SWAT

**Adil Malik** · #1 08-05-2007, 10:28 AM

Information:

Swat (Urdu: سوات) is a valley and a district in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. the capital is Saidu Sharif. With high mountains, green meadows, and clear lakes, it is a place of great natural beauty, and a popular destination for tourists. It was a princely state (see State of Swat) in the NWFP until it was dissolved in 1969.

This valley and the other areas along the banks of river Swat, earliest known as Shrivastu, later Suvastu and currently the present name, is also the place of the origin of Shrivastava sub-clan of Indo-Aryan Kayastha clan.

Swat is known as the Switzerland of Pakistan. The river Swat is a clear water river starting from the Ushu rage of mountains to he spread of the valley of Swat. It is the most green valleys of the Northern Pakistan and is well connected to the rest of Pakistan. There are regular flights from Islamabad to Swat and back. One can also get here either from Peshawar (160 KMs) or Islamabad.(250 KMs) The valley of Swat is located in the middle of foot hills of Hindukush mountain range. The main town of the valley is Saidu Sharief.

There are many hotels in different towns of the valley.
Swat Serena Hotel (Saidu) 3 Star
Swat Continental Hotel 3 Star
Pameer Hotel Swat 2 Star
PTDC Motel (Saidu) 3 Star
Hotel White Palace (Marghazar) 2 Star
Hotel Royal Palace (Saidu) 2 Star
PTDC Motel Miandam 2 Star
Grace Hotel (Madyan) 2 Star
PTDC Motel (Kalam) 2 Star
Damazay Guest House (Saidu) 2 Star

HOTEL SERVICES

Air conditioning
Banquet facilities
Bar & lounge
Coffee shop
Foreign exchange
Laundry
Mini bar
Parking
Restaurants
Room service
Satellite / Cable TV
Sauna / Spa
Swimming (outdoor)
Non-smoking rooms

It's a nice Pathan city, with Buddhist ruins located a few places in town.

The valley of swat is of great historical significance including the cradle of many Buddhist part of Gandara. Gandara remains vast area extended from Sind in south to swat on north, where Buddhism was in peak. The art that developed in Gandara is known as Gandara Art. Gandara was specialized in settlement architecture and stone carving.