It was last year when we made our trip to Mangla. As we sat discussing our dire need to go out as a family. We (well, mostly my dad) ended up with the decision to go water sporting at Mangla. I wasn’t happy with this decision, Why? well because I had lived in mangla a few years back and my impression of it had always been of a boring place to go to for recreation. My dad reassured me that it has been transformed after the floods and has many attractions to offer now. I still wasn’t convinced and decided to go along with it.
The next morning we took off for Mangla. Its not that far from Rawalpindi. As we started entering the Kashmir belt. The scenery started to transform with a lot greenery and water all around. The initial decision was to go to the resort which is also a beautiful place to relax at but, it was closed due to some construction happening in the area.
We then made our way to the river bank at the far end of the city. I was mesmerized by the view. Standing at the top you can view the entirety of the Jehlum river. Nothing but the wide stretch of water ahead of you and a chilly wind blowing. Since it was start of winter season, the place was relatively quieter. Yet, that is what made it more beautiful. You can sit at the rocks for hours viewing the ravens flying around and just take in the peace and the serenity the place has to offer.
After a few moments of peace there we decided to go to the adventure club for boating and food. the place has been completely transformed as compared to the few years before that i had lived there. The most interesting thing is the water board. Now this board is the size of a small hall. They arrange weddings for you and dinners. Imagine getting engaged on water!! that has to be awesome right?
But from a foodie point of view… there is one thing about that place that i cannot forget. The coffee! I bet you.. you will not be satisfied with having one cup. I have no idea what the cook adds in it. Although i asked him and he gave me a very simple recipe. Must be some secret ingredient he doesn’t want to reveal. And rightly so, because i’m telling you that coffee is out of this world and i’m not even a coffee person so coming from me . I assure you it’s real!
I literally ended up having 3 cups of coffee coupled with the beautiful water view in front of me and you can’t ask for more peace than this.
Make sure you visit Mangla the next time you want to make a day trip near Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Or if you’re travelling by road to there. make a stop at Mangla and have the coffee and you will not regret it.
Amina Mazhar
Ever since I was a kid, eating had been my favorite hobby. Once I grew up a bit, I started stepping into the kitchen more often. Although I love to cook but baking is something I am very passionate about. Its my therapy and it definitely takes me to my happy place. Ofcourse, this hobby of mine also caters to my hyper sweet tooth as well, which is an added bonus. Because baking is something that I have learnt from my mother so it has a very emotional value for me. Since times immemorial I have seen my mom experiment with baking in the kitchen, I like to believe she has passed that skill on to me as well (I know i can never surpass her awesomeness). When it comes to food, it is and always will be my first love and hence, I have an appreciation for anything that is yummy.
