Saidpur Village in Islamabad is an historical model village located at the foot of lush green Margalla Hills. The village is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and unique architecture.
Besides it is also a picnic as well as a historical spot for the travelers. There are several options for eateries as well as a 16th Century Hindu temple also exists in the village. Hindu temple is called as “Rama Mandir”. Also known as “Ram Kund Temple”.
Today, Saidpur Village is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The village has been restored to its former glory, with its winding streets, ancient buildings, and colorful bazaars providing a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the village’s many landmarks, including the Hindu temple, the Sikh gurdwara, and the Mughal-era mosque.
One of the village’s main attractions is the Saidpur Village Restaurant, which offers traditional Pakistani cuisine in a historic setting. The restaurant is housed in a restored Mughal-era building and provides a unique dining experience that transports visitors back in time.
Saidpur Village also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional dance performances. These events provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the village’s vibrant cultural scene and learn more about its rich history and heritage.
Ram Kund Temple in Saidpur Village Islamabad
Temple is named after a “Rama” who, as per believe, used to lived here with this family for 14 years during the times of his exile. There is pond near the Madir called “Ram Kund”. There used to be a fair held every year as it was believed that Ram has once sipped water from the pond.
Before Pakistan came into being, hindus from all over India used to visit the temple for worship and Puja. There is also a dharamshala or a rest house for the pilgrims. However, there is no idol at the moment in the Mandir. But the Major areas of the temple have been preserved.
Histoy of Saidpur Village
The origins of Saidpur Village date back to the Mughal era, when it was a bustling town on the trade route between the cities of Taxila and Kashmir. Over time, the town evolved into a cultural hub, attracting artists, poets, and musicians from all over the region. The village’s architecture reflects its diverse cultural influences, with Mughal, Hindu, and Sikh elements blending seamlessly together.
Village Saidpur is a very fascinating area to get to know the history of Islamabad. Saidpur is a small village surrounded by mountains. A small museum is also available at the village describing the history of Islamabad. Saidpur village museum housed several photographs showing the history and making of the City i.e. Islamabad. Moreover, there is a Gurdwara also exists in the village. Gurdwara is a place for worship of people from Sikh religion.
There is also a Sufi Shirne built near the village.To reach at the Sufi shrine, one needs to trek up on a cobbled trail on a top of a small margalla hill. Visit of the village, museum and Mandir etc. could be completed in half to one hour. There are several options of food available in the village. As it is a picnic spot and a model village, hence various decent restaurants are available with very delicious food.
Travelers enjoy the food and atmosphere with peaceful and fresh vibes. Visiting a Saidpur village in Islamabad you will definitely feel close to the nature and history and would love to re-visit. A beautiful view of the city and lush Green Margalla hills can be witnessed from the top of the village. After crossing some narrow streets of the village, you can have a small hike to reach up the Margalla hills.
The village is an old village and dates back to Mughal Era. Village residents are very nice and friendly like other Pakistanis. Car parking is also available for the visitors. Islamabad administration declared Saidpur village as a Model village and renovated and redeveloped some of the area for the attractions of tourists.
Overall it is a good place to enjoy with your family or friends. If you are looking for some quality time and enjoy the nature then this is the spot for you. You will feel relaxed and peaceful. Moreover, taste of rural life may have been tested and witnessed the simple and modest life of locals. There used to be a spring in the village which fulfills water requirements for the residents. Ambiance of the village is great due to Margalla Hills and forests all around.
SaidPur Village Location
SaidPur is located at the east of scenic Daman-e-Koh in Islamabad. It was founded and named after Sultan Said Khan was son of Sultan Sarang Khan. Sultan Sarang Khan was the Chief of the Gakhar Tribe and he ruled the area from Attock to Jhelum. His daughter was married to Mughal Emperor Jahangir (also named as Prince Saleem).
Saidpur Village was gifted by Said khan to his daughter who was married to Emperor Jahangir. As per Tuzk-e-Jahangiri which is Jahangir’s memoir, it was mentioned that he resides at a place near Rawalpindi on his way to Kabul, which is supposed to be Same Saidpur village, as Islamabad was came named and planned in 1962.
