Omar Hayat Mahal, Chiniot

Omar Hayat Mahal in Chiniot: a wooden haveli built 1923–1935, lavishly carved by Chiniot's woodworkers — the town's showpiece of craft.

GPGreenPak Field GuidesSourced from Green Tourism Pakistan · 2 min read

Omar Hayat Mahal, also called Gulzar Manzil, is an early 20th-century haveli in Chiniot, a town famous for its woodwork. Its facades and interiors are covered in carved and painted wood, and it has been called an "ornament" of a building.

Why go

✦A masterpiece of Chiniot woodwork
✦Built 1923–1935
✦Carved and painted interiors

History

Sheikh Omar Hayat, a Chinioti merchant who had made his fortune in Calcutta, began the mansion in 1923 and it was finished by 1935. It was originally five storeys high.

How to Reach

In old Chiniot town, between Faisalabad and Sargodha; use the map on this page.

Planning tip

Best Time to Visit, October to March, when the plains are cool.

Getting there, In old Chiniot town, between Faisalabad and Sargodha; use the map on this page.

Allow, About an hour.

What to Do

◆Look closely at the carved balconies

◆See the painted interiors

◆Visit Chiniot's woodwork workshops

Nearby

Straight-line distance from Omar Hayat Mahal, Chiniot, within 5 km.

Tomb of Shah Burhan

In the same spot as Omar Hayat Mahal, Chiniot

Chenab Nagar Rock Art, Chiniot

~5 km from Omar Hayat Mahal, Chiniot