Maps
General maps are
published in PTDC
and TDCP brochures
which are sufficient
for the purpose of
orientation.
Detailed maps are
impossible to find
and if you are in
search of a
particular street,
it is not likely
that you will come
across a map which
will provide you the
information you
need.
For the ease of the
visitor, maps have
been especially
prepared for
inclusion in this
Guidebook. And, to
enable you to
explore Lahore's
cultural heritage,
in Rahguzar chapters
you will find
detailed Rahguzar
Maps showing various
rahguzars (tour
routes), which will
take you past the
majority of
important historical
buildings of Lahore.
In addition to
detailed maps, key
maps are provided in
this Guide for
Orientation,
Hospitals, Hotels,
Shopping Bazaars,
Museums and Parks.
Finding Addresses
Although street
names can be found
in most areas, it is
still difficult to
find addresses,
especially in
residential areas.
If you are visiting
a friend, it is
advisable to get
full directions.
Transportation
Modes
The streets of
Lahore are full of
all kinds of
transportation
modes. Since a mass
transit system is
not available, you
will find Lahore
commuters using a
variety of
vehicles—from buses
and minibuses to
motor rickshaws,
taxis and tongas
(horse-drawn carts).
You might find the
vehicular traffic
difficult to handle,
since it appears
unregulated and free
for all. But after a
while you will get
used to it and it
becomes easier to
handle. There are
many areas of Lahore
where you will be
able to walk and get
the flavor of the
city.
Buses are the
cheapest but
possibly the most
uncomfortable way of
traveling. Buses ply
on routes from
anywhere to
everywhere. They are
usually packed with
people, so getting a
seat may be
difficult. We
recommend traveling
in Metro Buses.
The air-conditioned
Metro Buses
ply on selected
routes. The Daewoo
Express Bus Service
is an efficient
service operated by
smartly uniformed
drivers and bus
conductors. The
service, which
provides proper
announcing system
for stops, has a
ticket-less cash
machine system, and
pneumatic automatic
doors. The buses ply
on selected routes
covering Chauburji,
R.A. Bazaar, Gulberg,
Jail Road and
Defence, from 5:30
am to 11:00 pm.
Detailed information
is available from 1,
Empress Road, G.T.S.
Bus Stand, Railway
Station, (tel.
636-2008, 636-2293
to 95,
0303-757-9782; fax
636-2004; email
<jamil786@lhe.orbit.net.pk>).
New Khan Metro
provides service on
four routes: Sanda
to R.A. Bazaar, Lari
Adda to Thokar Niaz,
Sanda to Railway
Station and Lari
Adda to Wahga.
Detailed information
is available from
C-l, LDA Flats,
Lawrence Road, (tel.
0300-461-655,630-4852
to 54). The cost of
tickets varies from
Rs. 3/- to Rs.10/-
depending upon the
distance traveled.
When traveling in
crowded buses or
walking in bazaars,
beware of
pickpockets!
Rickshaw is a
three wheeler
motor-driven taxi.
Although some might
consider them
unsafe, there are
many who use them
regularly,
particularly as they
are available at
half the fare of
taxis. It is an
interesting way to
travel, preferably
for short
distances—you are
exposed to pollution
and noise, and
rather uncomfortable
if, on a hot day you
get stuck in a
traffic jam. There
are new kinds of
gaily-painted
rickshaws which are
more open and airy
known as the
chandgari (moon-car)
or Qingqi (Chingchi
as locally
pronounced). Bargain
with the driver
before hiring a
rickshaw (official
fare: Rs.3/km).
Taxi is a
comfortable but
expensive way of
traveling around the
city. Yellow Cabs
are widely available
and theoretically
should operate on a
meter—but hardly any
of the meters work.
Official fares are:
Rs. 7/km for black
taxis, Rs. 8/km for
small Yellow Cabs
and Rs. 9/km for
large Yellow Cabs;
however, it is best
to settle the fare
before embarking on
your journey. Hotel
Taxis can be hired
for the day, but the
fare is considerably
higher than yellow
cabs.
Tongas are
horse-driven carts,
and provide an
inexpensive mode of
travel. They are a
leisurely way of
exploring the city
especially in the
evenings. Bargain
for a good rate
before hiring your
buggy. |
