No trips found in this category yet. Check back soon!
No hotels found in this category yet. Check back soon!
Larkana and Sukkur are the largest cities in northern Sindh, and the closest to main heritage and Indus River attractions, making them the main cities of interest for the traveler. Approximately 27-30 km from Larkana is the renowned archaeological site of Mohenjo-daro. About 80 km from Larkana on the Indus River is Sukkur, which is known for the Sukkur Barrage, as well as Lansdowne Bridge and Sadhu Bela Island, and is the starting point for the Kot Diji - Khairpur Fort road.
Due to the varying reasons for a traveler's visit to either city, the hotel markets are also different. The hotel markets in Larkana are undeveloped, with the exception of a few mid-range hotels. The remainder are basic guesthouses. The hotel market in Sukkur is more developed and has accommodation options to suit different clientele.
Neither city has hotels comparable to the better Karachi establishments. Different types of lodging are required to enjoy the attractions of the Sindh interior. If a traveler is seeking a local experience, there are places to stay near the Indus.
Several guest houses and hotels in the main bazaar of Larkana offer travelers a range of options from economy to midrange. The midrange options of Larkana have features such as private bath, air conditioning and an attached dining facility. These may be run by a generator in the case of load shedding. In the midrange of Larkana, travelers may find accommodations that are not available in the midrange of larger cities in Pakistan. The midrange options of Larkana's hotels are adequate to satisfy the needs of travelers wishing to visit Mohenjo-daro.
The economy options of Larkana are older hotels and guesthouses. Like midrange options, economy options may have air conditioning and/or running water, but guests should confirm these amenities.
The majority of travelers to Larkana are interested in the Indus Valley Civilization site at Mohenjo-daro. Larkana's location is convenient to Mohenjo-daro, and an overnight stay in Larkana may allow travelers to the site early in the morning to avoid the summer heat. Additionally, Larkana is about a 7 to 8 hour drive from Karachi. Staying in Larkana for the night breaks up the long journey from Karachi.
Two nights in Larkana enables a day for Mohenjo-daro and a day for other surrounding attractions or for travel to next destination. One night is the maximum stay for travelers intending to visit Mohenjo-daro from Larkana.
When choosing a hotel in Larkana, travelers should look for a hotel that is located closer to the main road towards Mohenjo-daro. For hotels located near the northern region of the city, the departure time to Mohenjo-daro can be reduced.
Each of the hotel rooms should have air conditioners. February is the last month of summer and travelers should make sure that the air conditioner in the rooms is not powered by the hotel's main power supply. In such a scenario, the air conditioners may not function.
In Larkana, travelers should look for hotels that have an in-house restaurant.
A. Sukkur has more opportunities for commercial activity than Larkana, and the hotels reflect that. Sukkur is on the Indus River. Lansdowne Bridge connects it to Rohri and Ayub Bridge connects it to Sukkur. Commercial and government activities in northern Sindh use Sukkur. This makes Sukkur a better market for hotels than Larkana.
Compared to Larkana, Sukkur has nicer and more facilities-rich hotels. Nice, clean, and safe hotels in Sukkur and Larkana provide a good place to stay for travelers touring the southern area of Sindh, including Mohenjo-Daro and surrounding areas.
B. The Indus runs through Sukkur and gives some hotels a river-front location. Other hotels in Sukkur and all hotels in Larkana are located inland. The Indus near Sukkur is wide and has the Sukkur Barrage. Sadhu Bela is a large island in the Indus and is located near the Sukkur Barrage. Hotels this close give travelers a different experience from what an inland hotel provides.
Hotels near the bazaar are also good for accessing transport and the main roads. These hotels are convenient for business people and officials staying in the city for a short time.
Of the two, Larkana is the more convenient base from which to visit Mohenjo-Daro as it is closer to the site. With respect to Mohenjo-Daro, travelers do not need to go as far as Sukkur. Larkana is a convenient base for one to two nights.
Sukkur is the more convenient base for the sites between it and Shikarpur including the Sukkur and Lloyd Barrages, Sadhu Bela Island, the Indus River temples, the Lansdowne and Ayub Bridges, and the Kot Diji fort in Khairpur. Three nights in Sukkur is sufficient to cover the sites on the northern Sindh circuit.
