Famous for its amazing landscape and geological wonders, Pakistan has a lot going on for it. However, when you feel you have done plenty of justice as you marvel and soak in the wonders of natural and scenic beauty, then why not look into getting your wanderlust spirit satisfied with some other major breathtaking structures? The country’s largest province, Baluchistan, alone is home to many intriguing natural sites to visit, including Hingol National Park. Covering about 610,043 ha, Hingol National Park, the largest National Park in Pakistan, lies on the Makran coast approximately 190 km from Karachi. The area was for the first time declared reserved in 1988. The park area covers parts of the three districts, namely; Lasbela, Gawader and Owaran of Baluchistan province containing a variety of topographical features and vegetation, varying from arid sub tropical forest in the north to arid montane in the west
By Shah Iqbal
With its rocky terrain, mountain caves, and beautiful beaches, Hingol National Park is one of the natural wonders of Pakistan. It has significant cultural importance. Here we are going to look at some of the most significant sights and structures you absolutely have to visit when you plan a trip to this amazing place:
Princess of Hope
The entire landscape of Hingol National Park is dotted with mountains and gorges of rock and mud. The erosions caused by changing weather have resulted in incredible natural rock formations, such as the Princess of Hope. Standing high on a mountain range running along Makran Coastal Highway, this nicely sculpted object, which is a result of an alleged natural occurring, leaves everyone spellbound.
Lion of Baluchistan
The unique, natural rock formations in Hingol National Park are a result of wind and rain. One of the most significant natural structures in the area is a sphinx (a mythical creature having the body of a lion and the head of a human), popularly known as the Lion of Baluchistan. The structure boasts enough similarities to remind you of the sphinxes in Egypt, but unlike those human-made structures, this incredible rock formation is believed to be nature’s doing.
Hinglaj Devi Mandir
Hingol National Park is also home to Hinglaj Devi Mandir, a temple uniquely located in a cave found in a mountain standing in Makran desert. It is a place of religious and spiritual reverence for the Hindu community in Pakistan. Every year, devotees from different regions of the country come here to attend a four-day pilgrimage to the Hinglaj Devi Temple.
Marvelous Natural Oasis
While exploring this fascinating national park, you will come across many spots with fresh, clean water in the form of small lakes, streams, and ponds, surrounded by greenery and vegetation. This is the unique beauty of this place and one of the key sources for animals to survive in the barren and harsh environment of this rocky desert of Baluchistan.
Kund Malir Beach
One of the key tourist attractions in Hingol National Park is Kund Malir Beach. The water of this beach is crystal clear, and a large part of it is still unexplored since it is quite far from the metropolitan areas of the country. For instance, Karachi, which is the nearest city to this natural reserve, is situated at a distance of around 250 kilometres from this natural beauty.
Hingol Mud Volcanoes
Hingol National Park is a treasure trove of natural attractions. One of the most amazing geological features of this wildlife reserve in Baluchistan is the presence of mud volcanoes. There are three mud volcanoes in Hingol National park, located in one of its remotest regions somewhere in Lasbela District. One of them is an active mud volcano known as Chandracup. It is also a holy site for the Hindu community. The locals living in the region know the exact location of these volcanoes and they can guide you to these amazing natural formations. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) installation is also the most prominent and nearest landmark to these Hingol Mud Volcanoes.
