Exploring Sindh: A Travel Guide to Rohri, Sukkur, and Ancient Harappa and Mohenjo Daro
Sindh, a province rich in history and culture, invites travelers to explore its vibrant cities and ancient archaeological wonders. From the bustling transport hubs of Rohri Railway Station, Sukkur Airport, and Daewoo Bus Terminal to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, Sindh offers a perfect blend of accessibility and heritage. This comprehensive travel guide provides everything you need to plan your journey through this fascinating region of Pakistan.
Getting to Sindh: Transportation Options
Sindh’s well-connected transportation network makes it easy to reach its key destinations. Here’s a breakdown of the main hubs:
Rohri Railway Station (Junction) and Sukkur Railway Station: Gateways to Sindh
- Location: Rohri, Sindhion
- Significance: A major railway junction linking Sindh to Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.
- Services: Trains like the Khushal Khan Khattak Express stop here, offering connectivity across Pakistan.
- Tips: Book tickets in advance via Pakistan Railways’ official website or at the station. From Rohri, Sukkur is just a short taxi ride away.
Sukkur Airport
- Location: Near Sukkur, approximately 32 km from Khairpur.
- Services: Domestic flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) connect Sukkur to Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.
- Details: This smaller airport handles ATR 42 aircraft, with limited but reliable service.
- Tips: Check flight schedules on PIA’s website, as frequency may vary seasonally.
Daewoo Bus Terminal
- Location: Sukkur, Sindh
- Significance: A hub for comfortable, air-conditioned bus travel.
- Routes: Connects Sukkur to major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
- Tips: Daewoo’s online booking system ensures a hassle-free reservation. The terminal offers clean facilities and regular departures.
MotorWay
Navigating Sindh: A Guide to Pakistan’s Longest Motorway and Key Travel Routes
Sindh, a province steeped in history and modernity, is a gateway to Pakistan’s cultural and archaeological treasures. With an efficient transportation network, including Pakistan’s longest motorway, the M-5 Multan-Sukkur Motorway, and the under-construction Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6), travelers can seamlessly explore both vibrant cities and ancient sites like Mohenjo Daro. This guide details the best routes, including the N5 highway and Karachi-Sukkur road, to help you plan your journey through Sindh.
Pakistan’s Longest Motorway: M-5 Multan-Sukkur Motorway
The M-5 Multan-Sukkur Motorway, spanning 392 km, holds the title of Pakistan’s longest motorway. This six-lane, high-speed (120 km/h), controlled-access highway connects Multan in Punjab to Sukkur in Sindh, forming a critical part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Completed in August 2019, it features 54 bridges, including a major one over the Sutlej River, and passes through cities like Shujabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, Rahimyar Khan, and Pano Aqil. Costing approximately $2.94 billion, it was primarily financed by Chinese loans at a 1.6% interest rate.
Why It Matters
The M-5 enhances connectivity between northern and southern Pakistan, reducing travel time and boosting trade. From Sukkur, travelers can access key Sindh destinations, including Mohenjo Daro and Rohri, via connected highways like the N5.
Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6): The Future of Travel
The Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6), a 306-km, six-lane project
Motorway, Infrastructure, Pakistan, Development, Transportation, CPEC
How to Visit Harappa and Mohenjo Daro
Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2600 BCE), are must-visit destinations for history enthusiasts. Below is a detailed guide to reaching and exploring these iconic sites.
Visiting Harappa
- Location: Near Sahiwal, Punjab (technically outside Sindh but often included in Sindh travel itineraries due to proximity and historical ties).
- How to Get There:
- By Train: Take a train to Sahiwal Railway Station from Rohri or Lahore, then hire a taxi or local bus (30-minute ride).
- By Road: From Lahore, drive 200 km via the Lahore-Multan Road (3 hours). Daewoo buses from Sukkur to Lahore can connect you to this route.
- What to See:
- Harappa Museum: Displays artifacts like pottery and seals.
- Citadel and Granary: Evidence of advanced urban planning.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking the site. Entry fees are affordable, with a slightly higher rate for foreigners.
Visiting Mohenjo Daro
- Location: Larkana District, Sindh, 30 km from Larkana city.
- How to Get There:
- By Air: Fly into Sukkur Airport, then drive or take a bus to Larkana (2 hours). Alternatively, PIA offers thrice-weekly flights from Karachi to Mohenjo Daro Airport.
- By Train: From Rohri Railway Station, board a train to Dokri (11 km from the site), followed by a rickshaw or taxi ride.
- By Bus: From Sukkur’s Daewoo Bus Terminal, travel to Larkana, then take a local van or rickshaw to Mohenjo Daro.
- What to See:
- Great Bath: A marvel of ancient engineering.
- Buddhist Stupa: A later addition to the site.
- Drainage Systems: Showcasing sophisticated urban design.
- Tips: Visit between October and March for pleasant weather. Hire a local guide (e.g., operators like Irshad Solangi) for deeper insights.
Discovering Sukkur and Rohri
While en route to Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, explore the cultural and historical gems of Sukkur and Rohri.
Sukkur Highlights
- Sukkur Barrage: An engineering feat controlling the Indus River’s flow, offering scenic views.
- Tomb of Seven Sisters: A spiritual site with intricate architecture.
- Dining: Enjoy Sindhi biryani and sajji at local eateries near the barrage.
Rohri Highlights
- Rohri Fort: A hilltop fortress with stunning vistas of the Indus Valley.
- Lansdowne Bridge: A steel masterpiece connecting Rohriand Sukkur, perfect for photography.
- Accessibility: Rohri Railway Station makes it a convenient stopover.
Both cities offer budget and mid-range accommodations, such as the RT Grace Hotel in Sukkur or government rest houses.
Practical Travel Information
Accommodations
- Sukkur: Budget hotels and mid-range options are plentiful. Book early during peak seasons (winter months).
- Larkana: Near Mohenjo Daro, opt for guesthouses or hotels in the city center.
- Sahiwal: Basic lodging is available for Harappa visitors.
Dining
- Savor Sindhi cuisine, including spicy biryani, grilled sajji, and fresh river fish. Restaurants near transport hubs and attractions cater to all budgets.
Safety and Currency
- Safety: Sindh is generally safe, but avoid remote areas at night and check local travel advisories.
- Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR). ATMs are widely available in Sukkur and Larkana.
Why Visit Sindh?
Sindh’s unique appeal lies in its seamless blend of past and present. Rohri Railway Station, Sukkur Airport, and Daewoo Bus Terminal provide modern gateways to a region where history whispers through the ruins of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture seeker, or an adventure traveler, Sindh promises an unforgettable journey.
References
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Harappa and Mohenjo Daro
- Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation: Travel Information
- Lonely Planet: Pakistan Travel Guide
Recommended Books
- The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective by Gregory L. Possehl
- Mohenjo-Daro and the Indus Civilization by John Marshall