Explore Jilani (Race Course) Park in Lahore: Jogging Tracks, Grounds, Boating, and More

Jilani (Race Course) Park, also known as Race Course Park, has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era. The park was originally established during the British rule in the early 20th century, around the 1920s. It was designed to serve as a recreational space for the British officers and the elite of Lahore. The park was strategically located near the Race Course, where horse racing events were held, thus earning its initial name.

The park was later named after Mian Ghulam Jilani, a prominent figure in Pakistani history and a respected politician. Over the years, the park has undergone several renovations and upgrades to enhance its facilities and maintain its beauty. Today, Jilani Park stands as a testament to Lahore’s colonial past and its evolution into a modern recreational space that serves the community.

Throughout its history, the park has remained a central part of Lahore’s social and cultural life. It has witnessed numerous events, from grand horse races to contemporary festivals, making it an integral part of the city’s heritage. The lush greenery, well-maintained gardens, and various amenities have made Jilani Park a beloved spot for generations of Lahoris.

Photo Credit: Faliq Isbah

Photo Credit: Ihsan Qadir

Photo Credit: Khansays

Photo Credit: Tripadvisor

Photo Credit: Zameen

Jilani Park boasts expansive grounds that cater to a variety of sports and recreational activities:

• Open Grounds: The park has several open grassy areas where visitors can enjoy a game of football, frisbee, or simply relax on the lush green grass.
• Sports Facilities: There are designated areas for sports like badminton and volleyball. These facilities are well-maintained and provide a great space for both casual and competitive games.

Photo Credit: Muhammad Shoaib

Photo Credit: Murshid Ahmad Tajik (M A Tajik)

One of the most delightful features of Jilani Park is its boating area. The serene lake, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, offers:

• Pedal Boats: Ideal for families and couples, pedal boats allow you to explore the lake at a leisurely pace.
• Engine Boats: For larger groups, the park provides engine boats that can accommodate up to 20-30 people at a time. These boats offer a fun and exciting way to experience the lake with friends and family.

Photo Credit: Tameem Yousaf

Photo Credit: Nauman Yahya

Photo Credit: Ibaad Ch

Jilani Park is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, catering to both men and women:

• Gyms: The park has separate gyms for males and females. These gyms are equipped with modern exercise machines, free weights, and other fitness equipment to help you stay in shape.
• Cardio Exercise Areas: There are dedicated areas for cardio exercises like aerobics and yoga. These spaces are often used for group fitness classes and personal training sessions.

Photo Credit: Naveed Tabassum Diwan

Photo Credit: Sajjad Umar

A unique feature of Jilani Park is the artificial man-made hill, which adds a touch of adventure and excitement to the park. At the top of the hill, you will find:

• Large Clock: This iconic structure is not only a timepiece but also a landmark within the park. It provides a panoramic view of the surrounding areas, making it a favorite spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the view.

Photo Credit: Waqas Siddique

Photo Credit: Advocate Shafique Baloch

Photo Credit: Muhammad sheraz

Photo Credit: Hamza Khan

Photo Credit: Muhammad sheraz

Another highlight of Jilani Park is the man-made cliff and waterfall. This picturesque feature adds to the park’s natural beauty and offers:

• Cliff: A safe and well-designed cliff area that gives visitors a sense of adventure.
• Waterfall: The waterfall provides a soothing sound of flowing water, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation and meditation. In the evening they switch on the pumps that create waterfalls on the cliff.

When we stand near the waterfall, the water mist gives a very nice feeling and it looks cool. The sound of the waterfall is very soothing and relaxing.

Photo Credit: Amna Tallha

Photo Credit: Kausar Shakoor

The Rose Garden in Jilani Park is a vibrant space filled with various roses, each showcasing different colors and emitting a pleasant fragrance. Jogging along the nearby tracks, the scent of these beautiful flowers surrounds you, making the experience refreshing and enjoyable. Next to the Rose Garden is the Miyawaki Trees area, which showcases dense, native forests enhancing the park’s biodiversity and improving air quality. The lush foliage creates a serene environment, offering a peaceful atmosphere for joggers.

The Bonsai Trees Garden, close to the jogging tracks, features miniature trees that are carefully nurtured and sculpted. The intricate beauty of these bonsai trees captivates visitors, providing a calming effect as you jog past. The combination of the Rose Garden, Miyawaki Trees, and Bonsai Trees Garden transforms a simple jog into a delightful sensory journey, enriching your workout with the sights and smells of nature.

Photo Credit: Badal Baloch

Photo Credit: Dr Zuhaib

Photo Credit: Dr. Hussain

Photo Credit: Majid Asghar

Photo Credit: Tasadduq Rasheed

Photo Credit: Zuhaib Ashraf

The Polo Club and Horse Riding School at Jilani Park is a top-notch facility for equestrian sports, offering members the opportunity to learn and master horse riding and polo. Guided by well-trained instructors, the club’s stables and riding arenas provide a safe environment for both beginners and experienced riders. Members can also entrust their horses to the club’s specialized team for care, including feeding, grooming, and health check-ups, or rent horses for sessions.

