Stand at the edge of the excavated mounds west of Sahiwal and the brick streets of a city five thousand years old run out in front of you. Harappa is the reason many travellers break their journey between Lahore and Multan, and the town itself is the base from which you reach it.
Sahiwal suits the traveller who is moving through central Punjab by train or bus and wants one substantial stop rather than a string of them. It is a working city on the Karachi–Lahore line, and its interest for a visitor is concentrated in a single direction: west, towards the ruins.
This guide covers what is worth your time in and around Sahiwal, how to reach it, and how to shape a single day if that is all you have.
Top things to do in Sahiwal
1. Ruins of Harappa
About 24 km west of Sahiwal city lie the archaeological remains of Harappa, an ancient city dated 3000 to 5000 BC and one of the main centres of the Indus Valley Civilisation, also called the Harappan Civilisation. Sahiwal serves as the main hub for visitors to the site.
The site is roughly a 45-minute drive from the city. Buses leave every 30 minutes for Rs 15, and minibuses are available for slightly more at Rs 20. Alternatively you can rent a private autorickshaw for about Rs 350 one way, or Rs 500 return with two hours of waiting time.
If you only have one day
Morning: Take an early bus or minibus from Sahiwal towards Harappa, roughly a 45-minute drive, so you reach the Ruins of Harappa with the better part of the day ahead of you.
Afternoon: Stay at the ruins through the middle of the day, then return to Sahiwal. If you hired an autorickshaw on the return arrangement, the two hours of waiting time covers your visit.
Evening: Arrive back in Sahiwal and spend the evening in the city, which is the point from which you will continue onward along the Lahore–Multan route.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Harappa from Sahiwal?
Buses leave every 30 minutes for Rs 15, and minibuses are available for slightly more at Rs 20. A private autorickshaw costs about Rs 350 one way, or Rs 500 return with two hours of waiting time.
How long does the journey to Harappa take?
It is about a 45-minute drive from Sahiwal city. The site lies roughly 24 km west of the city.
When did the ancient city of Harappa date from?
The ruins are dated 3000 to 5000 BC, and the site was one of the main centres of the Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation.
Work out your onward train or bus connection from Sahiwal first, then build the day around the ruins.