Umerkot
Understand
A significant folklore story relating to Umerkot is that of Umar Marvi, a young girl abducted by Umer, then-ruler and believed be the funder of the Umerkot, who wanted to marry because of her beauty. Upon her refusal she was imprisoned in the historic Umerkot Fort for many years until her release. Because of her courage, Marvi is an idol for the local people of Umerkot.
Get in
Get around
See
Umerkot FortThis imposing and historical fort is believed to have been built in the 11th century and by some estimates in the 13th century by Soomra rulers and later. The fortification was expanded by Kalhora rulers in 18th century. The fort remained under the control of many dynasties, who ruled the region such as Kalhoro, Talpurs, Rajput , Mughals and later the Britishers. The wide walls of fortification is made of dried bricks and filled with mud plaster. The fort rectangular in shape with large circular bastions at the each corners. Two large bastions at the main gate known as Shahi Darwaza, leads to twisted entrance into the fort are still in well preserved condition and surely gives an impressive look of the fort. Remains of some old structures can be found inside the fort as well a large watch tower in the middle of the fort accessible with stairway and have many cannons mounted on the watch tower, although without proper carriages.
Archaeological Museum UmerkotThis museum comprises some small halls inside the Umerkot Fort. It has many items on display such as paintings of Mughal emperors, royal documents, armoury, manuscripts, specimens of calligraphies, jewellery showcasing the culture of Thar Desert, as well many Jain and Hindu sculptures.
Akbar BirthplaceA beautiful yet small monument with four archives built with pink jodhpur style bricks. Its dome at the top depicts the location where third Mughal emperor Akbar the Great was born on 14 October 1542 when his father Emperor Humayun and his Mughal Empress mother Hamida Banu Begum were taking refuge in Umerkotw hilst in the oasis garrison. Akbar is regarded as the greatest and most successful ruler of the Mughal Dynasty that ruled India for more than three centuries. He remained the emperor from 1556 until 1605.
Buy
Shahi BazaarA large bazaar houses numerous big and small shops and works as a main shopping area of town. The bazaar is the only big marketplace of Umerkot and can be good place to hunt down the Sindhi handicraft and souvenirs. The bazaar surely gives a good example of a traditional bazaars and worth to take a stroll.
Eat
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City Heart
phone: +92 238 500001, +92 347 3500002address: College RdPakistani, Continental, Chinese dishes on the menu, some Bar B Q and fast food, fresh juices and plenty of desserts. Overall, a good place to dine in. Have air-conditioned lounge. -
Chandar Foods
address: Thar BazaarHave what might be the town's best sweets, cakes, ice creams, faloodahs and rose-milk here.
Sleep
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Marvi Rest House
phone: +92 238 571895, +92 336 3841607, +92 333 3319383, +92 344 3509244, +92 347 1038421address: Akbar Azam Rd8 rooms. 2 single and 8 double. Some without attach baths. Some with air-condition and some without. Clean rooms. Ask your preference and they'll arrange a room according to your requirement. -
VIP Guest House
phone: +92 238 571444, +92 238 570615, +92 345 4111999address: Thar BazaarA basic accommodation yet very colourful and decorated, have single and double rooms. Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned. Free Wi-Fi, and attach bath. Adjoining is a good restaurant serve some good pizzas. -
Ghosia Guest House
phone: +92 238 571002, +92 321 3033999, +92 346 666650, +92 345 3777712A vast hotel have some 30 rooms in total. All air-conditioned rooms with attach bath, free Wifi, fridge, cable TV and other basic amenities. Considered to be the best accommodation in town. Have a small zoo inside the hotel as well big lawns. Have basic, deluxe and super deluxe rooms. Have a good restaurant inside hotel serve some excellent food in town. Female friendly hotel guarded by security guards and cleanest, most comfortable guest house in town.