Murree: a travel guide

Murree literally means “high place” is one of Pakistan’s most popular hill stations. It is a part of the Margalla hills and located in the outer Himalayas. It is surrounded by lush green trees and is a tourist destination throughout the year because of its scenic, relaxing atmosphere, and proximity to Islamabad.

 During the summer season when all of Pakistan is suffering through the heat wave, people generally tend to travel to Murree for even just a day but to get a cooling atmosphere. One of the most appealing factors of Murree is that there is a lot to do there in addition to just relaxing.

If we analyze the brief history of Murree is one of several hill stations made by the British in the Himalayan foothills during the 19th century. It was a town and was built according to building frame of European cities with Church in the center and main road, The Mall. Mall road is running along with commercial places and administrative offices around the same. The Mall was and still is still the center of attraction.  Only Europeans were allowed access to the Mall and after 1947, Non-European got access to The Mall. The city is packed with forests of pine and Oak. Alongside goes the main road.

Murree's cool climate is the precise reason why it is such a popular summer retreat. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,300m above sea level, the region has a hilly terrain and is covered by dense evergreen forests. Visitors choose to visit Murree during winter when the place is snowy and the views are too spectacular for words. Murree has a population of 176426 people (1998 census). The increase in population rate is considerably lower as compared to the other regions of the country. One of the reason is the migration to the twin cities and other major cities of Punjab, and secondly, because there were many territorial changes like separation of Kotli Sattian from Murree Tehsil. People of Murree are famous for their hospitality.

The most common profession use to be agriculture (farming and livestock). In the past, most of the families use to have their own livestock to meet their dairy and poultry needs and to earn a living out of it as well. Now very few people maintain livestock for personal use or for a source of earning. Because people are switching towards different other professions like teaching. Most of the population in rural areas are Abbasis.

  

Other prominent tribes include Satti, Kethwal, Danials, and Kianis. Literacy rate of 69 % makes Murree one of the most literate area of the country. Village Ausia has a booming rate of 82% and is the most literate rural area of Pakistan. Considering the fact that the major population chunk (87.8%) belong to the rural segment, such a high literacy rate is quite an achievement. Some of it is because of the people’s commitment and love of knowledge. There is a large number of primary secondary and middle schools, separate degree colleges for both boys and girls, and private schools around every corner.

Contributor: Adeel Satti