Murree, Hill Stations Of Pakistan
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Murree
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Murree also known as the Queen Of The Hills is a minor edition of the many classic hill stations set up by the British in the Himalayan foothills during the 19th century.
This mountainous, and one of the most popular summer resorts in the country, was originally established at 7,000 feet during the British Raj. But today Murree is currently situated at an altitude of 2300 m (8000 ft) above sea level.
Murree is a thriving summer resort for the nearby capital of Pakistan and is just an hours drive from Islamabad. From the center of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi area, Murree is reachable by a well-conditioned main road in about two hours. The scenic journey, with a great view of forest clad mountains and majestic pines on densely wooded hills, is a delight for the visitors.
People from all walks of life, mostly families, school children, students, and tourists from hundreds of miles to the south in Lahore, Multan, and Karachi, come to spend the summers, as well as the winter, here. In Murree you can enjoy the snowfall in the winter and rain throughout the year.
Murree has a charm of its own. Once you get into it, you can feel the nature at your doorstep. Glorious sights of the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir can be viewed in the spring and autumn. And dazzling twilight and cloud effects can be seen daily during the July and August rains. Most of the familiar fruits of Britain, including cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, are produced there in season. The local people are very friendly & co-operative. You can see the Hill People lifestyle in everything.
Local legend has it that there is a 'resting place' or grave of Mari de Ashtan , the Mother of Jesus on Pindi Point. It is now inaccessible and the private property of Pakistan TV, but has attracted worldwide mention by many research authors. A longing to know more continues about these mysterious legends.
The Best time to visit is from May to November. Nearest spots to visit are Kashmir & Pindi points. Breakfast at hotel. To walk at Mall road in free time and to visit Kashmir & Pindi points are familiar activities of visitors. At Pindi point you have an option to ride on the chair lift. There is an amazing view down the hills toward Islamabad & Rawalpindi.
Murree has expanded since 1947 much faster than its infrastructure can sustain. Securing its water and electricity supplies has been a constant challenge. The jam-packed bazaar has burned down a number of times in the last century. The growth of tourism and a construction boom have left bare hills in their wake. Another road with shops has been built between the two major roads beneath the Mall. There is a Church, built in 1857, in the center of the town which is still in use. Many of the houses above and behind the Church, are still standing, often as hotels in various states of repair.
Old Restaurants like the "Sams' at the Mall Road, have perished, and have been replaced by the Fast Food Shops and Franchises. Some old accommodations like the Rich Villa Inn and Gulberg Hotel have completely disappeared. A typical hotel around here usually provides a Motel type accommodation with breakfast and communication access. Newly built, hotels are also accessible.
History
Founded in 1851, The Murree Hill Station was originally established at 7,000 feet for the British troops garrisoned on the Afghan Frontier in Peshawar.
Due to the Peshawar’s hot and dusty weather and the spread of fatal disease the death rate among the British troops at the Peshawar cantonment managed to climb very high. The whole company could be wiped out in weeks.
The British for their troops due to its suitable weather conditions selected the site of the Murree Hill Station in 1850. And in 1851, the troops were initially housed there. The permanent station was constructed in 1853.
A Church was sanctified in May 1857 in the center of the town. Along with was built the main road, The Mall. Across the Church were established the most significant commercial establishments, the Post Office, General Merchants with European goods, tailors and a millinery or hat store. Until 1947, access to the Mall was restricted for non-Europeans.
Up till 1876, Murree was the summer headquarters of the [Punjab] Local Government, which was later moved to Simla. The railway communication with Lahore, the capital of the Punjab Province, made this a place of frequent resort of the wearied officials, employed in the government and judicial administration of that great province during the past.
The extensive barracks constructed at Murree, for British troops removed from Peshawar cantonment to restore their health. And the number of villas and other houses erected for the accommodation of English families gave it a quite European aspect.
Murree must have been most attractive place in the past, as has been described in the Gazetteer of the Rawalpindi District, 1893-94: "The sanitarium of Murree lied in north latitude 33 54' 30" and east longitude 73 26' 30", at an elevation of 7,517 feet above sea level, and contained a standing population of 1,768 inhabitants, which was, however, enormously increased during the season [May-November] by the influx of visitors and their attendant servants, and shopkeepers. Part of the station, especially the Kashmir end, are also well wooded and pretty."
People who plan to go to Murree, usually also go to Nathia Gali, Ayubia, Dunga Gali, Khaira Gali, Changla Gali, Patriata, Bhurban, Abbottabad and Thandiani.
