ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has reopened its motel at Balakot (NWFP) which had been destroyed by the devastating earthquake in 2005.

“The motel is ideally located and suitably serves as a transit and tourist information centre in the region,” said a press release issued here on Friday. PTDC’s restaurant offers good quality food and beverage. The need for a respectable eating place in the area had been felt after the earthquake.

Kaghan valley has long been one of the most popular destinations for all types of tourists. Famous for its sparkling lakes, including legendary Saiful Muluk lake and the verdant meadows, the valley offers a cool holiday away from the morbid monotony of daily routine, it said.

Balakot, the gateway to Kaghan valley lies on the bank of River Kunhar and serves as a market for the surrounding villages. With its moderate climate, Balakot is famous for the shrines of renowned martyrs Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Shah Ismail Shaheed Brailvi.