Thatta
Discover Thatta
The historical town of Sindh, Thatta, just east of Karachi, is of great antiquity. It was the capital of Sindh for many centuries, and has gained national prominence largely as a result of the imposing necropolis of Makli Hill, which provides a unique view of civilization in Sindh from the 14th-18th century, and secondarily, the marvellous 16th-century Shah Jahan Mosque. Some believe Thatta is the same port city which was situated once on the Indus River during Indian campaign of Alexander the Great.
Taste of Thatta...
Many basic restaurants are scattered throughout the small town of Thatta, but most of them are on the National Highway N-5 which travels through town, and all serve Pakistani food though not all are hygienic. However, there are also some restaurants really worth eating at such as Darbar Restaurant. Expect to pay at least Rs 200 for a single dish wherever and whatever you eat. Bikak & Al-Haram Restaurant is another possibility on N-5. Restaurants usually open early in the morning and remain open until late night. On N-5, you'll see plenty of stalls and shops selling "Rabri" in clay pots. Rabri is a sweet, condensed milk-based dish and is definitely worth trying when you're in town. Rabri of Thatta have their own taste. A normal cup for one person may cost Rs. 100.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThatta lies on the National Highway # N-5, the longest highway in Pakistan, which travel via Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, Sukkur, and Hyderabad and continues to Karachi after passing Thatta. The part of N-5 between Hyderabad and Karachi is not used very much nowadays, since the newer M-9 Super Highway has shortened the distance between two major cities of Sindh. Non-air conditioned buses and minibuses are easily available throughout the day both from the bus stations in nearby major cities of Karachi and Hyderabad and can also be hailed from the highway. A trip may cost Rs 150 and the journey can take less than 2 hours either way. Travel distance is 100 km either from Karachi or Hyderabad. Rickshaws are ubiquitous in Thatta. They can be found on the street, around the main bus stop on N-5 and outside the attraction areas. Rickshaws are generally a cheap mode to travel as well the most available mode of transport in town and most preferred too....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Rickshaws are ubiquitous in Thatta. They can be found on the street, around the main bus stop on N-5 and outside the attraction areas. Rickshaws are generally a cheap mode to travel as well the most available mode of transport in town and most preferred too. The town is not large so you should be able to get most places within 30 minutes at the most and Rs 200 should be enough to take you from one place in town to the other. On the other hand, Thatta is a small town. Most of the restaurants and accommodation are situated on the main bus line on N-5 and distances can be easily covered simply by walking rather than hopping on a rickshaw unless your destination is not near. Some structures of tombs of Makli and remains of old houses are scattered inside the narrow streets of Thatta that are worth exploring on foot. Always ensure you walk on the footpath, or if one isn't available, as far to the side of the road as possible and on the right facing on-coming traffic.
Money & Budget
The Shahi Bazaar of Thatta is a mile long alleyway that houses hundreds of shops selling items including vegetables, clothes, electronics and many other items. The bazaar is the only marketplace of Thatta and can be a good place to hunt down Sindhi handicrafts and souvenirs. The bazaar is known for hand-printed fabrics, glass bangles and Sindhi embroidery work inlaid with tinny mirrors, one of the more world-famous handicrafts of Pakistan. The giant bazaar is considered the oldest and surely gives a good example of a traditional bazaars worth strolling through. Many basic restaurants are scattered throughout the small town of Thatta, but most of them are on the National Highway N-5 which travels through town, and all serve Pakistani food though not all are hygienic.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Thatta
an old building in the middle of a desert
brown concrete building showing hallay
an old building in the middle of a desert
brown concrete building showing hallay
an old building in the middle of a desert
brown concrete building showing hallay
an old building in the middle of a desert
brown concrete building showing hallay
an old building in the middle of a desert
brown concrete building showing hallay
an old building in the middle of a desert
brown concrete building showing hallay
an old building in the middle of a desert