Saidpur Village situated on the slopes of Margalla Hills in Islamabad is one of the oldest villages of Pakistan. More than five hundred years old Saidpur Village is known for its heritage, history and folklore. These days the village is serving as one of the favorite picnic place in Islamabad for both local and foreign visitors. The village inclining on the slopes of Margalla Hills presents an attractive view in soft light of morning and evening.
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History:
The village was named Saidpur after Sultan Said Khan son of Sultan Sarang Khan. During the rule of Mughal Emperor Babur Sultan Sarang Khan was the Lord of Pothohar region (from Jhelum to Attock).
Later Said Khan gifted this place to his daughter who was married to Mughal emperor Jahangir son of Mughal emperor Akbar. Jahangir’s biography, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri mentions him staying in Saidpur while he was on his way to Kabul. The village used to be a garden resort at that time.
A Hindu commander Raja Man Singh later converted Saidpur into a place of Hindu worship. He constructed small ponds and temples for the worship of Hindus. Those temples have been preserved to show the history and culture of Hindu civilization in the region.
Saidpur Model Village:
The work to convert Saidpur into a multicultural and historical tourist attraction was started by Capital Development Authority in 2006 under the supervision of Chairman CDA Mr. Kamran Lashari.
Saidpur was successfully converted into a beautiful quaint village in 2008. The government of France provided technical assistance in this work and total cost was Rs. 400 million.
What to do?
Saidpur village Islamabad is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. Saidpur village’s location on slopes Margalla Hills gives it picturesque view in dim lights mornings and evenings. Local and foreign visitors come here to spend their weekend and holiday. The village represents signs of a contrasted culture where Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs used to live together.
After remodeling of this village many restaurants, art galleries and antiques showrooms are also established here. Des Pardes, The Polo Lounge, Café 99 and Tirah restaurant are some famous restaurants in Saidpur village. You can also visit a small museum which is decorated with pictures and other stuff related to this village.
A visit to Hindu temples and Gurdwara provides information about Hindu and Sikh culture.
Map:
Map of Saidpur Village – click on map image to see detailed map
