During my recent trip to Pakistan, my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Jilani Park, also known as Race Course Park, located in the heart of Lahore. This park, once a bustling racing track for horses, has now been transformed into a stunning public space, offering a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Our experience was nothing short of delightful. The moment we entered the park, we were taken aback by how beautifully the space has been maintained. The park is spacious, well-planned, and thoughtfully landscaped, making it a great destination for family outings, leisurely walks, or simply a peaceful escape from the noise of the city. One of the standout features of Jilani Park is its breathtaking artificial waterfall. Located near the central area of the park, the waterfall is a visual masterpiece. The cascading water creates a soothing and serene atmosphere, providing an ideal spot to relax and take in the natural beauty surrounding you. The sound of the flowing water adds to the tranquility, making it a perfect place to sit and unwind, especially on a warm day. The lush greenery surrounding the waterfall enhances its charm, making it feel like a hidden oasis in the middle of the park. The horticultural efforts at Jilani Park are impressive. The park is meticulously landscaped, with a variety of plants, flowers, and trees carefully arranged throughout the grounds. The flower beds are vibrant and colorful, showcasing a diverse array of species. Walking through the park feels like strolling through a well-curated botanical garden, where every turn offers a new and beautiful sight. The upkeep of the gardens is exceptional, and it’s evident that a lot of care has been taken to maintain the park’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the park's walking paths are well-maintained, making it easy to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings. There are designated areas for jogging, walking, and cycling, which makes it a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts as well. The park also has plenty of benches where visitors can relax, and there are several shaded areas perfect for escaping the sun. The park’s history as a former horse racing track is still evident in its design, and there are several commemorative plaques and signs that provide insight into its transformation. The large open spaces once used for races now serve as green lawns where families gather for picnics, children play, and people of all ages enjoy the outdoor setting. The park’s past is seamlessly blended with its present, creating a space that honors tradition while embracing modern use. What makes Jilani Park especially unique is the way it manages to be both a peaceful retreat and a lively community hub. Whether you're there to enjoy the beauty of nature, learn a bit of history, or just relax by the waterfall, the park offers something for everyone. Overall, our visit to Jilani Park was a memorable experience. The combination of its picturesque waterfall, excellent horticultural practices, and serene atmosphere made it a perfect outing for my family. It’s a testament to how beautifully urban spaces can be transformed and maintained. If you’re ever in Lahore, Jilani Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature, history, and tranquility all...
Read moreThe heart of Pakistan, Lahore, is known as “the city of gardens” owing to the fact that it’s home to many parks and open, green spaces. Here, the focus shall be on Jilani Park, which is one of the most famous parks of Lahore. Jilani Park, formerly known as racecourse park, is located on Jail Road, opposite Services Hospital, in Lahore. It was previously known to lend itself to the holding of the horse show for a few days a year and continued to thrive as the country’s premier horse-racing track. Owing to the location, it's the most visited park in Lahore. It’s a popular entertainment and leisure spot for people from across the city, especially on weekends.
The park spans an area of 88 acres of land, which comprises a lot more than just green spaces. There’s a cricket ground, a waterfall, and several other facilities that make Jilani Park one of the most popular spots for people looking for interesting outdoor activities.
Facilities at Jilani Park Visitors have access to the following facilities in Jilani Park:
Jogging track Despite numerous parks in the vicinity of G.O.R.-I, local residents prefer this park for morning or evening jog because of its well-built track. The soothing scenery of flowers and trees along the jogging track creates an amazing experience for the visitors.
Cricket Ground Those who are not fond of jogging need not worry. There’s a cricket ground as well where children and adults can be spotted playing.
Lake One of the main attractions of Jilani Park is its lake. The availability of boats is a treat for the visitors. You can either ride in a motorboat or take a paddleboat for a spin.
Water Fall Jilani Park has its own waterfall!. The cool, sparkling water of this waterfall is often a relief for sore eyes in the scorching heat of summers.
Polo Lounge
Polo lounge restaurant offers mouth-watering delicacies of Lahore. However, for fast food lovers, McDonald’s is situated next to Jilani Park.
Gardens This magnificent garden is home to over 80000 plants and flowers and 200 trees. Nearly 200 of these plants are very rare and expensive and are imported from abroad. Jilani Park arranges.
Festivals and Events at Jilani Park The following events are arranged in Jilani park
Spring Festival Spring Festival is arranged every year in which plants and flowers are put to display. The festival is held in late February and continues till mid-March. Everyone and anyone can come and enjoy the beautiful display of vibrant colored flowers of all kinds. This festival is the highlight of spring in Lahore.
LABARD Festival The Lahore Businessmen Association for the Rehabilitation of Disabled (LABARD) arranges a festival for the special children at Jilani Park, every year. A large number of disabled individuals participate in this event and enjoy all the entertainment like other healthy members of society.
Lahore Eat Lahore EAT is an annual food festival built around the idea of creating a common platform in a Public Space for people who love food. From the most creative and talented chefs to the street vendors, the EAT is a festival that celebrates the full diversity of food that the cities have to offer. Concerts are also held at this event to make the experience all the better...
Read moreRace Course Park, also known as Jilani Park, is one of the largest public parks in Lahore, Pakistan. It is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of over 126 acres. The park is a popular destination for families, joggers, and nature enthusiasts, and it offers a variety of attractions and amenities for visitors to enjoy.
One of the most notable features of Race Course Park is its beautiful landscaping. The park is filled with lush greenery, including trees, bushes, and flower beds, and it is well-maintained by the park staff. The park also features several lakes and fountains, which add to its natural beauty and provide a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to relax in.
In addition to its natural beauty, Race Course Park also offers a range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park has several playgrounds and sports facilities, including a cricket ground, a football field, and several tennis and basketball courts. There is also a large area for picnics and outdoor events, which can be rented out for parties and gatherings.
One of the most popular attractions in Race Course Park is its zoo, which is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, and birds. The zoo is well-maintained and offers visitors a chance to see these animals up close in a safe and controlled environment.
Another highlight of Race Course Park is its walking and jogging tracks. The park has several well-maintained tracks that are perfect for joggers and walkers, and they offer a peaceful and scenic route through the park. The tracks are also well-lit in the evenings, which makes them a popular destination for those who prefer to exercise after dark.
Overall, Race Course Park is a great place to visit for anyone who is looking for a peaceful and relaxing outdoor experience. The park is well-maintained, offers a range of activities and amenities, and is a popular destination for families, joggers, and nature enthusiasts alike. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in Lahore.
However, one of the main drawbacks of Race Course Park is its lack of parking facilities. The park only has a limited number of parking spots, which can be a challenge for visitors who are driving. It is recommended that visitors arrive early to secure a spot, or consider using public transportation to get to the park.
Another issue with the park is the lack of cleanliness in certain areas. While the park staff do their best to maintain the park, some visitors are not as considerate and leave trash behind, which can detract from the park's natural beauty. It is important for visitors to take responsibility for their own trash and dispose of it properly to help keep the park clean for everyone to enjoy.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Race Course Park is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. Its natural beauty, range of activities, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for...
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