Normally, the Sindh circuit from Karachi covers Mohenjo-Daro (Larkana) and the sites north of the Indus (Sukkur) before returning to Karachi. Most travelers find two nights in each of Larkana and Sukkur adequate.
Load-shedding in the Sindh interior is prolonged, and guests staying outside of Karachi should be aware that their hotel may not have adequate generator cover. In the Hot Sindh climate, particularly outside of Karachi, a hotel without adequate generator cover will be very uncomfortable, and may be dangerous, for guests staying outside of the city. Confirm the cover and hours of your hotel’s generator before booking.
Although there are more food options in Karachi, the overall quality is poor, and the hotels may be the only options outside of the city for food. If a hotel kitchen can provide an early enough breakfast to allow guests to depart on time for Mohenjo-Daro, that hotel may be a better option than a nicer room with no breakfast. When planning your site visits, be sure to confirm what time breakfast is offered at your hotel.
Although most of the hotels outside of Karachi do have air conditioning, it may not be reliable. From March through October, any traveling outside of Karachi is not recommend without reliable hotel air conditioning. In November through February, most of Sindh is travel worthy.
When trying to visit Mohenjo-Daro, try to stay as near the northern road from Larkana as possible, to reduce your travel time. When looking at hotels from Larkana, ask about the Mohenjo-Daro route, and how long they expect it to take to get there in the morning.
For Sukkur: being near the barrage, the viewpoints along the bridge, and the boat departure point at Sadhu Bela. The hotel can tell you how long it takes to get to each of these from the hotel.
A. Before confirming...
If the air conditioning works and if it is supplied by the generator in case of a power cut. Ask this especially if you are planning to visit in the hot season.
If and at what time breakfast is served.
If the generator is working and the kitchen is open.
B. Before going ...
If the hotel is still open.
If the roads between Larkana and Mohenjo-daro are open.
If boats are going to Sadhu Bela.
C) AVOID
Do not take out of date online bookings for hotels in either city. The hotel scene in interior Sindh is in flux and is bound to change quickly. Opt for an operator who has recent first-hand knowledge of the area.
Avoid staying in Sukkur and attempting to cover Mohenjo-daro in a day. Covering Mohenjo-daro from Sukkur is extremely time consuming.
Larkana is nearer Mohenjo-daro.
Avoid travelling to either Sukkur or Larkana in the peak summer months. The interior of Sindh has very little facilities with regards to air conditioning and summer in Sindh can be particularly trying.
C) What is Sukkur known for besides hotels?
Sukkur is the site of Lloyd Barrage (Sukkur Barrage), one of the larger projects of India's irrigation system completed in 1932. Across the Indus from Sukkur is Sadhu Bela island which has a temple dedicated to Balmbami and is accessible by boat. Of historical interest in the vicinity of Rohri connected to Sukkur by a bridge, is the Minaret of Masum Shah.
D) Can I fly to Sukkur or Larkana?
Sukkur has air service to Karachi and Larkana to Moenjodaro. Both services operate at schedules that change and are not reliable.
E) Is the Sindh interior safe for tourists?
In recent years, Al Qaeda and other extremist groups have launched numerous attacks on the people of Sindh. Because of these attacks, there are travel restrictions which negatively impact tourism in the area. The provincial government should ensure the safety of its citizens and provide more law enforcement to lessen travel bans.
Larkana and Sukkur are the two most famous tourist destinations in inner Sindh. Many tourists from Pakistan visit these places regularly. Compared to other places near the border, this area is comparatively more peaceful and secure. You should take general precautions while traveling and follow your tour operator’s guidelines. If you wish to travel to this area, consult your country’s travel advisory.
To simplify your travel itinerary, Hospitality Tours can help by arranging transport, a local guide, and accommodation for you in Larkana and Sukkur. Tell them your travel dates and the sites in Sindh that you wish to visit. Their team will confirm the availability of accommodation, and transport and guide services for Mohenjo-Daro. You are not charged for this service until you accept and approve the travel itinerary.
WhatsApp: +92 341 111 3777
Email: info@hospitalitytours.com