Lying in the province of Baluchistan, Hingol National Park is famous for its splendid beaches, rocky terrains, and mountain caves. This Natural Wonders of Pakistan hold significant cultural value.
Location
The park is situated in the province of Baluchistan, Pakistan. It is over 6200 km2 across Lasbela, Gwadar, and Awaran districts. To visit the park, you will need to reach Karachi first. The park is 243 km from Karachi and takes around 3 – 4 hours through Makran Coastal Highway.
The beauty of Hingol National Park
The park was named after the popular and beautiful Hingol River flowing through the dry areas of Baluchistan. The river is the longest in the province. It is the largest National Park that supports endangered species of Pakistan. It is an abode of many wild endangered species, including Chinkara Gazelle, Sindh Ibex, and Urial.
Hingol National Park homes a different ecosystem. The east of the park comprises mud volcanoes emitting mud and methane. Its northern area consists of arid sub-tropical forests. The western region covers withered mountainous terrains. The coastal area has beaches, caves, and marine areas inhabiting mangroves, turtles, and dolphins.
Tourists Attractions
The park is home to some splendid tourist attractions. The must-visit spots to visit in National Hingol Park are the following.
- Lion of Balochistan
- Princess of Hope
- Natural Oases
- Hindu Temples
- Hingol Mud Volcanoes
- Kund Malir Beach
Princess of hope
The park mostly consists of ravines of rocks, mountains and mud. The longtime erosions caused due to weather conditions have carved some of the incredible and mind-blowing rock formations. The Princess of Hope is one of those splendid natural rock formations standing unique along Makran Coastal Highway, making everyone spellbound by its natural formation.
Lion of Balochistan
Another incredible formation is a mythical structure having a lion body and a human head known as the Lion of Baluchistan. This amazing rock formation is said to occur due to extreme weather conditions like rain and wind. Do not forget to visit these natural wonders at the park.
Hinglaj Devi Temple
Hingol National Park Baluchistan is also known for its Hinglaj Devi Mandir. The temple is situated in a mountain cave found in the Makran desert. The place holds significant spiritual and religious importance for the Hindu community of Pakistan. Many Hindus from across the country visit the Mandir to attend a 4-day pilgrimage at the Hinglaj Devi.
Natural Oases
The park also consists of lush green vegetation, small ponds, lakes, and freshwater streams. The natural oasis in the beauty of the park in the deserts of Baluchistan. Moreover, these natural oases are the source of survival in the harsh and barren landscape of Baluchistan province.
Kund Malir Beach
The beautiful and most frequently visited the spot, Kund Malir Beach, stands unique in its crystal-clear water and beautiful scenic views. A large part of the beach is unexplored. Moreover, the beach is located at a far distance from the city. Do not forget to carry your water bottles, food, and enough fuel on your visit to the beach.
Hingol Mud Volcanoes
The popular mud volcanoes of the park are a must to visit on your trip to the park. The volcanoes are situated in the Lasbela district. They emit mud and methane. Chandracup is a famous active mud volcano and religious site for Hindus. Located close to these volcanoes are the installations of Sui Southern Gas Company as well. The tourists can also ask the locals to guide them toward the mud volcanoes.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Hingol National Park is known for its wildlife sanctuary. Many unusual wildlife species are considered endangered now, residing safely in the park. Moreover, the park is an abode of above 200 wildlife species of reptiles, mammals, birds, and amphibians. The popular reserves are Golden Jackal, Sindh Ibex, Green Sea Turtle, Sindh Leopard, Indian Fox, Pakistan Sand Cat, Baluchistan Urial, Egyptian Vulture, Marsh Crocodile, Golden Eagle, and Dalmatian Pelican.
Hingol National Park wildlife
The park has been keeping crocodiles for years, including Marsh crocodiles, Olive Ridley, and Green Marine Turtles. Some species of the fishes like Mahasheer and Plumbeous dolphins are also present.
The famous mammal species include Sindh leopard, Jungle cat, Indian Fox, Blandford’s Urial, Sind Wild goat, Cairo Spiny mouse, Chinkara Gazelle, Indian Pangolin, Honey Badger, Hedgehog, Indian Grey Mongoose, Porcupine, and Rock Mouse.
Hingol National Park Weather
As the park is situated in the coastal desert area of Baluchistan, the weather is mostly hot, humid, and dry during the summer season. However, the winters are bitterly cold due to barren land. It is advised to check the weather conditions and make arrangements before planning your visit to the park.
The article concludes with all the characteristics and tourist spots to visit at Hingol National Park.