|
The Road Rarely Taken…
April 22, 2011
Fort Munro is also known as ‘Nimroo’ by local people in Balochi Language. However its ancient name was ‘Thal.’ Thal is derived from Balochi Language meaning a plain ground. As the area is surrounded by hills, and there are plains and a valley, Thal suited it just right. It got its name Fort Munro when General Munro was appointed in Multan (Punjab) during British reign. Besides mangoes, Multan is known for its hot climate; during summer, temperature exceeds even 50 degrees Celsius. Fort Munro was accessible, hence to get some relief in summers, the General used it as his summer headquarters, hence the name. The historical significance of this destination is not only political, but also literary. It was in Fort Munro that Rev Father T.J.L. Meyer published the first English-Balochi Dictionary in 1909.
|
Thinking of hill stations in Pakistan, you count Murree, Nathiagali, Abbotabad and Sakardu and Kashmir and so on. But there is one that we frequently miss in this list, and it is none other than Fort Munro.
Hill stations are gateways to some veiled bewitching beauty and exotic experience, indeed. This one is no different in that regard, but no doubt it is not typical in more than one way; it stands out with the traditional Southern Punjabi touch.
From Dera Ghazi Khan, 60kms to the West, 85kms down the Quetta Road, it is the road less traveled, rarely traveled. When planning vacations every other place is brainstormed, this one gets slightly overlooked. However, for the locals, especially the local tribal chiefs and feudal lords, this is the window to holiday resorts. Nestled in the Suleiman Mountains Range, Fort Munro is 1800 meters above sea level; just as high and mighty as any fort should be.
Fort Munro is also known as ‘Nimroo’ by local people in Balochi Language. However its ancient name was ‘Thal.’ Thal is derived from Balochi Language meaning a plain ground. As the area is surrounded by hills, and there are plains and a valley, Thal suited it just right. It got its name Fort Munro when General Munro was appointed in Multan (Punjab) during British reign. Besides mangoes, Multan is known for its hot climate; during summer, temperature exceeds even 50 degrees Celsius. Fort Munro was accessible, hence to get some relief in summers, the General used it as his summer headquarters, hence the name. The historical significance of this destination is not only political, but also literary. It was in Fort Munro that Rev Father T.J.L. Meyer published the first English-Balochi Dictionary in 1909.
En route to the Fort, the road ascends and enters the Rakhi gorge. This is the only travel-worthy mountain pass in Southern Punjab joining Punjab and Balochistan. Traffic is thin but with trucks and pick-ups carrying commercial goods like fruits and vegetables can frequently be seen. The settlement of Khar is 5km before Fort Munro and has an interesting fort built by the British which is now used as a levy station. Here the road forks; left to Fort Munro, right towards Balochistan. Towards Fort Munro as we go, the altitude increases, the temperature decreases, and the road becomes trickier with mountain rocks over-hanging the road.
Poet Mustafa Zaidi, who was once a Political Assistant in Fort Munro, lived here, soaking up the panorama and the vast isolation while penning his powerful verses. “Inhe pathroon pe chal kar agar aa sako to aao, mere ghar ke raste main koi kahkashan nahin hey”. Cautiously, as you make your way up to the peak, conquering the untamed beauty, guided by the sun that verse stands true.
The popular place to stay is the TDCP resort. There are several government guest houses as well as some private hotels at Fort Munro. However, the Government of Punjab plans to develop some orchards, rest houses as well as chairlifts, actions that would boost the tourist potential of the area.
All that remains of the fort at Fort Munro is a tall burj that is in ruins. An interesting walk can be to the British cemetery situated just around the DCO House. There are plenty of stories and legends surrounding the place. There is Dames Lake centering beauty in itself; it has boating facility as well. In dwindling light, it is mysteriously haunting and so captivating that it is hard to avoid. Trimon Fall is just more magic; this waterfall in the mountains glistens and gleams. Jheel is another lake with beautiful view. Then there is also a Children Park with plenty of entertainment for children and a majestic viewpoint of the majestic valley.
Girdu is an adventurous route to reach Fort Munro for those who like it even more rough and even more tough. Ganji Pahari is a famous mountain that lives up to its name.
With some development here and there and with a few herds of people, Fort Munro presents us with unadulterated richness of nature; such raw energy of life that the feeling that we belong there nags us all the way back home.
|