Taxila is the one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. It was the centre of Buddhism and the seat of learning and culture.

This ancient town has seen the likes of Alexander the Great, Asoka the famous Buddhist King and Kanishka. Many emperors, generals, philosophers, sages and religions have each left their mark. Today, Taxila is a great attraction for pilgrims and tourists from the world over.

Exploring Taxila is a multi-dimensional experience. It take you on an exquisite journey through the life of one of the world's most impressive men of peace, Gautama Buddha. There are many carvings and statues, each one remarkable, from the colossal to the miniature and there are literally thousands of them in Taxila. There is a collusion of cultures, Greek, Roman and Gandharan and some masterpieces are a fusion of all three.

Taxila consists of three distinct cities, which are in very good state of preservation. The earliest city of these is known as Bhir Mound. It existed from 6 BC to 2 BC. Only a portion of the center of the city has been excavated and is protected by a walled enclosure. Its irregular streets, cramped houses and mediocre public buildings indicate its primitive origins.

Then comes the city of Sirkap. This city existed between 2 BC and 2 AD. A wall surrounds the roughly rectangular city laid out in Greek fashion. The main street is wide and has low walls on either side. Sewage ran down the streets in open drains and almost every block contained a Jain or a Buddhist stupa.

The large Buddhist apsidal temple takes up an entire block, and was rebuilt over the ruins of an earlier temple after the earthquake of 30 AD. This first century AD stupa shows a mixture of Greek and Indian influences in decoration.There is also the Kunala Monastery and the Ghai Stupa within the Sirkap city wall
Sirsukh the most modern city in Taxila existed between 2 AD and 5 AD. Sirsukh City was a 1.5 x 1.5 kilometers square, laid-out on flat ground and surrounded by a wall. Only a section of the southeast corner of the outer city wall has been excavated.

In addition to these cities, there are many monasteries and fascinating stupas which have been excavated all along the Taxilan valley.

Jandial Temple : This is the only Greek temple in the subcontinent, built in the mid-second century BC. The temple displays exquisite Greek design with a blend of regional designs.

Jaulian Buddhist Stupa and Monastery : The stupa and monastery at Jaulian gives visitors an insight into what original stupa decorations looked like in the past. A roof protects the plaster statues round the stupa, and the site is guarded day and night. The monastery's main stupa is surrounded by 21 votive stupas.

The Healing Buddha, a stone Buddha image with a hole in its navel, is set in the main stupa. The faithful would put their fingers in the hole and pray for a cure for their ailments.

The Jaulian monastery is west of the main stupa. Visible today, are 28 monks' cells that enclose the monastery court. The hall of assembly, water tank , kitchen, storeroom, refectory, stewards' room, baths and latrine are all visible even today.

Mohra Moradu Buddhist Stupa and Monastery : Mohra Moradu Stupa and Monastery is well concealed in the hills. One side of the base of votive stupa still has the stucco relief representing Buddha and Bodhisattuas, which is well preserved and protected. One of the cells in the adjoining monastery has been used to preserve the stupa's 'Astua', a 12 feet high spire with its 7 umbrellas and decorated square base, which is the most interesting feature at Mohra Moradu.

The stucco plaster sculptures of the Buddha around the base of the main stupa are also worth seeing. These are delicately modelled, dignified and lifelike, and are fairly well preserved.

Pippala Buddhist Stupa and Monastery : Built in the first century AD, Pippala is interesting because some of the rubble-and-mud walls built on top of the 50-centimetre stone base are still standing in the monastery courtyard, showing what the walls at Taxila were like. In one of the cells is a fine plaster stupa, nearly as well preserved as that at Mohra Moradu.

Giri Fort and Monastery : It was built in the fifth century perhaps as a stronghold for the thousands of monks in Taxila Valley. About 500 meters of the fort wall still stands. Part of the monastery is also in good condition.

Dharmarjika Buddhist Stupa and Monestary : Dharmarajika stupa is probably the oldest and the most impressive stupa in Pakistan. Emperor Asoka built the stupa in the third century BC and it contains a small relic chamber containing some of the ashes of Buddha. Over the centuries this was enlarged with the addition of votive stupas and monastery. The original smaller stupa is encased in the heart of the existing larger one, because stupas cannot be destroyed, so they simply built around the old one.

A water tank from the first century BC lined with the original lime plaster still survives, this was the monks' bathing pool.

From one of the stupas, a silver vase containing silver scroll and a small gold casket holding tiny fragments of bone were found. The scroll claims that these are the relics of the Lord Buddha.

Next to the main stupa is another stupa with relief-work in stucco plaster dating from the second century AD. These are the earliest Gandharan stucco relief yet found.

Kunala Buddhist Stupa and Monastery : Kunala Stupa is believed to have been built on the spot where Emperor Asoka’s son was blinded. The stupa assumed importance as a pilgrimage for the blind, and today Taxila has one of the best eye hospitals in the country.

Ghai Buddhist Monastery : This is a third or fourth century monastery whose high wall are still standing. The monastery is unusual because the monks' cells surround a square hall with sloping windows instead of an open court.

The Museum : The Taxila Museum is one of the finest museums of Pakistan, which is frequented by scholars and tourists alike. The artifacts on display in the Museum reflect the cultural history and achievements of the people of Taxila or Takshasila as named by the Greeks. There are some seven thousand rare objects, which can be classified into:

• Gandharan sculptures in stone, stucco, and terracotta.
• Gold, silver, and stone jewellery as well as articles of personal ornamentation.
• Inscriptions and other writing material.
• Articles of domestic use, household vessels, and pottery.
• Toilet articles.
• Coins.
• Weapons.
• Tools, implements, and miscellaneous objects.