Revival of Jallo Park – Youlin Magazine

Written by: Anus Zaeem
Posted on: July 17, 2025 | | Chinese

The Butterfly House at Jallo Park

My Speedo drops me off at the Canal Road intersection, and I’m immediately hit by the monsoon weather freshness that makes Lahore feel magical, the type of weather, before rain, light winds make me think about “Let’s go to a Park?”, “Jallo Park, I thought” I took a rickshaw ride and asked the driver about “Jallo Park”, and he pointed down the road with a knowing smile. “Bas das minute,” he says, and I realize he’s right; it’s barely a ten-minute walk from here.

But here’s the thing that catches me off guard: the moment I turn onto Jallo Road, something shifts. The traffic noise fades to a manageable hum, the air feels a touch cleaner, and suddenly there are actual trees lining the street. By the time I reach the entrance gates, I’m genuinely surprised. This 461-acre green sanctuary exists just minutes from Canal Road’s chaos, yet it feels like I’ve somehow teleported to a different city entirely.

Standing at the entrance, trying to wrap my head around the fact that this lush paradise was once just a working timber forest, I can’t help but think about how many times I’ve driven past this area without realizing what I was missing. The transformation from reserve forest to recreational haven is so complete it’s almost disorienting.

From Forest to Paradise

Jallo Park’s story reads like the best kind of urban planning fairy tale. When it was established in 1978, this was simply a reserve forest where researchers studied trees and harvested timber. Practical, sure, but hardly the stuff of weekend dreams. The real magic began during the major government revival project between 2007 and 2008, when someone had the brilliant vision to transform this working forest into something extraordinary.

The most recent chapter in this revival story came when the government allocated 100 acres to the Parks and Horticulture Authority Lahore, allowing them to create the spectacular Botanical Garden we see today. What emerged isn’t just a park, it’s a living testament to what happens when conservation meets recreation, when education dances with entertainment. Walking these paths now, I’m struck by how the original forest character has been woven into modern recreational facilities.

The Crown Jewel: Pakistan’s First Butterfly House

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical about the Butterfly House. I mean, how exciting can butterflies be? But stepping into Pakistan’s first butterfly sanctuary completely changed my mind. This 300-foot climate-controlled tunnel houses 3,000 butterfly species from around the world, and the moment you enter, you understand why people make special trips here.

The humidity hits you immediately, it has to be perfectly controlled because these delicate creatures can’t handle our brutal Pakistani summers. There’s something almost dreamlike about walking through this tunnel with hundreds of butterflies fluttering around you. I found myself moving in slow motion, partly because I didn’t want to disturb them, partly because I was genuinely mesmerized.

What got to me was watching a young girl explaining the butterfly lifecycle to her younger brother, both of them pressed against the glass displays. The educational component here isn’t just window dressing, kids are learning while having fun.

What strikes me most is how this isn’t just about pretty insects fluttering around. The rearing chambers, aquarium displays, and gift shop create a complete educational experience. You get exactly 15 minutes inside, which sounds restrictive until you realize how perfectly timed it is. Any longer and you’d be overwhelmed; any shorter and you’d miss the magic.

Wildlife Conservation Meets Family Fun

The 43-acre Wildlife Breeding Centre tells another remarkable revival story. Back in 2007, sambar and chital deer were introduced here as part of a breeding program for species that had essentially vanished from Pakistan. Today, watching these graceful creatures graze peacefully while children point excitedly from viewing areas, you’re witnessing conservation in action.

The variety is astounding: Asian black bears lumber through their enclosures, Bactrian camels provide endless fascination for visitors, and peacocks strut across pathways like they own the place. The pheasants add splashes of color to every corner, while plans are already underway to introduce giraffes from Africa, an addition that promises to make Jallo Park even more spectacular.

But here’s what I love most about this setup: it never feels like you’re just observing animals in captivity. The integration with the broader park experience means wildlife viewing becomes part of a larger adventure that includes everything from cycling to swimming.

The recreational infrastructure revival has been equally impressive. The sports complex sprawls across the grounds with tennis courts where locals perfect their serves, volleyball courts that see spirited evening matches, and cricket grounds where weekend warriors live out their dreams. The 50-kilometre cycling track winds through different sections of the park, offering glimpses of wildlife, botanical gardens, and lake views all in one ride.

One of my favorite discoveries was the rock garden, a carefully crafted landscape of local stones and boulders that creates natural seating areas and photo spots. It’s particularly beautiful in the late afternoon when the light catches the different textures and colors of the rocks. Nearby, the man-made waterfall provides both a stunning visual centerpiece and that soothing sound of cascading water that somehow makes the whole park feel more tranquil.

That lake, by the way, is perfect for boating when you need a break from walking, and the fishing is surprisingly good for an urban park. The public swimming pool provides relief during Lahore’s intense summers, while the theme park elements, water slides, playground equipment, and those charming log cabins perfect for family picnics ensure there’s something for every age group.

What’s New and Exciting

The most exciting recent addition has to be the Botanical Garden established by the Parks and Horticulture Authority. Walking through it feels like exploring a living textbook of Pakistani flora, with over 120 tree species creating a canopy that provides blessed relief from the sun. The enhanced Forest Research Centre facilities add an educational component that makes this more than just a pretty place to walk.

Accessibility has improved dramatically, too. The Lahore buses now make regular stops, and those commuter trains that brought me here run frequently throughout the day. New dining options have popped up beyond the established Thai Village restaurant coffee shops dot the grounds, perfect for afternoon breaks between attractions.

The infrastructure upgrades are subtle but significant: wider pathways accommodate families with strollers, enhanced wildlife viewing areas provide better photo opportunities, and the modern gift shop at the Butterfly House means you can take home a memento that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

The Traveler’s Experience

Here’s my practical advice: entry to the park itself is free, which honestly surprised me. You only pay small fees for specific attractions like the Butterfly House, and trust me, it’s worth every rupee. Budget at least three hours if you want to see everything properly. I ended up staying nearly five hours and only left because my phone was dying and I needed to get back before dark.

Wear comfortable shoes. This isn’t negotiable. The park covers 461 acres, and while there are rickshaws available inside, you’ll want to walk to experience it. I made the mistake of wearing new sneakers and paid for it by hour three.

The best approach from the city center is definitely via Canal Road. Ask any Speedo or taxi driver for “Jallo Road” and they’ll know exactly where to drop you. From there, it’s a pleasant walk, and you’ll start feeling the green space effect before you even arrive.

A Model for Urban Revival

Sitting by the lake as the afternoon call to prayer echoes from a nearby mosque, watching local families settle in for their evening picnics, I’m struck by how authentic this experience feels. This isn’t some artificial tourist attraction, it’s a real place where real Lahoris come to escape, relax and reconnect with nature.

The revival of Jallo Park isn’t just about pretty landscaping or impressive facilities. It’s about creating a space where a city of millions can breathe a little easier. Where children can learn about wildlife and conservation without leaving their hometown. Where families can afford a day out without breaking the bank.

As I finally make my way back to Canal Road to catch a ride home, tired but genuinely content, I realize I’ve discovered something special. Jallo Park has become my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Lahore who wants to see a different side of the city, the side that’s working toward a greener, more sustainable future, one butterfly and one happy family at a time.