Taxila

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Taxila (Urdu: ٹیکسلا) is a Tehsil in the Rawalpindi District of Punjab province of Pakistan. It is an important archaeological site. Taxila is situated about 32 km (20 mi) northwest of Islamabad Capital Territory and Rawalpindi in Panjab; just off the Grand Trunk Road. Taxila lies 549 metres (1,801 ft) above sea level.

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The city dates back to the Gandhara period and contains the ruins of the Gandhāran city of Takṣaśilā which was an important Hindu and Buddhist centre, and is still considered a place of religious and historical sanctity in those traditions. In 1980, Taxila was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site with multiple locations.  In 2006 it was ranked as the top tourist destination in Pakistan by The Guardian newspaper. 

how to get there?

By Air

From Islamabad International Airport

By Road

It is located 30kms north of Islamabad. You can hire a Taxi or a Car.
The museum costs 200 rupees for foreigners, or about $2.50. To get entrance to the ruins, it’s an additional 200 rupees. You may pay at the museum or the ruins.
At the ruins, self-deputized tour guides may begin to show you around. Frequently their English is not very good and they don’t really tell you anything you can’t read from the signs, then strongly imply that they want a tip. If you want some local color, go ahead, but otherwise tell them to thanks immediately. You may be approached by numerous “guides” at each site. In addition, people selling trinkets like small statues and allegedly old coins may come up to you.

Hotels:

No separate accommodation is needed for Taxila, one can easily stay in Islamabad and visit Taxila. But If you still need accommodation in Taxila then there is PTDC motel which is located in front of Museum and certain other rest houses in Taxila.
PTDC Motel
Though the rooms are basic and can use some extra cleaning, it’s an acceptable lodging.
Across from the museum.
738 Rs + Tax for a double room with shower. (2007)
Gandhara Motel
This hotel offers much better value than the nearby PTDC hotel.
On Khanpur Road a few hundred meters south of the museum.
Tel: +92 (0)51 432 9072

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