Written by: Muhammad Awais
Posted on: April 12, 2021 | 
| 中文
Coursing Water at Kanhatti Gardens
The last time I visited Soon Valley, I was told not to miss visiting the beautiful Kanhatti Gardens, located not too far from where I was staying. Time and opportunity allowed me to return quickly, and I was not disappointed by the peace and serenity of the Gardens and its potential to be a great tourist destination not too far from Lahore or Islamabad. Located in the Pothohar Plateau, close to the Motorway, Kanhatti Gardens is a colonial remnant that has taken on a life of its own, and there is more potential for its development in the future.
It is possible to make a day trip to the Gardens, though some tourists prefer to stay longer and take in the entire Soon Valley in one go. It is about a three-hour drive from Islamabad, via the Kallar Kahar exit and past the town of Nowshera towards Kabheki Lake. To reach the gardens, one takes a left from the Lake, and drives past the rolling hills and rough shrubbery on a dirt path, till one reaches the entrance to the garden.
The Road to Kanhatti Gardens
The area of Kanhatti has long been associated with a special rock formation found in a natural water spring. During the colonial era Major W. Whet Burn, the district engineer of Shahpore, was asked to demarcate a suitable area for an orchard in 1934. After careful research and surveying, he found the village of Kanhatti as a suitable location, and renamed it Kanhatti Gardens. The plantation started in December 1934 and was completed in February 1935, with different fruit specimens brought to Sargodha from Calcutta, Peshawar and Quetta. It included almond, apricot, pineapple, as well as the Washington Navel and Valentia Late oranges, the last of which is still considered a local specialty.
Fruit Trees in the Spring
At present, Kanhatti Gardens is a square compound bound on four sides by a breathtaking forest reserve, while the northern side has private settlements. It is home to numerous types of trees, plants and to the largest bird population in the valley. In addition, there are many local guides present who can take tourists to locations both popular and hidden.
Kanhatti Garden’s most prominent attractions are undoubtedly their waterfalls, with over six different types of fish in their pools. We were quite lucky to arrive early in the morning, and were the only ones by the water before anyone else arrived. The sound of the waterfalls rippling through the dense grove of forests is enchanting, especially with the morning sun pouring through the tree branches. However, the rocks at the edges of the water pool are quite slippery, and those who visit need to be cautious.
Kanhatti Waterfalls
However, for those who enjoy exploring and trekking, the jungle track takes people away from the noisy or crowded sites, to the hidden gorges and hanging gardens of the area. If luck and the seasons are on one’s side, tourists often get the chance to see the famous migratory birds of the Soon Valley sitting on the branches in the wonderful forest.
A Hidden Water Pool
A mere twenty minutes away from the waterfall is the base of the canyon, where other streams join in to make deep blue pools in several places. Beyond that are dense trees and shrubs hanging over the cliffs about 50 feet high. While we went as far as the canyon pools, the path to the hanging trees was quite slippery, and with the rapidly coursing water we did not want to risk a fall on the way back. However, there were some large boulders where we could sit and take in the undiscovered beauty of the canyon around us and the water in front.
The Hanging Trees
After a long history of changing administrative departments, the Gardens have been put under the control of the Tourist Development Corporation Pakistan (TDCP) since 2014, and have once again been opened to the public after a brief hiatus. An extensive plan was drawn up to develop ‘Eco Tourism’ in the Soon Valley, which would take around 18 months and include the Gardens as well as the Khabeki and Uchali Lake. However, immediate developments of the gardens included the establishment of camping facilities, hiking trails, bird watching and more.
Progress on these plans has been slow due to the pandemic and the demands of the local workers to oversee the development processes. However, watching Kanhatti Gardens develop into a full-fledged nature reserve that can be open throughout the year, would be a enriching experience for nature lovers. Indeed, the Kanhatti Gardens have unmatched potential for nature conservation and tourism, if safety and preserving the pristine environment remains a priority for TDCP.
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