Bagh-e-Jinnah is one of the historical parks of Pakistan. Previously known as Lawrence Gardens, this park has been a source of inspiration and respite for over a century. Set against the backdrop of the busy city of Lahore, Bagh-e-Jinnah, spanning 141 acres, offers a peaceful escape into nature, history, and leisure.
In this blog, Graana.com explores the enchanting world of this lush urban oasis, delving into its rich past, natural beauty, and the myriad experiences it holds for every visitor.
Location of Bagh-e-Jinnah
Bagh-e-Jinnah, a Lahore landmark with a rich history, is situated on the Lawrence Road, It is adjacent to the Governor’s House and is directly across the Lahore Zoo. This historical garden, established in 1885, covers a sprawling 141 acres of serene greenery.
It was once even more extensive, encompassing 176 acres, with a portion of the land later dedicated to the Lahore Zoo and the surrounding area’s development. A peaceful oasis in the midst of the city, Bagh-e-Jinnah has borne witness to Lahore’s transformation over the years.
History of Bagh-e-Jinnah
Bagh-e-Jinnah, once called Lawrence Gardens, is a remarkable piece of Lahore’s history that showcases its enduring bond with nature and leisure. Established in 1885, this sprawling park covers 141 acres and is a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. It was originally named Lawrence Gardens in tribute to John Lawrence, India’s Viceroy. In its early days, the park was designed as a botanical garden, inspired by England’s Kew Garden.
During this period, significant enhancements were made to the area, including the introduction of important elements such as Montgomery Hall, a cricket stadium, Lawrence Hall, a play area, and the plantation of more than 100,000 trees and bushes. Additionally, a seven-acre section of the Garden was allocated for the horticulture education at Government College Lahore.
Following India’s independence in 1947, the park underwent a modification and its name was also changed to Bagh-e-Jinnah to honour the founding father of the nation; Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The Lawrence and Montgomery Halls were repurposed into libraries, adding to the park’s cultural and educational significance.
Today, Bagh-e-Jinnah is more than just a park; it’s a living testament to the city’s history. It serves as a peaceful oasis where nature, recreation, and knowledge intersect seamlessly. As you explore its lush green spaces and embrace its tranquil atmosphere, you’ll find a place where the past and present harmonise, inviting visitors to connect with Lahore’s rich heritage on a profound level.
Tourist Attractions at Bagh-e-Jinnah
Bagh-e-Jinnah presents a plethora of attractions, ensuring there’s something for everyone within its lush expanse. Since its establishment in 1885, this historical garden has been a hub for leisure and cultural enrichment. Tennis enthusiasts can make use of the meticulously kept courts for a friendly match or two, while those seeking intellectual nourishment can explore the Quaid-e-Azam Library within Bagh-e-Jinnah. This library is renowned as one of Pakistan’s most comprehensive reference libraries, hence one of the most popular libraries in Lahore.
Taking a leisurely stroll through the serene paths and trails provides a tranquil escape within the Garden’s green embrace. The Garden caters to spiritual and cultural needs as well with the elegant Masjid Dar-u-Islam, a place for reflection and worship. Entertainment seekers can relish the experience of an outdoor theatre with ample seating for cultural performances, complemented by a delightful restaurant for culinary delights.
Families are in for a treat as well, with a dedicated play area where children can run and play to their heart’s content. To top it all off, Bagh-e-Jinnah hosts the annual Gul-e-Daudi exhibition, a privilege for art and culture enthusiasts, showcasing captivating displays of creativity and talent. Whether you seek relaxation, sports, knowledge, spirituality, or cultural experiences, Bagh-e-Jinnah offers a comprehensive array of attractions, making it an essential destination for those looking to enjoy the heart of Lahore.
Verdant Diversity in Bagh-e-Jinnah
Bagh-e-Jinnah offers a lush green haven brimming with natural diversity. The park boasts a remarkable collection of trees, with approximately 150 different tree varieties gracing its landscape. Some of these trees have thrived here for many years, adding to the park’s rich botanical history.
In addition to the diverse tree population, Bagh-e-Jinnah is home to around 140 varieties of shrubs, adding to the vibrant tapestry of greenery. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of these shrubs, creating a serene ambiance throughout the park. For those who appreciate the elegance of creepers, Bagh-e-Jinnah houses nearly 50 different types, each contributing to the park’s enchanting atmosphere.
The open areas of Bagh-e-Jinnah also host an impressive assortment of palm trees, with around 30 different palm tree varieties to admire during your visit.
Furthermore, the park is adorned with succulents and indoor plants, crossing around 100 different variations. This variety of plants adds a touch of charm and colour to the park’s already splendid greenery.
