Ayub National Park is a large public park on the Rawalpindi side of the Islamabad area, opened in 1959 and named after former president Ayub Khan. It covers about 2,300 acres of lawns, flower beds, old trees and walking tracks, with a boating lake at its centre. Inside are the Army Museum, with tanks, aircraft and artillery, as well as Jungle Kingdom, Bahria Garden and a children's play area. It suits long walks, jogging, picnics and family days out, and it is calmest in the early morning.
From Topi Rakh to a national park
The park opened in 1959 and carries the name of Ayub Khan, Pakistan's president at the time. It was first laid out as a green space for the residents of Rawalpindi Cantonment. The older name, Topi Rakh, is still used when people talk about the park's history.
Over the decades it grew into one of the largest urban parks in Pakistan, at roughly 2,300 acres. The size is the main thing to understand before you arrive: this is a place to spend a half day, not a quick stop.
Walking, lawns and the lake
The grounds are planted with big old trees, open grass and colourful flower beds. Well-kept tracks make it a regular spot for morning walks and jogging, and there are cycling lanes, a skateboarding area and kid-friendly hiking routes as well.
The natural lake is the centre of the park's quieter side. Boats can be rented, and food stalls nearby sell snacks and drinks. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are provided, so families often settle in for an afternoon. Deer and monkeys have been seen in the park, and the lawns and lake give photographers plenty of angles.
The Army Museum
The Army Museum is one of the park's main draws. Its exhibits include battle tanks, fighter aircraft, helicopters, artillery guns and missiles. Together they present Pakistan's military history, and the museum is often chosen for school trips and study tours.
Parents who want children to learn some history on the day out can pair the museum with the open-air parts of the park. Dress modestly and treat the displays with the same respect you would give any national museum.
Jungle Kingdom, rides and play areas
Jungle Kingdom is the zoo section. Animals on show include lions, a white tiger, a black bear, a wolf and snakes. Some enclosures and facilities may need maintenance, so go with realistic expectations.
The rides at Joyland are aimed at families and young children, and they are ticketed separately from the park. Bahria Garden is another landscaped area inside the park. Elsewhere you will find a large playground with slides and swings, a dog park, and basketball, volleyball and tennis courts. The park is also used for children's birthday gatherings.
Getting in and moving around
Parking is available in a paid lot and on the street, with both free and paid street spaces. It gets tight at peak hours, mostly on weekends. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and public restrooms are on site.
As the park is so large, wear comfortable shoes and carry water. Weekday mornings are the calmest, and some regular visitors choose weekend mornings for the same reason.
FAQ
How long do you need at Ayub National Park?
Plan on 2 to 4 hours for a walk, the lake and one or two attractions. Families with children often stay for a whole afternoon.
What is there to see inside the park?
You can see the Army Museum, Jungle Kingdom, Bahria Garden, the boating lake and the Joyland rides. There are also walking tracks, lawns and a children's playground.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning and evening are the quietest and coolest times. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Is Ayub National Park good for children?
Yes. It has playgrounds, rides, a zoo section, boating and plenty of open space. The Army Museum also gives children a look at the country's military history.
Is there parking and is the park wheelchair accessible?
There is a paid parking lot as well as street parking, and both fill up at peak hours. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
