Jilani Park, also called Race Course Park, is a public park of about 88 acres on Jail Road in Lahore, opposite Services Hospital. Wide lawns, flower beds, shaded paths and a lake with boating make it a place for slow walks, jogging and family outings. A jogging track of around 3 km circles the grounds, and a mosque stands inside. Flower exhibitions and cultural events are held here, mostly in spring. Come early in the morning or in the evening, when the park is calm and the air is cooler.
Where the park is and how it is laid out
Jilani Park is on Jail Road in Lahore's Gulberg area, directly across from Services Hospital. The location is central, and the park is among the most visited in the city. Locals also know it by its earlier name, Race Course Park.
The grounds cover about 88 acres and are divided by six passages. Inside are lawns, flower gardens, a lake, walking and jogging roads, a gymnasium and fitness centre, a study room and two cricket courts. A polo ground borders the park, and a mosque stands within the grounds.
Walking, jogging and sport
The park's best-known use is exercise. A jogging track of roughly 3 km runs through tree-lined sections, and many Lahore residents come for a walk or run in the early hours and again in the evening. Shade is easy to find along the paths, and birdsong is part of the morning.
Other facilities listed for the park include a basketball court, a volleyball court, a tennis court, a skateboarding area, cycling lanes and a dog park. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are also listed, so groups can plan a day on the grass.
The lake, the gardens and the waterfall
The lake is small and calm, and boating is available. Families often sit along its edge, and some come at sunset to see the light on the water. In Ramadan, some visitors break their fast beside the lake and then pray at the park's mosque.
The flower beds are carefully kept, and the park has a rose garden. An artificial waterfall is one of the features the park is known for, along with the lawns that spread out beside the paths.
Flower exhibitions and events
Flower exhibitions are a regular event here, and they are held mainly in the spring. They bring large crowds from across the city, so expect the park to be fuller than usual on those days. Cultural programmes are also held in the evenings.
The park is also known for an annual horse race, which gave it its original name. If you want a quiet visit, check whether an event is on before you go, and choose a weekday if you can.
FAQ
Where is Jilani Park in Lahore?
It is on Jail Road, opposite Services Hospital, in Gulberg. It is also known as Race Course Park.
How big is Jilani Park?
The park covers about 88 acres. It has a jogging track of around 3 km, a lake, flower gardens and sports courts.
Can you go boating at Jilani Park?
Yes. The lake has boating facilities.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning and evening are the calmest times. Weekends are the most crowded, so a weekday is better if you want quiet.
Is there parking and wheelchair access?
The park has a free parking lot as well as free and paid street parking. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
When are the flower exhibitions held?
They are held mainly in spring. The park also hosts cultural events in the evenings.
