Field guides / Punjab / Kasur / Changa Manga Forest
Field guide · Nature
Kasur
Kasur District · Punjab, Pakistan
Changa Manga Forest
One of the oldest hand-planted forests in the world, laid out in 1866 about 74 km from Lahore.
Changa Manga is a planted forest and wildlife reserve in Kasur and Lahore districts, about 74 km west of Lahore. British foresters began planting it in 1866 to supply fuel for the North-Western Railway's engines, and it was once the largest man-made forest in the world.
Why go
- ✦Planted in 1866, one of the oldest hand-planted forests anywhere
- ✦Shisham, kikar and mulberry woodland
- ✦About 50 species of birds
- ✦The story of the bandits Changa and Manga
About
The forest takes its name from Changa and Manga, two brothers who ran a gang of bandits from a hideout deep in the woods in the 19th century. Today it covers about 48.6 km² (12,000 acres), less than half its original size after years of illegal felling. Most of the trees are shisham and kikar, with white mulberry, eucalyptus and poplar. The forest is home to 14 species of mammals, some 50 species of birds and a number of reptiles, amphibians and insects.
History
In 1864 the North-Western Railway needed a steady supply of timber and fuel for its engines, and the plantation was begun in 1866 to provide it. The name recalls the brothers Changa and Manga, bandits who preyed on passing traders until they were caught; the Salvation Army later ran a camp in the forest to reform criminals.
How to Reach
About 74 km west of Lahore, by a road off the N-5 near Bhai Pheru and Chunian.
Responsible Travel
Use Leave No Trace principles, carry out all rubbish, avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock, and respect private/community land.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, October to March, when the plains are cool.
Getting there, About 74 km west of Lahore, by a road off the N-5 near Bhai Pheru and Chunian.
Allow, Half a day to a day from Lahore.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Changa Manga Forest, within 5 km.
Nothing else genuinely close by (within 5 km of Changa Manga Forest) is published yet.