Access to the Polo Club is exclusive to members, maintaining a private atmosphere and ensuring the facilities remain uncrowded. Public entry is not permitted, but ample parking is available for members. The combination of high-quality training, excellent horse care, and exclusive access makes the Polo Club a top destination for equestrian enthusiasts.

Photo Credit: Shoaib Zafar

Photo Credit: Abbas Baig

Photo Credit: Sarbland

The Yoga Center at Jilani Park promotes physical and mental well-being with yoga classes for both men and women. Catering to all skill levels, the center offers a supportive environment for learning and practicing yoga. The professional instructors guide participants through each session, ensuring correct postures and techniques, which is especially beneficial for beginners. The serene park setting enhances the yoga experience, providing a peaceful backdrop of greenery.

Daily classes allow participants to easily incorporate yoga into their routines. The flexible schedule offers sessions throughout the day, making it convenient for all lifestyles. The Yoga Center is a favorite among park visitors for its combination of professional instruction, flexible scheduling, and beautiful environment.

Photo Credit: Mirza Mubashir Baig

Photo Credit: Mirza Mubashir Baig

The Children’s Play Area in Jilani Park is a lively space designed to entertain young visitors. Equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames, the colorful equipment captures kids’ imaginations and encourages active play. Entry requires a ticket, ensuring well-maintained and safe facilities. Parents can relax while watching their children play in a secure environment, supervised by park staff.

The play area also features shaded seating for parents and guardians, making it convenient for families. Its proximity to other park amenities ensures a fun and easy outing. The Children’s Play Area is a beloved spot, providing endless fun for kids and peace of mind for parents.

Photo Credit: Mobasher Ahmad Noshad

Photo Credit: Ghafoor shah

Photo Credit: Farman Ali

Masjid Jilani Park is a beautiful mosque within the park, serving as a spiritual sanctuary open for the five daily prayers. Even when the park is closed, the mosque remains accessible through a dedicated gate. Its simple yet elegant architecture blends with the natural surroundings, creating a serene environment for worship. The spacious prayer hall and clean ablution facilities ensure a comfortable experience for worshippers.

During significant Islamic occasions, the mosque hosts special events, bringing together visitors and local residents. The mosque’s central location within the park makes it a convenient place of worship, adding to the park’s appeal as a holistic recreational space.

Photo Credit: Naveed Tabassum Diwan

Photo Credit: Tameem Yousaf

Photo Credit: Sarfraz Mahmood

The Caviar Club at Jilani Park is a stylish dining venue open to all visitors, offering a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. Whether for a light bite or a full meal, the club provides a range of options in a relaxed and elegant setting. The indoor and outdoor seating options, with views of the park’s greenery, ensure a comfortable dining experience.

Occasional special dining events and promotions showcase different cuisines and themed meals, making the club a favorite among park visitors. The Caviar Club’s commitment to quality food and excellent service promises a delightful dining experience in the heart of Jilani Park.

Photo Credit: Zeeshan Iqbal

Photo Credit: Caviar Club outdoor

Photo Credit: Caviar Club

Photo Credit: Caviar Club

Photo Credit: Caviar Club

Jilani Park is not just about everyday recreation; it also hosts numerous events and festivals:

• Spring Festival: One of the most anticipated events, the Spring Festival, features flower shows, cultural performances, and various family-friendly activities.
• Flower Festival: The park hosts a stunning flower festival where a variety of flowers are showcased in beautiful arrangements, attracting flower enthusiasts from all over the city.
• Food Festival: Food lovers can enjoy a diverse range of cuisines at the park’s food festival, which features stalls from some of the best local eateries.
• Circus: The park occasionally hosts circuses that provide fun and entertainment for families, with performances from acrobats, clowns, and other artists.
• Other Events: Throughout the year, the park organizes different events such as fitness competitions, cultural festivals, and art exhibitions, ensuring there is always something exciting happening.

Photo Credit: Falah Choudary

Photo Credit: Kamran Ali Shah

Photo Credit: Street bodybuilder

Photo Credit: Androon Lahore

Photo Credit: Hafiz Ahmad Bilal Mirza

Cricket, a beloved sport in Pakistan, finds its place in Jilani Park:

• Cricket Grounds: There are designated areas within the park where people can play cricket. These grounds are well-maintained and provide a great space for both casual games and serious matches.
• Football: In addition to cricket, the open grounds are also used for playing football. The park often sees local teams and families coming together to enjoy a game, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
• Community Engagement: The park often sees local teams and families coming together to enjoy a game of cricket, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Photo Credit: Mirza Mubashir Baig

Photo Credit: Mirza Mubashir Baig

Photo Credit: Mubashir Saeed

Photo Credit: Mubashir Saeed