Field guides / Punjab / Ayub National Park, Rawalpindi
Field guide · Nature
Ayub National Park, Rawalpindi
A 300-plus-acre park on Rawalpindi's Grand Trunk Road, converted from the colonial-era Topi Rakh forest in 1959 into the twin cities' largest green space, with boating lakes, gardens, and a small zoo.
Ayub National Park, on Rawalpindi's Grand Trunk Road, began as the colonial-era Topi Rakh forest reserve before its 1959 conversion into a public park, and remains the largest green space in the Rawalpindi-Islamabad twin cities. Its lakes, gardens, small zoo, aquarium, and amusement area make it one of the region's most reliable family day-out destinations.
Why go
- ✦Rawalpindi-Islamabad's largest public park
- ✦Converted from colonial-era forest in 1959
- ✦Boating lakes and gardens
- ✦Small zoo and aquarium
- ✦Jungle Kingdom family amusement area
From Forest Reserve to Public Park
Originally the Topi Rakh, a colonial-era forest reserve, the site was converted into a public park in 1959 and has since grown into the twin cities' main green-space destination for families.
Lakes, Zoo, and Amusements
Boating lakes, a small zoo and aquarium, and the Jungle Kingdom amusement area give the park a mix of activities that keeps it popular across age groups, from quiet garden walks to rides for children.
A Family Day Out
Most visitors treat Ayub Park as a half-day family outing, combining a walk through the gardens with boating and a visit to the zoo and amusement rides.
Planning tip
When to go, Year-round; spring and autumn evenings are especially pleasant.
Getting there, On GT Road in Rawalpindi, easily reached from either Rawalpindi or Islamabad.
Allow, 2-3 hours.
