Imported beer at restaurant | USD 7.10 |
Water bottle (1.5 liter) | USD 0.48 |
Mid-range restaurant | USD 15.21 |
Internet (6 Mbps, unlimited data) | USD 37.53 |
Milk (1 liter) | USD 0.82 |
Apartment (1 bedroom) in city centre | USD 70.99 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of centre | USD 135.23 |
Loaf of white bread | USD 0.51 |
Taxi 1km | USD 0.51 |
Potato (1kg) | USD 0.35 |
Rawalpindi, situated in the Punjab Province, is the fourth largest city in all of Pakistan. The locals lovingly call their town Pindi. This is very close to Islamabad, the Pakistani capital. The country’s armed forces have their military headquarters in this area due to its strategic location. Because of that very same reason, cheap flights to Rawalpindi are not hard to come by. The Islamabad National Airport is located in Rawalpindi. Islamabad, being the capital, is quite urbanized already and not really the place to stay in for those who want to have a look at the real Pakistan. Rawalpindi, on the other hand, can give a more accurate view of this.
Unfortunately, compared to cities in neighboring India, Rawalpindi does not have the sprawling historic architecture. But, there are notable places which should definitely be visited. The Rohtas Fort, for instance, is a garrison built by an Afghan king in the early 1500s. This is a great example of the Hindi and Pashtun design. Faisal Mosque is the largest one in Pakistan. It was built in the 60's and named after the late Saudi ruler, King Faisal. Just a few minutes’ drive from Rawalpindi, the National Art Gallery in Islamabad, which is open to the public every Sundays, would also be a good place to check out. It is reminiscent of old British architecture.
Joining the festivities in this city is fun, too. Bicycle races are held to promote energy saving forms of transportation. Film festivals and musical fetes are celebrated during certain months. Of course, there are the usual religious celebrations observed by locals and visiting Moslems. Naturally, there are several hotels in Rawalpindi. However, only one is rated 5-star. Cafes and restaurants are everywhere but rarely will you find coffee being served, though. Chai is the staple drink. Alcohol and the club party culture is not allowed here.
It is very possible to travel by bus or by train to this city. One can even rent a car and drive around town from the airport. Aside from the National Airport, the Benazir Bhutto International Airport services both this city and Punjab. With two of these to choose from, it will never be difficult looking for cheap flights to Rawalpindi.