Balochistan’s coastal belt continues to enthrall tourists

Princess of Hope, a natural rock formation, stands tall in a mountain range along the Makran Coastal Highway. (AN Photo)

A signboard at the Hingol National Park provides visitors with information about the tombs of soldiers belonging to Muhammad Bin Qasim Army. However, noted historian Gul Hasan Kalmati said that the graves are those of certain members from the Baloch tribes, adding that the coastal highway was never used as a route by Arabs. (AN Photo)

A natural rock formation can be seen along the coastal highway that lines the Hingol National Park. (AN Photo)

This photo shows the entrance to the Hinglaj Mata Mandir, a temple located in the Lasbela district of Balochistan, which attracts thousands of pilgrims who throng to the area as part of their annual pilgrimage from April 25 to April 28. (AN Photo)

• Provincial government to allocate special budget to develop popular pockets in the area
• Princess of hope, ancient temples and mud volcanoes some of the attractions on offer

BELA, BALOCHISTAN: From the vertiginous peaks of the Kirthar Mountains to the green-carpeted valleys below, Pakistan’s Balochistan province is home to a diverse range of stunning landscapes.
Prime among these is the Hingol National Park – located in the Lasbela district – which continues to enthrall local and international tourists, eager to catch a glimpse of the myriads of natural wonders that the site has to offer.
From a distance, one can see the Princess of Hope – a natural rock formation that gives the impression of a woman looking beyond the horizon – even as the Chandragup mud volcanoes and Kund Malir’s scenic beaches lure visitors to the area. The largest of the three mud volcanoes, named as Chandragup1, is a 300-foot-high attraction which is regarded as a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus.
“These are just awesome sites,” Jameel Baloch, a senior official, who is responsible for the provision of facilities and security in the area, said. “This area has many things to offer for tourists from across the globe, from beaches to religious landmarks to natural beauty,” Baloch said.
Spread across nearly 1,650 square km along the Makran Coast, and located approximately 190 kilometers away from Pakistan’s port city of Karachi, the Hingol National Park spans the distance of three administrative districts, namely Awaran, Lasbela, and Gwadar.
Lasbela, for its part, is one of the peaceful areas in the otherwise restive province, where just a week ago thousands of Hindu pilgrims completed their rituals as part of a four-day annual festival.
Back in the park, mammals such as the Sindh leopard, Indian fox, Jungle cat, Marsh crocodiles, Green sea turtles, Houbara bustard, and several other exotic creatures inhabit the premises, while the Golden mahasheer and Botchee call the 350 miles- long Hingol River – which flows through the Hingol National Park – as their home.
Authorities are now trying to tap into the potential of the province’s natural beauty by allocating funds for the development of the area.
“The neglected departments, including tourism, will get proper funding in the upcoming budget,” Zahoor Buledi, Balochistan’s Information Minister told Arab News.
He acknowledged the fact that the tourism department has been dysfunctional ever since it was handed over to the province after the passage of the 18th constitutional amendment in April 2010, which gave additional autonomy to the federating units and devolved 15 federal ministries, including the ministry of culture and tourism, to the provinces.
Buledi shortlisted five places, including the Hinlaj Mata’s temple, the Kund Malir area and the Hingol National Park as those that would be developed on a priority basis.
“These spots will be developed on modern lines for which consultants will be hired. All facilities, which a tourist spot needs, will be available at these sites,” Buledi said.
Measures are also in place to ensure optimum security, with tour guides to be hired for the initiative as well. “Around 30 archaeologists will be hired who will explore different sites in heritage-rich Balochistan,” he said.
Zain Ali, a Karachi-based tourist, said that if basic facilities, such as restrooms, first-aid centers, restaurants were provided, it would give a further boost to Pakistan’s tourism sector.
“The road is awesome, the places are easily accessible and the security is good. All tourists need are some basic facilities,” Ali said.