By Ali – Travel Tales by Ali
There are some places that whisper stories when you enter, and Barood Khana Haveli in the heart of Lahore’s Walled City is one of them. But this time, the story wasn’t just about architecture or lost empires — it was about connection.
In a rare and meaningful collaboration, I teamed up with two incredible YouTubers — Manoj from Travelling Mantra India and Zeeshan Hussain from Baalwala Pakistan — to explore one of Lahore’s most intriguing historical gems. It wasn’t just a vlog. It was a celebration of shared culture, heritage, and friendship across borders.
Walking Through Time: The Soul of Barood Khana
Tucked away behind the bustling streets of Taxali Gate, the Barood Khana Haveli stands as a quiet guardian of time. This 18th-century haveli, whose name literally means “Gunpowder House,” was once used for storing ammunition during the Mughal and Sikh eras. Today, it silently showcases faded grandeur — arched wooden doors, thick brick walls, jharokas (balconies), and centuries-old frescoes that have weathered both time and turmoil.
As we entered, the narrow alleys opened up to reveal a courtyard bathed in golden afternoon light. The ambiance felt untouched by modern chaos. Birds fluttered between crumbling balconies, and every brick seemed to echo a forgotten poem.
The Trio: Pakistan Meets India Through Heritage
What made this experience unforgettable was the trio exploring it:
- Ali (me) – representing Travel Tales by Ali, with a love for storytelling, cultural depth, and soulful visuals.
- Manoj – from Travelling Mantra India, a seasoned traveler and content creator who brings heartfelt curiosity and open dialogue to every destination.
- Zeeshan Hussain – the force behind Baalwala, who is deeply rooted in Lahore’s artistic and historical essence.
Our shared respect for history turned into a beautiful harmony. Manoj was fascinated by the Mughal and Sikh layers of the haveli’s past. Zeeshan pointed out the architectural elements unique to Androon Lahore. I, as always, tried to weave it all together through visuals and narration — blending nostalgia with narrative.
Stories Beyond Borders
This vlog wasn’t just about Lahore. It was about unity. Despite political narratives that often divide, here we were — an Indian, two Pakistanis — laughing, learning, and preserving heritage together.
We sat on the rooftop, with the skyline of the Old City in view, sipping chai and sharing stories. It felt like the kind of peaceful exchange our ancestors might’ve had before lines were drawn on maps.
Barood Khana’s silence was broken by our voices — not in disruption, but in revival. Through our cameras and words, we gave the haveli a new chapter. A chapter of friendship.
Why Barood Khana Still Matters
In an age of malls and high-rises, places like Barood Khana remind us of who we were. This haveli isn’t just a building; it’s a layered memory — of empires, resistance, art, and now, perhaps, peace.
And in our visit, it became a symbol of what’s possible when we travel not just to see, but to connect.
Watch the full vlog on [ https://youtu.be/g1vdbKqnE54?si=mXMk1Pstn676WTlq ], [Travelling Mantra], and [Baalwala] YouTube channels.
Let history unite, not divide.