Fun Facts about Balochistan

Balochistan translates to ‘the land of the Baloch’, in many regional languages.The country is dominated by natural resources, especially its natural gas fields which supply natural gas to the entire country.Balochistan is Pakistan’s biggest province in terms of its area, covering 44% of Pakistan (134,050 square miles).

The camel is the provincial animal of Balochistan.A vast variety of languages are spoken in Balochistan, ranging from Makrani, Rukhshani, Sulemani, Pashto, Brahui, Lasi, Urdu, Punjabi, Hazargi,Sindhi, Saraiki, Dehvari, Dari, Tajik, Hindko, Uzbik, and Hindki.

The climate of Balochistan is very extreme. The highest temperature recorded was 53 degrees in Sibi in 2010.
The Gwadar Port is located in Balochistan and is an operator for the China Overseas Port Holding Company.The Sulaiman Mountains are the southern extension of the Hindu Khush Range.In Balochistan its highest peak is Zarghun Ghar at 3,578 meters (11,739 ft.)

Jovago brings Black Friday to the Pakistani Hotel Industry

Pakistan is in for a big treat this November. This is the first time ever  any hotel booking portal is bringing such an offer to Pakistan, and at the perfect time. There is a range of hotels to chose from because Jovago has an inventory of over 2000 hotels in more than 150 cities of Pakistan.

On the last Friday of November, that falls on the 27th, Jovago is coming with the best ever deals for its customers. We are talking about discounts of up to 50%! This is a 24 hour long sale, so you have to be on your toes if you don’t want to miss this remarkable opportunity. As winter is coming and people will most likely be travelling to northern areas of Pakistan, Jovago has come up with discounts on the best hotels from the north, including Movenpick Hotel in Murree. This means that you can book your hotels at half the original price. The hotel vouchers can easily be reserved online through Jovago’s App or website. The vouchers will be valid for the next four days.

No one expected this coming, right. We all love traveling and amazing sales like this one. So, be prepared to get a hand on this offer. Plan a weekend getaway, and a small trip at an affordable price, thanks to Jovago!

Sneak Preview : Delicacies of Balochistan

Sajji
Sajji is a Balochi specialty, where a whole lamb or chicken is roasted on coals after being marinated in salt and green papaya paste.

Kaak
Kaak is made from flattened dough, which is heated until the shell hardens and becomes crispy.

Dampkhut
Meat is sealed in containers, left over a low flame to cook slowly in its juices and bone marrow. Dampkhut is a cooking technique that dates back to over 200 years!

Khaddi Kabbab
A whole lamb or goat is stuffed with rice, and cooked over a fire. The rice is cooked by the fats of the lamb, and enjoyed.

Kehwa
A soothing green tea, usually served with breakfast.

Explore Balochistan to know what you are missing in life!

Tips to relax while on a Vacation

Here is how one can have a relaxing vacation :-

1. Choosing the perfect destination

When selecting a destination, think about the perfect place where you can relax, and the rest of the family can remained entertained without you constantly needing to be there. A beach, a mountainous region, an escape from reality!

2. Make sure it’s affordable

Do not bust your budget while trying to create the perfect holiday.Travel within Pakistan, and Jovago Pakistan will help you find the ideal package that is affordable yet luxurious!

3. Take time out for yourself

Upon arrival,  promise to take out some time for yourself everyday. Go for a walk, find a quiet spot and read a book, or enjoy and appreciate your surroundings and yourself!

4. Spend time with the people who matter

When on a vacation, spend time with the people who cherish you and who you cherish the most! Create everlasting memories that will nurture your relationship forever strengthening it.

5. Go with the flow

Nothing will go as planned if you create a tight schedule with no room for spontaneity. Savor each moment and do not aim to do too much in one day!

6. Nourish and Recharge your body

Be sure to indulge in delicious food and endless hours of sleep, recharging your body and preparing it for the adventures that lie ahead!

Explore the city of Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur is one of the major cities in Punjab. It is the capital ofBahawalpur district and the 13th most populous city of Pakistan. Bahawalpurhas a royal history, and is now a much developed metropolitan city. It can be considered as a mega city in terms of real estate, parks, markets and institutions.

The city is situated near the prehistoric and ancient cities of Uch andHarappa, which were once a domination of the Delhi Sultanate and Indus Valley Civilization. As Bahawalpur has been home to most of the kings and nawabs, it is a vital attraction for tourists and history lovers. These kings built palaces for themselves which are a basis of tourist attraction.

Bahawalpur is well-known for its legendary carpets, embroidery and pottery. The Punjab government has given notice to such amazing hand work and has set up a Craft Development Centre from where handicrafts can be purchased. Some of souvenirs manufactured in Bahawalpur are Flassi, Gindi, Changaries, Khalti and more.

