Karachi is one of the fortunate cities in Pakistan that boasts beautiful and captivating beaches. Coastal cities around the world hold significant importance as they are vital for trade, industry, and tourism. Even today, maritime vessels are used for transporting goods and petroleum products globally. Cities located by the coast are extremely attractive to tourists, and they prefer to visit these cities over others.
Karachi has the unique distinction of being Pakistan's largest coastal city, and its seaside location draws attention from people across the country. Various coastal cities worldwide host water sports events, generating substantial revenue for these areas. Karachi has over ten beaches for the recreational enjoyment of its residents, where millions indulge in the waves of the sea, delicious food, boating, and various water sports activities. Some beaches have huts where people stay with their families at night, hosting various events.
As the largest coastal city in Pakistan, Karachi is increasingly becoming a popular venue for wedding celebrations, especially for mehndi and mayun ceremonies, which are now frequently held at beautiful huts along the beach. Previously, our maritime boundaries extended only twelve miles, but on March 21, 1973, the Government of Pakistan extended the maritime boundary to fifty miles in accordance with international maritime law. This expansion has not only benefited fishermen but has also increased fish production. Now, vessels can navigate fifty miles into the sea without any permission. Let’s explore which beaches in Karachi await your visit.
Manora Front Beach
Recently, a beautiful recreational area named Manora Front Beach has been developed, providing citizens with safe and clean recreational opportunities. Manora is a small island located south of Karachi, south of Karachi Port. It is connected to Karachi via a twelve-kilometer sandy road and can also be reached by boat from Kemari in ten to fifteen minutes. Manora, along with its smaller islands, is a beautiful tourist destination rich in natural scenery. It is said that when Alexander the Great dreamed of establishing his rule over the world, his naval fleet also anchored at Manora.
During the Talpur period, which ruled over Sindh, a port was built for the city's protection, and small-scale trade commenced, giving Manora a rich historical background. Recently, the Manora Water Front Beach project has been constructed at a cost of 650 million rupees, making it Karachi's first developed beach. Its design takes into account all necessary amenities for family entertainment. The population of Manora Cantonment is 13,287, with notable areas including Katchi Line, KPT bungalows, PNS quarters, MES colony, PNS Himalaya, Younusabad, Fault Area, and Kaka Pir.
The Water Front Beach provides a safe environment for families, equipped with parking, gazebos, teflon shades, and benches. Colorful tiles, electric lights, and floodlights have been installed on the beach. The front section of the beach features 29 canopies, covering an area of 7.9 acres, with 76 benches and tables arranged in an L-shape. A play area for children has also been created, making this attractive, beautiful, and charming beach ready to welcome you.
Clifton Beach
Karachi's second beach is located in Clifton. At one time, this area was the most popular among residents, with buses running from Saddar to Clifton. Residents would also travel to Clifton Beach via taxis and horse-drawn carriages. A large playground was established here with numerous electric swings, electric cars, various toys made from sea shells, frames, jewelry, and food stalls, especially fried fish. Many citizens visited this beach as it is also home to the shrine of the Sufi saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi. When people came to pay their respects at the shrine, they often visited Clifton Beach as well.
This area was also home to the historic Jahangir Kothari Parade and the Dome, often featured in films, making it particularly appealing to citizens. Along the way, there are three and two sword roundabouts that people still admire today. Camel and horse rides are also available on the beach. In 2006, the playground was closed and replaced with Ibn Qasim Park, which spans 130 acres. After crossing the road at the back, Beach View Park was created, stretching 1.7 kilometers, which has reduced visitor traffic to the beach. Recently, an urban forest has been established with trees planted.
