Muree, the white city of today and a home to a dragon yesterday

Murree – The White City

The hilly district of Murree – with its scenic beauty and picturesque view – is a popular tourist destination for both foreigners and locals. In the summers, lush greenery is a sight for sore eyes, and in the winters, the snow-capped mountain peaks make the town appear almost as if it were straight out of a fairy tale.

Tourists often take the chairlift at Pindi Point, which offers a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking district. Hikes and treks are a favorite amongst the more athletic tourists as these also allow them to see Murree’s beauty. Mall Road hosts several shopping centers and eateries, and Bandar Point is equally famous as it is home to a large number of monkeys, which many tourists find fascinating.

Although in modern times, Murree is treated as little more than a holiday destination, the town had great importance for the British government in the years before partition. It was used by the British army as a place where soldiers received medical treatment. During the
summers in the 1870s, the Punjab government’s headquarters were also located in Murree.

Perhaps what is most interesting about this charming little town is the legend of the dragon. Locals in Murree claim long ago, a giant serpent-like monster terrorized the residents. One day, a mysterious horseman arrived, and with great courage and valor slew the dragon. The locals show a rock bearing an imprint of what they claim was a dragon as proof the story is real. However, this legend has been debunked by a museum which says the imprint belongs to one of the regiments of the British army.

So much for a real-life version of How To Train Your Dragon…

With its out-of-this-world beauty, rich history and bone-chilling legends and myths, Murree is truly the pride of Pakistan. Known also as Malkah-e-Kausar, or Queen of the Hills, there is no doubt that a trip to Murree will account for a marvelous time. Do visit sometime, and
don’t forget to ask the locals for more fantastic tales about the town’s history!

By: Hamna Salman