Jovago’s Top 3

Noor Mahal
The Noor Mahal is abeautiful palace in Bahawalpur which was owned by the Nawab of Bahawalpur. The palace was created by NawabSadiq Muhammad Khan (IV) who was passionate about constructing spectacular buildings. Most of the palace’s raw materials were imported from England and Italy and was furnished with top quality foreign gears. The palace was complete in 1875.

It has 32 rooms altogether. The interior of the palace is an incorporation of Islamic and sub continental styles. The building was acknowledged a “restricted monument” in September 2001 by the Government of Pakistan’s, Department of Archeology, but it is now one of the main attractions for anyone wanting to visit.

Derawar fortDerawar Fort is a large square fortress in Bahawalpur located in Cholistan desert. Built by a Hindu Rajput, Raj JajjaBhatti, the fort has a majestic sight that one cannot miss if visiting Bhawalpur.It was. However, the fort has been depreciating over the years, and needs instant repair if not renovation.

Bahawal StadiumThe Bahawal Stadium is a very famous cricket ground in Bahawalpur. It is the second largest stadium in Asia in terms of area.This ground is used for many other sports, cricket being the core. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000 spectators. The first test match in Pakistan was held at the Bahawal stadium while the second test match held here was between India and Pakistan, a news that still excites the people of both nations.

TIPS

Restaurants
Bahawalpur has a rich culture of dining out. There is a range of cuisines and restaurants be it 5 star to roadside cafes. Names like Four seasons, Kebabish grill, The Grand regency are a must try! To complete the dining experience, the city has a wide variety of desert shops.

Shopping
A number of shopping centers are under construction in Bahawalpur. Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate and The Mall are the main shopping markets. Apart from that, major shopping malls, which are highly in trend, include Bobby Plaza, Takbeer Shopping Mall, Time and Prince.

Hotels
Bahawalpur is host to many hotels that are a good choice for accommodation. There are 5 star hotelspresent including Pearl Continental. Other than that, there is a list of reasonable hotels that are perfect for planning a low budget trip to the city. You can check this list at Jovago’s website with further deals and great offers.

Saleha Qureshi launches her First Festive Collection

Karachi: 18th November 2015) Designer Saleha Qureshi, known for her pret-wear under the label of Saleha. has announced the launch of the first Festive Collection for her eponymous brand on November 21, 2015 from her Flagship outlet in Karachi.

Saleha’s Festive Collection is a capsule of 5 unique designs in the tones of black and gold, including intricate embellishments and handwork .Speaking about her collection, designer Saleha Qureshi said, “The Festive Collection is designed for the multitasking Pakistani woman – who wants to be able to use the same outfit at many different events in a season – be it a wedding or a formal dinner or gala ball – together or as separates.”
Saleha has also just launched her extremely popular and affordable ready to wear Winter Collection this month, and it is available at her outlet.

Saleha’s Festive Collection is made to order, and available for preview at her store in Karachi on appointments only. She will also be showcasing this collection at Ensemble Lahore on December 3rd, 2015.

The Borders of Pakistan

Pakistan is situated in the Middle East, and is positioned in both the eastern and northern hemispheres. It shares its borders with the Arabian Sea, Iran, Afghanistan, India and China! Its borders cover a distance of about 6,975 km in length – excluding the coastal areas! They stretch from the south to the mountain ranges in the north, with peaks as high as K2 at 28,251 feet!

The following paragraphs cover a few interesting facts about the neighboring countries and seas of Pakistan!

Pakistan and China

The Karakoram Highway, also known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, lies on the border between Pakistan and China. It connects Sinkiang Uighur of China and Gilgit–Baltistan of Pakistan and is one of the highest paved international roads in the world. The border is 523 kilometers long and is situated in the northeast of Pakistan. The famous Sino-Pakistan Agreement made the border between the two countries official, and was passed in 1963.

Pakistan and India

On August 17, 1947 the 2,912 kilometers long border between Pakistan and India on the west was made official. It was known as The Radcliffe Line named after its founder Sir Cyril Radcliffe. One of the significant places for both countries on the border is Wagah. It is the village from which the Radcliffe line was drawn separating India and Pakistan and is the only road border crossing between them.Every evening ‘the lowering of the flags’ ceremony is conducted there and people from both the nations bare witness to it.

Pakistan and the Arabian Sea

The coastline of the Arabian Sea which covers 1,046-kilometres lies on the south of Pakistan.The Indus River and its tributaries flow into the Arabian Sea serving as an instrumental route between Pakistan and other countries for conducting trade.

Pakistan and Iran

The border between Pakistan and Iran is located on the west side, and is known as the Pakistan-Iran Barrier. It is 909 kilometers long and a 700 km concrete wall that is, three feet wide and 10 feet high has been built to stop the flow of illegal border crossings.

Pakistan and Afghanistan

The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan formally known as the Durand Line is located on the west of Pakistan. The Durand Line is named after Sir Mortimer Durand, who was the foreign secretary of the British India. The border is 2,430 kilometers long, and was established inNovember 1893 after an agreement between Afghanistan and the British Empire.