Lahore is the cultural heart of Pakistan, despite Islamabad being the capital; Lahore is the city that incorporates much of what makes Pakistan such an exciting country to visit. As with many cities of the wider region Lahore has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history, which is not surprising given its location on the strategic route between Central Asia and the Subcontinent. The origins of the city date back well over a millennium, and the name Lahore derives from either Loh, the hero from the Hindu epic Ramayana or from the ancient word loha meaning iron, depending on who is telling the story. What is certain is that Lahore was a lynch pin of the Mughal Empire when the city was seized by Babur in 1524 and Akbar made Lahore his headquarters from 1584 to 1598 and much of the architecture dates from this period. This contrasts wonderfully with relics of the British Raj and in fact Lahore and Delhi share many similar characteristics. The main road in Lahore, which dissects the city northwest to southeast despite being renamed, is still referred to as The Mall. You can tell that you are on The Mall as at the northeast end is Zamzama - made famous at the start of Rudyard Kipling’s Kim - the imposing cannon. Lahore not only has the sights to attract visitors but the Old City and bazaars are reasons to visit in their own rights. Walking through the narrow colourful streets provides an authentic insight into life in Lahore and how it was centuries ago.