Moreover, Bagh-e-Jinnah’s claim to fame extends to its remarkable chrysanthemum exhibitions. As the pioneering institute in cultivating chrysanthemums, the garden has been at the forefront of showcasing the most significant number of chrysanthemum varieties.
For those interested in exploring and perhaps even taking home a piece of this green oasis, Bagh-e-Jinnah offers three nurseries. These nurseries are home to a delightful assortment of flowering and ornamental plants, making them a must-visit for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Libraries
In addition to its natural features, Lawrence Garden also has two different libraries. The Darussalam Library, which is open to the public and is mostly used by students.
On the other hand, the Quaid-e-Azam Library, reserved for members, stands as a captivating testament to the park’s historical significance.
Quaid-e-Azam Library
The Quaid-e-Azam Library, a historical structure dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, exudes the finest Victorian architecture. The library offers two distinguished halls, Lawrence Hall and Montgomery Hall.
Historically, this building served as a public gathering place and a venue for musical performances, under the administration of the municipal committee.
In addition, the library’s collection is a literary treasure, housing approximately 110,100 books in various languages, including English, Urdu, Arabic, and Persian.
Moreover, the library also segregates its collection into distinct departments, focusing on English, Arabic, and Urdu literature, with particular attention to Islamic and Muslim world knowledge. Additionally, the library features a huge auditorium, boasting a space for meetings, showcases, workshops, and seminars, encouraging the evolution of professional knowledge.
Darussalam Library
Open throughout the week, Darussalam Library welcomes visitors at their convenience, providing a peaceful environment for study and exploration. Established in 1966, the library’s humble beginnings included a few small reading rooms.
Over the years, Darussalam Library has played a crucial role in supporting students from various professional fields by allowing them to borrow books. Originally conceived as a Book-Bank serving “true” engineering and medical students by offering the newest models of textbooks, it may well have been one of Pakistan’s first institutions of its kind.
Eventually, the library expanded its services to cater to the general public, becoming an invaluable resource for many. Notably, the library has hosted numerous local and foreign dignitaries, with their impressions and remarks recorded in the Vision Book as a testament to its significance.
Tomb of Baba Turat Murad Shah
Nestled within the park lies the revered tomb of a great saint, Peer Sakhi Abul Faizul Hassan, known as Baba Turat Murad Shah. This sacred site draws a steady stream of daily visitors, making it a noteworthy attraction for those exploring the park.
Masjid Darussalam
Masjid Dar-ul-Islam stands as a gathering place for a significant crowd, particularly during the Jumma Prayer when Hafiz Akif Saeed conducts Dars-e-Quran.
in addition, the public speeches during these gatherings emphasise themes of internal purification, collective repentance for national transgressions, submission to Allah’s divine will, and the call to join an organisation dedicated to promoting Islam’s teachings and the establishment of the Khilafat. This Jumma prayer unites people from diverse students, sects, intellectuals, and professionals from all over the country.
Sports Facilities at Bagh-e-Jinnah
Bagh-e-Jinnah offers a diverse array of sports facilities, making it a haven for sports enthusiasts. Also, the venue provides a well-equipped badminton and tennis court, a preferred training ground for numerous renowned players.
Tennis Court
If you’re a tennis player looking for a fitting practice facility, the tennis court at Bagh-e-Jinnah is a convenient choice. This well-maintained court ensures that you can enjoy your favourite sport to the fullest.
Badminton Court
Additionally, Bagh-e-Jinnah features a badminton court, providing the perfect setting for enjoyable matches with friends and family.
Kids’ Play Area
Families with children will find delight in the kids’ play area within Jinnah Bagh. Here, young ones can revel in swings, see-saws, monkey bars, and a variety of slides. This place is not just popular among kids but also a famous hangout area for adults, ensuring everyone can enjoy their visit to the park.
Lahore Gymkhana Cricket Ground
With a rich historical significance, the Lahore Gymkhana Cricket Ground, originally The history of cricket at the Lawrence Gardens Ground dates back to the colonial era.
Throughout its history, this ground witnessed competitive matches, friendly games, and memorable encounters such as the Commonwealth XI vs. Punjab XI match and British Army vs. World XI match.
Little Pavilion
A quaint pavilion graces the Jinnah Bagh Cricket Ground, serving as a modest yet historical facility. Dating back to the British officers who once played cricket here during the British Empire’s rule, it offers a glimpse into the area’s rich sporting heritage and provides a place for visitors to relax and observe matches.
In conclusion, Bagh-e-Jinnah, a living legacy of Lahore’s history, offers a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and recreation. This iconic park, with its lush greenery, historical significance, and modern amenities, invites visitors to connect with Lahore’s rich heritage and relish a serene, multifaceted experience.
This was all about Bagh-e-Jinnah. For more information, visit Graana.com.
