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Situated in the Swat Valley of Pakistan, the area of Marghuzar is one of the most significant properties of the region in terms of culture as well as natural beauty. This magical place 12 kilometers away from Mingora, is not only a history lesson about the royal history of Swat but also gives the visitors a memorable experience in the beautiful mountainous terrain. The visit to the White Palace is the supreme attraction of the city Marghuzar which turns this little town into one of the most commonly desired tourist sites in Pakistan covering history lovers and nature lovers both.
The picturesque beauty of Marghuzar remains one of the stunning sights that strikes the attention of any visitor to this country. The climate of the region is cool and refreshing which perfectly gives a respite to the blistering heat on the plains of Pakistan ensuring that the region serves as an idyll all year long. In the spring, the region will explode with flowers and lush green forests, whereas summer climate attracts quite favorable weather for outdoor leisure activities.
The landscape is washed in golden tints in autumn and in a different wintry wonderland during winter. This variation in terms of seasons, along with clean flowing waterways and towering pine trees, provides a strong attractiveness to both the local tourists who seek short reprieve and international visitors who are out to explore this little known yet spellbinding tourist location. The peaceful ambiance and the breathtaking views capture a photographer's imagination, while presenting a naturalist with the ideal destination.
One of the imposing memories and remains of Swati's royal origin is the iconic White Palace, built in the 1940s under the auspices of Miangul Abdul Wadud, who was the first Swati royal. It is one of the architectural gems that incorporate the refined synthesis of the Mughal and the British colonial styles to depict the cosmopolitanism of its royal patron. The most impressive aspects of the palace are its white marble which was brought directly to Jaipur, India and which makes its exterior quite special and result in the given name.
The building used highly skilled craftsmen who carefully fused the traditional Islamic geometric programs with those of the European architecture producing a very unique blend that is not seen in the area up to date.
The White Palace was originally a royal family summer palace that helped in cooling it during the warm season and importantly, it was a key high administration point in the Swat State. Several historical incidents took place in the palace and different foreign dignitaries and other political leaders visited the palace.
The White Palace today is a master converted to the elegant White Palace Hotel Swat that has deftly tethered the historical nature against the newest in the hotel industry. Such transformation gives a visitor a chance to enjoy royalty in an environment that has some historical relevance. The hotel preserves the majesty of the palace with diligently conserved architectural features, vintage furniture and palace paraphernalia around the hotel.
The guests will have an opportunity to get to know exquisitely designed rooms where royalty were accommodated in, having breathtaking views of the valley in front of them. The hotel features fine cuisine restaurants that serve up traditional Pashtun foods and foreign foods as well, well maintained gardens ideal to take a stroll around as one relieves the stress, and comfortable upholstered lounges where the visitors can rest to absorb the historical ambiance. The royal gardens are also quite relaxing and a place of contemplation with exotic species of rare plants and typical water features.
Marghuzar has a variety of activities that suit the different interests and tastes. The White Palace tour is of the main attractions, as in it one can visit lavish interior rooms, be introduced to royal artifacts in the on-site museum and also study exciting history of Swat through the guided presentations provided there. The palace gardens are ideal areas to take some afternoon tea as you gaze at the breathtaking mountain views.
Adventurous people can take a variety of hiking tracks, leading them over nearby hills, where the fantastic view command over the whole valley can be admired. These routes include simple hikes that can be hiked with a family to hard to handle tracks for hard core hiking. The natural beauty of the region offers unlimited opportunities for photography, nature watching of birds, and appreciation.
Tourists can buy beautiful souvenirs in the process helping small artisans to earn a living. The surrounding streams and forests create serene relaxation spots where picnics can be conducted, in addition to the attainment of relaxation by adventure seekers as well as the people who want to relax.
Marghuzar is strategically located within the complete tourism chain of the thickly laden Swat valley and acts as a key location that should motivate the tourists before they travel to other destinations in the valley. It lies bordering Swat, and this ensures easy accessibility to the area and the tranquility favored over the urban world. The location is an ideal strategic area to visit other popular destinations such as the ski resort of Malam Jabba, scenic Fizagat Park and the archaeological sites of Butkara.
The central location of this town enables tourists to combine their itineraries in order to fully absorb Swat as a land of infinite attractions. The historic value and beauty of Marghuzar is one of the reasons why it is a tourist attraction that adds up to every Swat valley experience. It is also regularly included in tours packages by the tour operators who acknowledge its significance in the display of regal history of Pakistan. The increasing popularity it has gained has made it one of the most renowned destinations in Swat competing with the more traditional tourist destinations yet giving visitors a uniquely different experience in line with history and heritage in mind.
The best travel season would be the spring (between the months of March and May) and summer (June to August) when the weather is relaxing and the panorama at its finest. The winter visits have their special beauty when everything is covered with snow, but one should expect lower temperatures. The White Palace Hotel offers the most realistic stay, but a number of guest houses in the neighborhood offer cheaper options.
By road it takes about 5-6 hours to transport to Islamabad, and there are regular bus services as well as alternative transport using private taxis available also. Local guides can add to the experience because they can relate facts of history and folklore. Warm clothing should be taken by visitors in any season especially in the mountains which experience changes in the weather at any time. And it is recommended to reserve a place overnight, (or even better rent a room) at peak tourist times.
With the royal heritage accentuated by the sheer beauty of nature, Pakistan's Marghuzar is a place that suits all tastes and interests. Whether you need a source of historical education, an architectural treasure, or just a place to relax and escape to the bosom of nature, this amazing place won't disappoint you on any front and you are bound to add it to your list of Swat Valley tours.
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