Pakistan - Sukkur

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                                          Pakistan - Sukkur

Sukkur is the central city of Sindh province, It is located on the west bank of the river Indus. The city is the starting point for all the archeological sites in Sindh. There is also a very busy central Bazaar in the city which attracts people from all over the Sindh province. Sukkur is also the home for Masoom Shah Jo Munaro (Minaret of Masoom Shah) a leaning tower constructed in 18th century by historian Masoom Shah Bakhri who also ruled the city for a short period. There are some of the most respected relics of hidus in the city which include the Asthan of Kalka Devi and the Sadh Belo the asthan of Baba Bankhandi located on Sadh Belo Island in the river Indus.

Sukkur is also home of the rare dolphin specie the Indus Dolphin which lives in the silty water of the Indus and found most at Sukkur.

The best thing to buy is Dates which are really a good gift from here. One can also hunt for colorful handicrafts and Ajraks here.

Sukkur is also the narrowest point of the lower Indus. Hence it was here English made first barrage on the Indus in 1932. (Lloyd Barrage) 7 Canals were dig to distribute water in all parts of the province which eventually made Pakistan to have the longest irrigation system of the world. With 38000 miles of irrigation canals known as Indus Food System.

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Sukkur - Moen Jo Daro:

110 KMs drive via typical Sindhi villages visit the local bazaar on the way and have tea at a village tea stall.

Sukkur - Sehwan

210 KMs Drive must be added with the tour of Moen Jo Daro as it is on the way. also stop at Bubak to see the Hose boat villages of the fishermen in Manchar lake. There are atleast 1000 floating houses in the lake depending on the fish of the lake. Manchar lake is Asia's largest lake.

Sukkur City tour:

Visit : Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) Bazaar should be your starting point where the best part of bazaar is. Later you can visit Masoom Shah Jo Munaro (Menarat of Masoom Shah) which is at a walking distance and if you have energy to climb 84 narrow steps there is a spectacular view of the River Indus and its two bridges. Minaret was built by Historian and knight Masoom Shah in 18th century Later drive to The Lloyd Barrage and Lansdowne bridge . At Lloyd barrage there is also a small barrage Museum which explains the barrage system and some interesting facts of the river Indus irrigation system. Near Lansdowne Bridge also visit the "Sat Bahan Astan" A small graveyard from 15th to 17th century has beautifully decorated tombs with blue Glazed tiles.

Half day tour of the Floating village of fisher men by boat:

Board a house boat to give you a tour of the floating villages of Mohanas (Fishermen) on the banks of river Indus. These people live on their house boats and spend a very difficult life. See the colorful boats decorated with very basic items and wood carving. Sometimes you can also get a glimpse of Indus Dolphin during this ride.Indus dolphin is a unique animal found only in the river Indus. They are blind due to the silt of the river and due to the flow of the river they have adopted a continuous movement in them, against water. Visit Sadh Belo a Hindu Pilgrimage area on the main island in river Indus, this was the asthan (Places) of a Sadhu known as Bankhandi (Forest wonderer) in 1823 who left the world in search of the od and meditated here. His meditation brought mericle and goddess Durga appeared at the island. Keepinf this background in mind the hindus pay a pilgramage to this island and consider it a sacred island. You need a permission from the department of Oqaf to go there.