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Hidden gems around Karachi

Are you one of those people who love to explore the forgotten path? Want to rediscover hidden treasures that have withstood the test of time? Here are a few places in and around Karachi that might strike your fancy.
Chaukhandi Tombs 
It may sound creepy but you have to see this beautiful graveyard located near Landhi town on the N-5 National Highway, 29 kms east of Karachi. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, what makes these tombs unique are the intricate stone carvings that mark the graveyard of the Jokhio tribe. Jokhio was a tribe that was from the Samma tribe that is known as the clan of Rajputs.
Misri Shah Monument
Said to be one of the seven saints guarding Karachi from natural disasters, Misri Shah is also regarded as Abdullah Shah Ghazi's brother. Off the road to Khayaban Hafiz past Sultan Mosque, it is not a path that is well trodden but luckily it is not very hard to find. Known as the king of Kaafi (poetry) this idyllic shrine is a place where one can easily spend a quiet evening perusing the poetry of the Sufi, although finding his poetry in English is going to be a feat that is just as difficult as finding his shrine itself. 
Mangho Pir Shrine 
Located in one of the neighbourhoods of Gadap Town, west of North Karachi and Surjani Town, this is the shrine of Sufi Pir Haji Syed Sakhi Sultan, on a hill at an altitude of approximately 600 feet. There are two things that set this shrine apart from others; one is its hot water sulphur springs that are believed to have medicinal properties. The second are the many hundreds of crocodiles lazing at a pond adjacent to the shrine who are believed to be the sacred disciples of Pir Mangho.
Hingol National Park
Covering an area of 1,650 sq kms and established in 1988, this park lies within sections of Lasbela, Gwadar and Awaran Districts. The beautiful drive and stunning mountains are truly a sight to behold. Make sure to check out the rock formations of Princess of Hope and the Lion while you are there. The park also includes the Hingol River with various bird, fish and plant species that call it home. This place is truly a photographer's paradise and it is fun for the family too.
Keenjhar Lake 
Located in the Thatta District, this is another lake that may need some TLC (Tender Loving Care) from the government but its natural beauty is enough to make up for its lack of care. Keenjhar or Kalri Lake is 122 km from Karachi and is the second largest fresh water lake in Pakistan and has been declared a wildlife sanctuary. You shouldn't be surprised if you see birds like cormorants, herons and flamingos here. It has even been observed as a breeding area of the black-crowned night heron and cotton pygmy goose among others. The lake also boasts of a shrine in the middle of the lake marking Noori Jam Tamachi's (a mythical Sindi princess) grave. 
Mohenjo-Daro
Not to be confused with the dud of a film last year starring Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, this archaeological site is one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and one of the world's earliest major urban settlements. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is another place in Pakistan that could use a little TLC by the government as it is being threatened by erosion and improper restoration. Located west of the Indus River in the Larkana district, it is a sight to behold and hopefully an increase in visitors will mean that the government will take more care in preserving this treasure.
Makli Hill 
Yet another UNESCO world heritage site on our list, Makli Hill is one of the largest necropolises in the world. Burial place of over a 100,000 local rulers, Sufi saints, including Pir Murad, it lies 98 km east of Karachi. This sombre site is said to have grown around the shrine of a 14th century Sarwa, Muhammad Hussain Abro. One thing you have to remember when you visit this site is to take plenty of friends for company. Also take plenty of food and water since it is not easily available here. 
Hindu Gymkhana (National Academy of Performing Arts) 
Constructed in 1925, the Hindu Gymkhana covers an area of around 47,000 square yards, and is the first public building in Karachi to boldly adopt the Mughal-Revival style. It is one of the major tourist attractions situated on M. R. Kiyani Road opposite the Arts Council in Karachi. Today, Hindu Gymkhana is home to the National Academy of Performing Arts, which is an institution established to conserve and teach performing arts and music offering classes in music, theatre, dancing (Odissi) and make-up. 
So if you are planning a trip to the city and are tired of going to the same old malls and visiting the same coffee shops, why not try a few of these places that will not only widen your eyes in wonder and amazement, but will also make you proud of the fact that these gems can only be found in Pakistan. 

Writing is a passion for Dimple John who is a Pakistani born and raised in the UAE. She is currently working on her Journalism degree at Murdoch University Dubai.