Rawalpindi: Islamabad’s Twin City
Resting on a plateau, Rawalpindi is a city in Punjab, north of Pakistan. It is regarded as the twin city of Pakistan's capital of Islamabad due to their strong economic ties. The city is a key commercial and industrial hub in Pakistan, thanks to a number of oil refineries, breweries and sawmills located there. The place is also a known heritage site with several ruins from the 14th century still present in the area. Rawalpindi can be reached by plane through Benazir Bhutto International Airport, about 8 kilometers from Islamabad.
Best Time to Visit
As a Muslim country, Rawalpindi observes several religious festivals. One of which is the Shab-e-Barat, which is celebrated in the eight month of the Islamic calendar to remember the coming of Muhammad into the city of Mecca. Locals come together to watch fireworks and share sweet dishes. In September, the city is filled with parades and exhibits for the Defense Pakistan Day. Rawalpindi and other cities also observe Pakistan Day in March with a military parade.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Despite being highly urbanized, Rawalpindi has couple of lush parks frequented by locals during the weekend. The Ayub National Park spans 2,300-acre, has a lake and a garden restaurant. At the heart of the city is the Jinnah Park, where a state-of-the-art cinema is located. If you are in town for business, consider staying at Pearl Continental Rawalpindi, a five-star hotel strategically located 15 minutes from the main airport. It is also close to tourist landmarks such as the Pakistan Museum of Natural History and Lok Virsa Museum. Another recommended choice is Best Western Islamabad Hotel, which has its own fitness center and bar.