KPCTA arranges another train safari to Takht Bhai

PESHAWAR: Adviser to Chief Minister on Tourism and Culture Zahid Chanzeb on Saturday said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) arranged another train safari to Takht Bhai Buddhist ruins for the state children of Zamung Kor and families to provide them an opportunity of enjoyment.

Organized on the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, he said the families and destitute children enjoyed the guided train tour to Takht Bhai Buddhist relics and explored the archaeological significance of this remarkable place declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Zahid Chanzeb said the train safari was aimed at promoting religious tourism and informing people about the KP’s rich history and heritage sites. The tourists were taken from Saddar Cantt Railway Station, where they were welcomed with vibrant tunes of a traditional band performance.

The tourists reached the Takht Bhai Railway Station after sightseeing stops at various stations, including City Railway Station, Nasirpur, Pabbi, and Mardan. Throughout the excursion, the participants explored the remnants of the 1st Century A.D of Buddhist Civilization.

The tourists were also briefed on the historic significance of UNESCO’s World Heritage site besides visiting ancient monasteries inside the Buddhism Archaeological Complex.

During the journey, the tourists were informed about the traditions, culture of the Buddha era and the religious importance of these relics to Buddhism followers and archaeology experts, who often visited these sites for prayer and meditation. There was a great rush of tourists and visitors at the historic sites and scenic places during the Eid holidays.

The visitors hailed the initiative and stressed the need for organising such activities for the entertainment of tourists and promotion of tourism in the province in future. They said that the train safari was one of such great endeavours, which was fully enjoyed. The KPCTA staff members and the Tourism Police facilitated the tourists.

Takht Bhai stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Buddhist monastic centres declared by UNESCO as one of the richest World Heritage sites in the world.