Amazing natural wonders at Hingol National Park in Balochistan

About 190km west of Karachi, on the Makran Coast, which is in southwestern Balochistan you will find Pakistan’s largest National Park; Hingol National Park which was established in 1988 and covers a massive area of 1,650sq. km. What makes this place extraordinary can be attributed to the many picturesque features that are the hallmark of Balochistan. Beginning with the Makran Coastal Highway, it is accentuated with a remarkable rugged landscape (including mountains, cliffs and valleys).

Then we have the wildlife sanctuary, an ancient Hindu temple, the arid sub-tropical forest with 250 plant species, statues such as Princess of Hope and Sphinx, a lovely beach and a large part is covered with drift sand making it look like a coastal semi de- sert. It is spread over the districts of Gwader,Lasbela and Awaran.

Wildlife

The park has the inlet of Hingol River (the longest river of Balochistan, which flows throughout the year) in its midst. A truly abundant variety of wildlife is found, which can thrive due to the diverse ecosystems found in the region and because it serves as a winter habitat for migratory birds. Thus the main aim of establishing the park had been the preservation of these animals, specifically the many endangered species. Nani Mandir, is the temple of the powerful deity Hinglaj Mata located in a cave in the mountains, up along the bank of Hingol river. It is thought to be one of the oldest temples in the world. Every year Hindus from Paki- stan and India gather for a four-day pilgrimage held in April.

On the way to the one comes across the point from where Muhammad Bin Qasim entered Sindh with his army. A small mosque has been built and named after him at that location. Graves of some of his soldiers can also be seen on the mountains.

Amazing statues

There are two natural rock statues, one is the Princess of Hope (named by Angelina Jolie when she visited Pakistan in 2002), which looks like a woman with folded arms, wearing a flowing dress. It is thought that she might be 740 years old. The other one has been named Sphinx as it resembles the Egyptian Sphinx. The two statues are naturally shaped by fast wind blowing through the muddy hills and mountains which is a leading feature of the Makran Coast. Kund Malir is a beautiful desert beach with sparkling aquamarine coloured water, golden sand and palm trees, while at the back drop are the beautiful rock formations.

Mud volcanoes

In Pakistan, you can find Mud Volcanoes (which are formed when the earth releases mud, slurry water and gases) in Balochistan which has about 80 active mud volcanoes, found in groups at many different sites. It is thought that the greatest number is present at Hingol National Park, the most famous is Chandergup which is the highest; rising 300 feet above sea level and revered by Hindus, and they pay their respects while en-route to their pilgrimage to Nani Mandir.