Murree

The word Murree has been derived from “Murhi” meaning “a high place”. It is a hill station situated along the Islamabad-Kohala highway, 30km away from Islamabad at the border of Punjab and Azad Kashmir. It is a very popular summer resort due to its cool and chilly climate. In winter the city hides itself in a thick blanket of snow. An American journalist Camile wrote, that,

"Everything and Anything can happen in Murree. Romance is in the atmosphere; intrigue is in the air. The roads to this happy holiday's resort embrace both the heaven and earth. In Murree it is easy to fall in love"

Murree was founded by Sir Henry Lawrence in 1851 as a sanatorium for British troops deployed along the Afghan border. A proper town was built in 1857. The town also served as the summer head quarters of Punjab local government till 1876. During the war of independence of 1857 the local tribes of Murree, under the command of Sardar Shehbaz Khan and Malik Nawab Bahadur Khan, fought against the British army. After considerable loss, the British army had to sign an agreement with the local Abbasi tribe. But this agreement was ignored by the British who regained control of the town. Afterwards a number of English officers settled here permanently and raised families.

The most beautiful places in Murree include:

Kashmir Point

Pindi Point - a chairlift runs up to here

The Mall - the main strip with shops, hotels and restaurants.

Lawrence College & Church

Many locals believe that Mary, mother of Jesus, is buried in Murree and that the town is named after her (formerly Mari). Her supposed tomb sits on a hill underneath a television tower. Locals can point you in the right direction. You may need special permission to visit.

Taxis and buses run from Islamabad, and take about 1 hour. It is a picturesque drive and has a few well developed tourist spots at Charra Pani and Company Bagh. The Chattar water park is only 15 minutes outside Islamabad. There is also an alternate but longer route to Murree from Islamabad via Nilore and Simli Dam. The alternate route joins at Lower Topa. The mountain drive is refreshing and the scenery is breath-taking especially on the Nilore-Simli-Lower Topa route.

Murree remains charming all year round.