DESTINATION DETAIL
Khewera Salt Mine
Khewra, Jhelum
Details
This
is the second largest mine of the world. It is also called the mayo salt mine.
It is located in the north of Pind Dadan. It is sold as Himalayan salt. It is
the main point of tourist attraction. This mine is the largest source of salt
and producing 350,000 tons per year of 99% pure salt. This khewra mine is dug
inside the base of a thick layer. This geological formation consist of the core
layer of crystal mine. This layer is covered with interlayered beds of dolomite
and gypsum. These strata is covered with 200 to500 sedimentary rocks. Palynomorphs
are being used to determine salt layers and ages. The Mughal Empire took
possession of salt mine. After the fall of Mughal Empire, the Sikh took
possession of the salt mine. Salt was also eaten during the Sikh rule and used
as income. The mine is located at the distance of 160 km form Islamabad and
Lahore. This mine located I the mountains of pothohar plateau. Mine also
contains small amount of iron, zinc, potassium and copper etc. Its salt is
mostly white, red and pink. This mine has 19 floors. The total length of its
tunnel is approximately 40 km. The temperature inside the mine is about 18 to 20
degree centigrade. The railway track in the tunnel was laid during the British
period. Rail cars are used to bring salt from mines. Its salt is used for
bathing and cooking. The salt is used to make decorative items like vases and
sculptures which are exported at world-wide. There is also a model of Great
Wall of China and a model of Mall road. There are number of saltwater pools
inside the mine. There are also a glass palace and a mosque inside the mine.
There are also statue of Allama Iqbal and minar-e-Pakistan made of salt inside
the mine. In 2003, at the cost of Rs. 9
million, tourist facilities were provided in it. In February 2011, Pakistan
railway launched special trains from Rawalpindi and Lahore to khewra. There is
also a cafeteria. It produces salt with 99% purity.
Background
This
mine is famous for the production of pink khewra salt. It was discovered by
Alexander’s army in 320 BC. But its trade started during the Mughal period. The
main tunnel was made by an engineer doctor H.Warth, during British raj. After
independence, MR took over until 1956. In 1974 Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation
took over it. When Alexander crossed the Mianwali and Jhelum areas during the
Indian campaign, salt deposits were discovered. Alexander’s horses discovered salt
mine when they were found licking rocks. The sick horses of his army recovered
after licking salt stones. And then the salt trade began in the Mughal era.
Available Tours
No Tours Available
Download App from Store
Exclusive Offer! Sign Up Now
and Enjoy a 5% Discount
on Tour Packages!
or
Sign Up Using
