You want the sun, you want the sand, you want the good food, you want a relaxed cosmopolitan experience, you want some history, you want some warm conversations and you don’t want to drill a hole in your pocket either: did you know that all you really want is Karachi? Karachi is to Pakistan what New York is to the United States. With her liberal social attitude, a mixed population of economic and political migrants along with refugees from different national, provincial, linguistic and religious origins and everything from “Paris of Asia” to “the city that never sleeps” to “city of lights“, Karachi is an undiscovered touristic paradise. Let’s get straight to business and Karachi it better.
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Beach it, baby!
Karachi beaches are some of the most happening beaches in all of Asia. The scenic beauty is a given but being a major port city, it is bestowed with several beaches of varied characters. Clifton beach is said to be the most lively beach with people from all strata of life coming together. The Sandspit, although not as busy as Clifton, is ideal for Sundays with family. The French Beach and Cape Mount are considered rather sophisticated but these host beach parties and other elite and tourist-engaging activities.
Look at them buildings, honey, look at them architecture
Architecturally speaking, Karachi is quite pleasing to the eyes. They have such vividness that it makes you wonder. The Mazar-e-Quaid is one of the most important structures in all of Pakistan and the National Mausoleum of the nation. It is the tomb of the founding father of the nation, Muhammed Ali Jinnah and one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Pakistan. Ziarat of Abdullah Shah Gazi is a must visit if you’re a Qawwali enthusiast. The Majid-i-Tuba, National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral and Mohatta Palace that feature on my list and must definitely feature on yours!
Confessions of a funaholic
If someone tells you that going to someplace new and wanting to hit shopping malls and theaters are rather shallow then beware, that someone is bad company, haha. My question is, why on earth not? And when you have such plush and lush and everything nice with a cherry on top options, why shouldn’t you go? Also, there are so many malls and theaters and bowling alleys and amusement parks so on to choose from, that I doubt you’d need a hotel to crash. If I were you, I would vagabond the night away.
Eat like no one’s watching
Because they’re busy as well. Karachiites really enjoy their foods and they eat their meats real well. There’s an extra picture in this section because I’m partial like that, haha. If you were like me, you’d eat everything even if they’re available at the eatery next door back home. That said, do not compromise on the street foods and kebabs. Although Nihari seems to be one dish that almost everyone loves, Kaleji fry is one that I’d volunteer for. If you were me, you would snuggle up at one of the deck restaurants after you’re done the tasting, eating and experimenting. Simply because its very comforting indeed.
Madness is the genius
Here’s my favorite part. This is what I don’t suggest but I surely recommend trying. Although you must make prior arrangements so you don’t fall into trouble of any sort. Here goes, Karachi has lots of weddings and loads of wedding banquet halls. Gatecrash! No kidding, you must try this. And there are chances that you wouldn’t be caught because this isn’t particularly uncommon. Ride a truck. Truck Art is fabulous. Don’t miss this one. The last one I’d say is trying Gola Ganda. It’s like a crushed ice rainbow with condensed milk goodness. Put your crazy cap on, keep people who’d watch your back and go for it, guys!
Karachi is so urbane and traditional at the same time that I’m surprised at how it’s still comparatively an under-tapped tourist destination. Wouldn’t be for long though given her speedy expansions. I’m smitten and hope you’re too.
