Gujrat Travel Guide and Tourist Attractions
There are many historical buildings and ruins in and around Gujrat. The Grand Trunk Road, commonly abbreviated as G.T. Road, built by Emperor Sher Shah Suri, also passes through Gujrat. The road still exists today, along with its period stone wall. Historical buildings and ruins can be found in the nearby towns of Moin-ud-din pur, Sabowal, Jalal Pur Jattan, Kotli Kohala, Karianwala, Gagian, Ranian, LalaMusa, Pindi Miani, Nagrianwala, Shadiwal, Kalra, Tanda, Samrala, Adowal, Gandra Kalan, Kotla, Daulat Nagar, Boken Morre, Dinga, Kunjah, Kot Ranjha, and many more
Ceramic & other Industries
Gujrat is also known for its clay, with which the locals have long produced quality pottery. Gujrat produces low-temperature pottery and ceramic goods, hukkas, artistic handicrafts, flower pots, changairian (made from the leaves of palm and date trees), cotton mates and woolen shawls.
The city also produces fine furniture. Over the last few decades, Gujrat has also attained a name in the manufacture and export of electric fans. Gujrat is also home to one of the two largest shoe manufacturing companies in Pakistan, namely Service Industries, which runs a large shoe factory in the city.
There are about 1,059 cottage-level and small- to large-scale industrial units operating in the district. Rice production and export is another major product of Gujrat. There are many other factories engaged in manufacturing of electrical goods, electric motors and rice cleaning mills. Most are cottage industries, providing employment to a large number of people and accounting, in aggregate, for more than 90 percent of the domestic market.
Folk Tale of Sohni Mahinwal
Sohni Mahiwal is a famous folk tale of the Punjab region. The heroine of the story, named “Sohni” (a Punjabi word meaning “beautiful”), came from the Gujrat region. She used to meet her lover, Mahinwal, by crossing the Chenab River, sitting on a pitcher. The tale is still told to this day and is an essential part of Punjabi culture.
Kanwan-Wali-Sarkar (a Sufi Saint)
The anniversary of Kanwan-Wali Sarkar near Karuan Wala Gujrat is celebrated with a fair in August every year. He is known as the one of the greatest saints that ever lived. A famous miracle was when water in a well actually turned to milk for a period of time. The well is still there. The locals have a myth that it rains heavily at the time of fair (but actually the rain falls because of monsoon) and “Wengi Wali Sarkar” anniversary in 5 January every year at village Haji Wala near Karianwala Tehsil and District Gujrat.
Shrine of Sufi Saint Shah Daula
The myth goes back to Aurangzeb Alamgir’s time in the 17th century. It may have started during Pir Shah Daula’s life or may be after his death by his descendants but the myth says that infertile women, who worship at the shrine of the Sufi saint Shah Daula, will become fertile. But there was a catch. They had to donate their first-born child to the shrine as an oblate, or else all their subsequent children will be born disabled. The Pir is said to have the power to punish disobedient parents in the shape of children with small heads (micro encephalic children). These children, who then serve at the shrine, are called ‘Daulay Shah k Choohay’ (Rats of Shah Daula). Tour guide services are available on request. Gujrat travel guide recommends the following tours:
Sightseeing & Excursions
- Full day city tour of Gujrat, including boating in Chenab river
- Full day excursion for Marala Barrage
- Full day excursion to Rohtas Fort
- Full day excursion to Khewra Salt Mine