A holiday in Pakistan means a tour to many historical sites including Taxila. 35 km from the capital city of Islamabad, is situated this historical town. Once a great center of Buddhism, learning and famous Gandhara art, Taxila has over 50 archaeological sites dating back to 600 BC to 500 AD.
Some of the most important sites are of Taxila; Dhamarajika Stupa and Monastery dating back to 300 BC - 200 AD, Bhir Mound (600-200 BC), Sirkap (200 BC - 600 AD), Jandial Temple (c.250 BC) and Jaulian Monastery (200 - 600 AD).
The most important Buddhist highlight of Taxila is the looming pile of the Dharmarajika Stupa, the oldest Buddhist monument in Taxila. Its main claim to fame lies in the fact that it contains one of the body relics of Budhha. Started by the Great Mauryan king Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, the stupa was later added as it reached its present shape in the 2nd century AD.
Another impressive sight in Taxila is Jaulian, an impressive complex of stupas, chapels, quadrangles and a monastery with assembly hall, storerooms, refectory, kitchen and bathrooms. At five small stupas you will see some beautiful stucco, the relives of Buddha and Bodhisattvas and supported by rows of stone elephants and lions.
Mohra Moradu is a notable monastery in good condition. Located two miles west of Jaulian, the place is home to a stupa with all of the details.
Three-and-half miles from Dharmarajika Stupa is situated Glen of Giri, which attracts climbers in large number. Atop the highest peak of the range of hills are two stupas and a fortress built in a cleft near a spring of pure, sweet water. Th3e climbers are rewarded with the fine stucco decorations of the stupas.
Taxila is home to a museum close to the site, which is divided into various sections. One of the best and well-maintained site museums of Pakistan, the museum is a treasure trove of archaeological finds of Taxila, which are carefully chronologically arranged and properly labeled in a proper way.
You can visit the museum during summer from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with two hours break. However there is no break during the winter. The timings during this season are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., without break. Don't visit the museum on the first Monday of every month and on Muslim religious holidays, as it remains closed on these days. You can visit the Museum by taking entry ticket, which costs Rs.4 per person for museum.
Tourist can get all relevant information about Taxila tourism at the Tourist Information Center run by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. Accommodation facility is available in a Motel with 7 rooms and restaurant facility, just opposite the Museum. The nearby Youth Hostel offers accommodation facilities for members of International Youth Hostels Federation (IYHF).
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