Pushkalavati

Located at the confluence of the Kabul and Swat rivers, Pushkalavati contains ancient ruins spread across two main areas divided by the Shambor river.

The settlement flourished from 1400 BCE to 800 BCE as the capital of Gandhara, later becoming part of the Achaemenid Empire around 520 BCE.

Archaeological excavations revealed residential quarters, public buildings, and irrigation systems that demonstrate advanced engineering methods of ancient urban development.

The archaeological complex includes the Bala Hisar mound in the south and Shaikhan Dheri in the north, both accessible from the modern city of Charsadda.

Ancient Sanskrit texts refer to this location as the City of Lotus due to the abundance of lotus flowers that still grow in the surrounding fertile lands.

GPS coordinates: 34.16788,71.73778

Latest update: March 10, 2025 14:03