personal preferences.
Miracle Garden
It used to be the old “Bara-dari” which means a 12-doored pavilion. For as long as I remember, it was always a beautiful place with lush green gardens. Until 2019, when the place started undergoing a phenomenal transformation, re-lifting, and re-branding, there used to be yoga classes in the early morning hours for women. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures from that time. But since its opening for the public (somewhere in 2019 or 20), I have been a regular visitor.
I cannot describe it enough but suffice it to say that it is worth visiting in every season and every time of the day and night (as the timings permit). Since words can’t describe it, have a look at the pictures to get a sense of the vibe.
The 4 Lakes
Ayub Park has not just one or two lakes But Four! One is inside the Jungle Kingdom amusement park where you have to pay for a separate entry fee and for that lake alone, the entry fee is not worth it. The second lake is located to your left as you enter from the GT Road gate; the third one will again be on your left as turn right from this second lake. The fourth and my favorite is at the exit gate on National Park Road and much less crowded and quiet at almost all times. Enjoying a walk/ run around this lake at sunrise and sunset is really enjoyable for me. The pics below are only of the third and fourth lakes which I like.
The management seems to be at it all the time but they need to up their game, the water is mostly dirty and smelly. The visitors would appreciate that. However, if the management thinks that the public is polluting these lakes, then again they need to be more vigilant in protecting them.
NovelTea
This could have been my favorite place but it closed down soon after it started. I think it was a victim of COVID restrictions and fear. But also, it did not attract many visitors even though it offered spectacular and unmatched seating by the fourth lake’s bank. The place reopened as Akhpal Shinwari but that also doesn’t seem to be operational anymore.
Jungle Kingdom/ Jungle World and the Zoo
While ‘Joy Land’ and ‘Super Space’ are fast gaining popularity and are packed on weekends and public holidays, Jungle Kingdom has its own place among Rawalpindi’s amusement parks. While the rides are not as adrenaline as those in the Joy Land, the ones in the Jungle Kingdom are older and mellower. It is one of the main attractions in Ayub National Park and attracts a lot of the public, It features dodgem cars, spinning teacups, giant wheels, a haunted house, etc.
Jungle Kingdom had a mini zoo that had tigers, birds, bears, pumas, monkeys, ostriches, deer, wolves, and birds. Now the zoo has been further extended into a newly developed area with an alternative entrance and now also houses lions, zebras, miniature horses, and turtles. I am fundamentally against the concept of zoos but I have to say that the animals here are better kept than those in the (now closed) Murghzar Zoo, Islamabad. Nonetheless, the available space in my opinion is still very limited when it comes to big animals like lions, tigers, deer, etc.
Besides this main zoo, there are multiple mini-zoos that house birds like turkeys, pheasants, peacocks, doves, pigeons, and small animals like rabbits.
Snake House
Across the miracle garden, there’s a snake house that has cobras, pythons, and various other snakes that I don’t know the names of.
Jungle Barracks
If you are visiting from a different city, and looking for a comfortable and accessible place to stay then Jungle Barracks provides an economical stay in a beautiful, green, and picturesque environment.
Quetta Kettli
While there are various eating options in the park, the latest addition is Quetta Kettli. Previously, there used to be multiple eateries in this food street which is now occupied by a single place: Quetta Kettli. They have wide-ranging options to choose from between snacks like Gol Gappay, Channa Chaat, fries, Samosa plate, etc., and fulfilling meals like Karahis, Handis, Shwarmas, etc.
Other attractions that you don’t want to miss in Ayub National Park include:
- Army Heritage Museum
- Hiking trails
- Miywaki Forest
- Open air Gym
- Yoga in the morning
- Midfield Football Academy
- Horse and Camel ride
- Ninja Challenge
- Zipline