Rawalpindi is chaotic but relatively dust-free. The literacy rate is 70.5% (January 2006). The population is ethnically and linguistically heterogeneous, comprising Pothoharis, Punjabis, Muhajirs, and Pakhtuns. The weather is highly unpredictable. The average annual rainfall is 36 inches. In summer, the maximum temperature can sometimes soar up to 52C, while it may drop to a minimum of -5C in the winter.
Pindi, as Rawalpindi is referred to by most travelers, is quite different from its twin sister Islamabad. Where Islamabad is modern and clean, Pindi is old and populated, and also a lot of fun.
The bazaars of the old city offer exciting bargains. You can leisurely browse in the quaint old shops in Saddar bazaar, Moti bazaar, Raja bazaar and Kashmiri bazaar while Sarafa bazaar is famous for beaten gold and silver jewellery, brass and copper-ware.
Rawalpindi specializes in handicrafts such as inlaid sheesham and walnut furniture, Kashmiri silver, shawls and jackets, embroidered and woolen 'Kurtas' and household linen, Potohar Jooties and Chappals (slippers), cane baskets and furniture, walking sticks and hand-woven Kashmiri and Bokhara carpets. You can go shopping for these items at handicraft and carpet shops in Saddar bazaar, especially around Flashman’s Hotel and Rawalpindi Club building on the Mall. Jinnah Park is also a primary attraction due to its history and the newly opened McDonald's.
There is also roads which lead off into places such as Gujar Khan Road. This obviously leads to gujar khan. It is a place where most trade occurs and it consists of loads of shops, you can see the bangle ladies everywhere wanting to put bangles on you. There are pathan and rajas in this area.
Pindi, as Rawalpindi is referred to by most travelers, is quite different from its twin sister Islamabad. Where Islamabad is modern and clean, Pindi is old and populated, and also a lot of fun.
The bazaars of the old city offer exciting bargains. You can leisurely browse in the quaint old shops in Saddar bazaar, Moti bazaar, Raja bazaar and Kashmiri bazaar while Sarafa bazaar is famous for beaten gold and silver jewellery, brass and copper-ware.
Rawalpindi specializes in handicrafts such as inlaid sheesham and walnut furniture, Kashmiri silver, shawls and jackets, embroidered and woolen 'Kurtas' and household linen, Potohar Jooties and Chappals (slippers), cane baskets and furniture, walking sticks and hand-woven Kashmiri and Bokhara carpets. You can go shopping for these items at handicraft and carpet shops in Saddar bazaar, especially around Flashman’s Hotel and Rawalpindi Club building on the Mall. Jinnah Park is also a primary attraction due to its history and the newly opened McDonald's.
There is also roads which lead off into places such as Gujar Khan Road. This obviously leads to gujar khan. It is a place where most trade occurs and it consists of loads of shops, you can see the bangle ladies everywhere wanting to put bangles on you. There are pathan and rajas in this area.