Sea View
Karachi's third beach is Sea View, which sees a large influx of visitors. This location is on Abdul Sattar Edhi Avenue, where the Defence Housing Authority has also constructed three parks. Development work has been carried out on the beach, with benches for seating, tracks for walking and cycling, and branches of food companies available. A large number of citizens remain on the beach until late at night. Residential apartments are situated in front of the beach, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Along the road, various restaurants and food stalls are available where people often enjoy meals at night. In August 2017, AK Khan Park was inaugurated here by Lieutenant General Shahid Baig Mirza, President of the Executive Board of DHA Karachi, and a monument named Nishan-e-Pakistan has also been erected, flying a large flag of Pakistan. In addition to Chunky Monkey Playground, another park has been built in front of Khayaban-e-Ittehad.
Thus, various recreational facilities are available here for citizens. Further ahead, there are Two Rivers, where several restaurants are famous for their delicious food, attracting a large number of visitors. Sitting at the seating area at the end of the restaurants gives a feeling of being right over the sea, and this area is rapidly developing with international construction companies launching their projects, making it the most expensive residential area in Karachi.
Sands Pit
As you head from Gulbai towards Mauripur, the first beach you encounter is named Sands Pit, which means 'sand dune.' Here, 209 huts have been built by various government and non-government organizations, where thousands of citizens come with their families to enjoy the beach on weekends and holidays. In February 2022, a private company established water sports at Sands Pit, enhancing the beach's appeal. The beach is also a breeding ground for rare green turtles, with a wildlife organization established amidst beautiful timber forests.
On one side of the beach, beautiful timber trees can be seen, and a large number of birds from Siberia are also spotted. Until recently, food items were not available here, but now various restaurants and hotels have been established, making food easily accessible. In addition to camel and horse rides, there are also boats available for citizens to enjoy.
Hawks Bay
When you reach Machli Chowk from Mauripur, one road turns right and another turns left, leading you to Hawks Bay on the right. This area has the largest coastal residential scheme, covering eleven thousand acres, but it has yet to be settled. After this scheme ends, the long Hawks Bay beach begins, which is often frequented by citizens due to its tranquil atmosphere. Surrounding the area are Baloch families whose elders ensure peace and security throughout the coastal strip. They believe that if the security situation is satisfactory, citizens will visit the beach, providing job opportunities for the locals.
Paradise Point
Moving past Hawks Bay, one road leads to the Kanep Atomic Plant. Beyond this plant lies Paradise Point, where you will see a beautiful natural rock formation resembling a cave, shaped like the letter "O." This rock formation has become a popular destination for visitors. Due to the continuous crashing of the waves, this rock has eroded over time.
In the past, a paved road was constructed here, and afforestation took place. This beach is famous for its rocks and golden sand, making sunset views breathtaking. Citizens often stay until evening to enjoy the sea waves and breezes.
Golden Point
To the left of Paradise Point is Sihra Point, where a dual carriageway was constructed in 2004, winding through the mountains. On one side lies Mubarak Village, while the other side leads toward Hub. This road also directs towards the power plant and Gaddani ship-breaking area, where three small dams have been built to collect rainwater. While traveling along this road, you will notice villages over two hundred years old, where people have lived for centuries.
You can also see the point where the Hab River meets the sea. Golden Point is known for its ten kilometers of visible mountains, where boats are available to take citizens out to sea, and fishing enthusiasts also benefit from them. This beach is called Golden Point because the sand is golden and very clean.
Mubarak Village Beach
Mubarak Village Beach is the last beach in Karachi, known for its crystal-clear water. Small wooden houses are built here, with mountains on one side and the beach on the other. Sometimes, the sound of the sea calls you. Paragliding is also conducted at Mubarak Village, along with a government school and a dispensary. Due to its peaceful environment, many people visit here to enjoy the beach.
Beaches have always been an attractive destination for people because the pleasure derived from sitting on the shore, feeling the ocean waves, and enjoying the cool breezes is unparalleled. God has blessed us with numerous bounties, among which these beautiful beaches are especially noteworthy. Countries without access to the sea yearn for such beaches. We need to improve our beaches, and if recreational, cultural, and sports facilities are provided here, these beaches can become even more attractive.
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