Colonial Heritage & Architecture of Murree

3 Days 2 Nights

Travel Style: Heritage

Preffered Time: All Year

Description

Relive the elegance and nostalgia of Pakistan’s colonial past on this 3-day Colonial Heritage & Architecture Tour of Murree with Travan Pakistan. Once the summer retreat of British officers escaping the heat of the plains, Murree still carries the charm of its 19th-century origins—nestled among pine forests, misty hills, and old-world landmarks.

This journey uncovers the enduring legacy of British-era architecture and planning, from gothic-style churches and stone bungalows to vintage hotels and the historic brewery that still operates today. You’ll walk the same streets that once echoed with the footsteps of British soldiers and administrators, discovering how the colonial influence shaped Murree’s landscape, culture, and identity. With guided visits, scenic walks, and peaceful stays in heritage hotels, this short yet immersive experience captures the timeless beauty of Pakistan’s hill station heritage.

Highlights

  • Visit the 19th-century Murree Brewery, one of South Asia’s oldest industrial establishments
  • Stay at the historic Cecil Hotel, an architectural icon from the British era
  • Explore Holy Trinity Church, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church & the old GPO building
  • Day trip to Nathiagali with visits to Moto Tunnel and St. Matthew’s Church
  • Walk along the historic Colonial Pipeline Trek amid pine forests
  • Visit Sunny Bank’s colonial bungalow for a glimpse into Raj-era living
  • Learn about British-era urban planning, architecture, and the social history of the hill stations
  • Expert heritage guide throughout the journey from Travan Pakistan

Itinerary

Depart from Islamabad in the morning and drive toward the cool hills of Murree. En route, stop at the Murree Brewery Factory in Ghora Gali, founded in 1860 and known as one of South Asia’s oldest operating breweries from the colonial period. Continue to the Cecil Hotel, a historic property that once hosted British officials and travelers. After lunch, enjoy a guided heritage walk covering Holy Trinity Church, the GPO Building, and Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, each reflecting the distinctive Victorian Gothic style. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay, surrounded by old-world charm.

After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Nathiagali, a picturesque colonial hill station. Begin your exploration at the Moto Tunnel, built during the British Raj to connect trade and communication routes. Continue with a light trek along the Colonial Pipeline Trail, originally constructed to transport water to Murree. After lunch in Nathiagali, visit St. Matthew’s Church, an exquisite wooden chapel nestled amid deodar trees, known for its serene beauty and 19th-century craftsmanship. Return to Cecil Hotel Murree in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and visit the Sunny Bank Colonial Bungalow, one of Murree’s finest preserved examples of British hill station architecture. Explore its gardens, verandas, and stone masonry while learning about its historical residents. Later, enjoy a scenic drive back toward Islamabad, reflecting on the timeless legacy of colonial-era Murree—its churches, cottages, and tree-lined avenues that still whisper stories of a bygone age.

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Colonial Heritage & Architecture of Murree