Thatta
Pakistan · Sindh · 13 m
Description
Thatta was the capital of Sindh under three dynasties and the necropolis on the Makli hill outside it is one of the largest funerary grounds on earth, ten square kilometres holding something near a million graves in carved yellow sandstone. UNESCO listed it in 1981. The tombs of the Samma and Tarkhan rulers are domed chambers with stone lattice screens, the oldest from the fourteenth century. In the town itself the Shah Jahan Mosque of 1647 carries ninety-three domes and blue tilework, and it needs no amplifier to carry a voice. Thatta was sacked by the Portuguese in 1555 and never recovered.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Makli necropolis
- Shah Jahan Mosque and its ninety-three domes
- Tomb of Jam Nizamuddin
- Carved sandstone lattice screens
- Tarkhan dynasty domed tombs
- Keenjhar Lake north of the town(Day trip)
- Sunset over the necropolis hill
- Ajrak block-printing in the bazaar
- Tomb of Isa Khan Tarkhan II
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- KHI