Multan, known as the “City of Saints” and the “Land of the Mystics”, is one of the oldest surviving cities in South Asia. Its history is the history of the subcontinent itself—every major invader, from Alexander the Great to the Mughals and finally the British, fought to control this spiritual city.
Located about 100 km from Punjnad, where the five rivers of Punjab meet, Multan has been a crossroads of trade, culture, and spirituality for centuries. Today, it is a dynamic city that beautifully blends ancient shrines, bustling bazaars, and modern development.
🕌 Multan – The Spiritual Heart of Pakistan
- Shrines & Sufism: Multan is home to more Sufi shrines than any other city in the world. The city is dominated by the magnificent shrines of:
- Shah Rukn-e-Alam (11th century patron saint, masterpiece of architecture)
- Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya (great Sufi scholar and teacher)
- Shah Shams Tabrez (beloved spiritual figure with thousands of followers)
- These shrines are not only spiritual centers but also attract thousands of devotees and tourists seeking peace and enlightenment.
- Eidgah Mosque (18th century): Another architectural gem that adds to Multan’s grandeur.
🏰 History & Heritage
- Multan Fort (Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh) rises majestically above the city, offering breathtaking views.
- The Mughal era saw Multan flourish with music, art, and especially blue glazed pottery, which remains a specialty of the city today.
- Multan’s narrow lanes and tall houses with carved wooden balconies take visitors back in time, showcasing a world where history and modernity meet.
🛍️ Culture & Bazaars
- Hussain Agahi Bazaar – One of the most fascinating bazaars in the world, full of spices, fabrics, jewelry, and handicrafts.
- Multani Crafts: Blue pottery, camel skin lamps, handwoven carpets, embroidered clothes, and Sohan Halwa.
- Music & Art: Multan has always been a hub of musicians, poets, and craftsmen.
🍴 What to Taste in Multan
- Sohan Halwa – The city’s most famous sweet delicacy.
- Multani Mangoes – World-renowned, juicy, and sweet.
- Local Street Food: Seekh kebabs, tikka, dahi bhalla, and spicy chaat.
🌆 Modern Multan
- Multan International Airport connects the city globally.
- Shopping malls, luxury hotels, and urban centers make it a modern hub while preserving its old soul.
- The city serves as a gateway to South Punjab and the deserts of Cholistan.
🗺️ Travel Tips for Visitors
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October – March (cooler weather).
- ✈️ How to Reach: Flights via Multan International Airport, or travel by train/highway from Lahore, Karachi & Islamabad.
- 📸 Don’t Miss: Sunset views from Multan Fort & shrine courtyards lit with lamps at night.
- 🎁 Perfect Souvenirs: Blue pottery, camel skin lamps, and Sohan Halwa.
🌍 Why Multan Should Be on Your Travel List
Multan isn’t just a city—it’s an experience of history, spirituality, and culture. From the towering shrines that dominate its skyline to the maze-like bazaars that buzz with life, Multan offers something truly unique. It is a city where the mystics of the past meet the modern spirit of today.