01/02/2022
Khewra Salt Mine - World’s 2nd Largest salt mine
On his usual Sunday morning stroll in 320 BC, Alexander the Great and his merry men visited this region for a smackdown with Raja Porus and his gang on the plains of Jehlum.
In one of his annals, a General in Alexander’s army wrote about his horse licking a mountain, and discovering the salt mine in Kalar Kahar region. In 1500 AD, Mughal Emperor Akbar restarted the mining at a mass scale.
It was during the British rule, in 1872, when scientific mining operations started, a methodology laid down by Dr. Warth; which is still followed - 50% of salt is excavated while the remaining 50% is left as pillars (so the mine doesn’t cave in). Salt is transparent, white, pink, reddish to beef-color red.
There are 19 levels (5-7 on top and 11 below). Brine water is collected in various ponds inside the mine (25-100 ft deep), and pumped to nearby ICI plant who use it to manufacture soda ash.
There exists a prehistoric, almost 18-million-year-old, 18 ft long petrified tree trunk inside the mountain. One can either walk inside the mine, or take the train. Level 1 is only open for visitors, and temperature inside remains 18 C throughout the year. There is also a Spa for people with respiratory problems, as the salt and air has some therapeutic value.
The natural aura of mine has been ruined by man-made, artificial monuments and lake, with party lights (my opinion).
Khewra Salt Mines is world’s second largest salt mine, and is situated at the distance of 186 km from Islamabad and 248 km from Lahore – easily accessible from Islamabad-Lahore motorway.
Through Lila interchange, take the Pind Dadan Khan exit and follow the sign. Khewra is approx. 30 km from this exit.
