Local travel tip: Sights and Sounds of UET

Location: Islamabad, Pakistan

University of Engineering and Technology or UET is one of the oldest institutes of higher education in Pakistan. It offers a truly broad range of subjects, mature faculty and the firm base in the minds of employers coupled with the credibility and reputation of the university makes it a great investment in one’s future. So you want to visit the University of Engineering and Technology campus in Taxila? The university is accessible right off the Grand Trunk road but this approach is not advised during the peak hours of traffic because it can get a little crowded due to all the local transports and trucks on this route. So this traveler suggests that if you want to go to the UET Taxila Campus from Rawalpindi than you take the Motorway M1. Why you ask? Well that’s simple because the M1 although a little longer than the GT road but the drive is very comfortable and you can put the pedal to the metal and get there in lesser time than the GT road. M1 also offers very nice view of lush green fields and beautiful villages. However, on the M1 you miss out of some of the historic sites you might stop and explore from the GT Road. For instance, Sangjani this little town is bordered before and after by lush green fields. I suggest you stop by and enjoy and cup of tea from one of the many Truck Hotels because they offer some of the greatest tea for next to nothing in terms of cash. A little ahead of Sangjani is the Min Hydral Plant Reservoir. Nothing fancy, just a big pond of water but still a nice place to stop by and take a break from the drive, stretch your legs. After that you will see to the right the Nicholson’s Monument. Shortly after that, turn onto the Khanpur Road. This is a tiny little road which goes straight up to the university. However, this road is lined on both sides with historic sites of immense importance. Like the Bhir Excavation mounds, Taxila Museum, Kunala Monastery, Taxila Ruins of Sirkup and Greek Temple of Jandial. These sites are littered with history of the area. So if you are headed there and have a few hours to kill, than I highly recommend you take this opportunity and stock up on as much history as you can get from this trip. Apart from the historic significance of this place, the road leading up to UET also has a great number of shops selling marble decoration pieces and other such items. It is actually possible to select a piece of rock and ask the craftsmen to make you a mortar and pestle right there in front of you. The cost is minimal and products are free from defects but don’t be afraid to heckle with the vendors they are very accommodating.