At that time, it was used as a Garden resort. Saidpur village in Islamabad was given a re-modeled as a quaint village and a tourist attraction in 2008. It was also given a status of “Model Village”. Main modifications include renovation of temple, cleaning of stream flowing through the village and facelift of mud houses. Village and its traditional ambiance reflets the history of the Pothohar region.
Mughal Emperor Jahangir used this place a garden resort located at the foothills of picturesque Margalla Hills. Moreover, presence of a Hindu Temple and Gurdawara depicts that this place was also sacred for followers of Hinduism and Sikhism. Hence, it reflects the rich of Pothohar. The history of Saidpur dates back to the 16th century.
Located at the foothills of Margalla, village was not always known as Saidpur. Village was called as Fatehpur around 1530 due to its Founder called as Mirza Fateh Ali. In 1580, a Hindu mandir or temple was built by Raja Maan Singh who was a Hindu commander. Furthermore, Raja Maan Singh also built four ponds in the village which were very sacred amongst Hindu community.
Names of four ponds were:
- Ram Kund
- Kashman Kund
- Sita Kund
- And hanuman Kund
Before division of India, Hindu pilgrim used to visit the temple specially at the festival of Baisakhi. A sikh Gurdawara was also built besides temple in 20th Century. However, Islamic Republic of Pakistan came in being in 14 August 1947 on the basis of two nation theory. Which is that in undivided India there are two separate nations i.e. Hindus and Muslims and both follows different regions and their faiths are totally different from each other.
Hence, a separate country should be made for Muslims where they can perform their religious duties without any hindrance and objection. Hence, in 1947 majority of the Hindus from Punjab migrated to India. They took all their holy statues and idols with them and temple was left abandoned.
RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION OF SAIDPUR VILLAGE
In the year 2006, Government of Pakistan decided to remodeled the area as Model Village. Responsibility of its renovation and redevelopment was given to Capital Development Authority also called as CDA. CDA restored and conserved the village as far as possible. French technicians were also invited to visit the saidpur village in Islamabad by The Government to share some of their expertise.
Old buildings were restored, abandoned temple was renovated, old buildings were restored and dilapidated roads were built. Old sufi tomb, Gurdawara and School in the village were also renovated. Whole process took around two years. However, in 2016 Saidpur Village in Islamabad was opened for tourists and remained a major attraction both for local as well as foreign visitors.
MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SAIDPUR VILLAGE IN ISLAMABAD
There are several dine-in options available at Saidpur Village in Islamabad. Variety of restaurants and cafes are available in the model
village providing a number of of continental, oriental as well as western foods.Hence different eating options available as per visitor’s likings.
SOUVENIR SHOPS AND ART GALLERY
There are souvenir shops and art galleries available in the village where beautiful artwork as well as hand-crafted souvenirs are available at the display. Along-with hand crafted souvenir shops other shops are also available which sells all sorts of things. One can also find antique jewelry, decorations pieces, coins etc. in these shops.
Moreover, Brass artifacts and clay pottery is also available in the shops. In spite of all the re-development and renovations, vivid and ordinary life of villagers and reflection was not disbursed so as to reflect a real picture of a true village in Pakistan. Moreover, none of the villagers were forced to leave their house during re-development work. This place also has several spost which are perfect for photoshoot.
Due to above number of newlyweds arranges their photoshoot in the model village to make it memorable. The beautiful flowers, colorful buildings and a picturesque landscape also make this village the perfect place for a photo shoot. However, some of the parts of the village still needs to be renovated as there do no have proper roads and also lack required facilities and infrastructure.
Access to Model Saidpur Village in Islamabad
Access to Model saidpur village in Islamabad is pretty easy and convenient. It is almost 10 minutes drive from city center. Tourists without their personal conveyance may reach the spot by hiring a Taxi, Uber or Uberbike (Bykea).
Overall, Saidpur Village is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Pakistani culture and history. Its unique architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable experience.
