The Khewra Salt Mine, situated in the Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil of Jhelum District, is not only the largest salt mine in Pakistan but also the second-largest in the world.
Positioned approximately 160 km (100 miles) from both Islamabad and Lahore, it can be reached via the M2 motorway, around 30 kilometers (20 miles) off the Lilla interchange along the Lilla road towards Pind Dadan Khan.
Renowned for its production of pink Khewra salt, the mine has become a significant tourist attraction, drawing in approximately 250,000 visitors annually.
In 2007, a clinical ward with 20 beds was established within the mine to offer salt therapy for the treatment of respiratory diseases, including asthma.
Visitors to the mine are transported on the Khewra Salt Mines Railway and get the opportunity to explore various pools of salty water inside. One notable feature is the Badshahi Masjid, a mosque constructed within the mining tunnels using multi-colored salt bricks around fifty years ago.
The mine also showcases artistic carvings such as a replica of Minar-e-Pakistan, a statue of Allama Iqbal, formations of the name of Muhammad in Urdu script composed of crystals, a model of the Great Wall of China, and another representing the Mall Road of Murree.
In 2003, two phases of development were carried out to enhance tourist facilities and attractions within the mine.
Among the other captivating features of the mine are the Assembly Hall, towering 75 meters (245 feet) high, the Pul-Saraat, a salt bridge that spans a 25-meter-deep (80-foot-deep) brine pond without the need for pillars, and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), where salt crystals display a delicate pink hue. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a café within the mine premises.
The Khewra Salt Mine offers a unique experience for tourists, showcasing the natural beauty of salt formations alongside man-made architectural marvels carved out of the salt rock. It continues to captivate visitors from around the world, attracting them with its historical significance and stunning salt formations.
