Manora Island facts for kids
Manora or Manoro (which means "island" in Urdu) is a small island located just south of the Port of Karachi in Sindh, Pakistan. It covers an area of about 2.5 square kilometers (1 square mile).
This island is connected to the mainland by a 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) long road called the "Sandspit". Manora and other nearby islands act like a protective wall. They separate Karachi's busy harbor to the north from the wide Arabian Sea to the south.
On the western side of the harbor, you can find important mangrove forests. These forests are home to many different kinds of animals and plants, some of which are endangered. To the east of Manora are Karachi Bay and the popular beach towns of Kiamari and Clifton.
Manora is also famous for its tall lighthouse, called the Manora Point Lighthouse. It stands 38 meters (125 feet) high and is the fourth tallest lighthouse in Pakistan.
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History of Manora Island
Manora has been an important place for a very long time. In 326 BC, a famous Greek general named Nearchus sailed to Manora. He was part of Alexander the Great's army. Nearchus wrote about a natural harbor at Manora, which was a safe place for ships.
Later, in 1797, the British took control of Manora. They built a small fort there to protect the harbor. This fort was important for defending the city of Karachi.
Manora's Role in History
In 1839, the British captured Karachi. They used Manora as a key military base. The old fort was replaced by a new lighthouse in 1889. This lighthouse helped guide ships safely into the harbor.
Manora became a very important naval base for the British. They built a pier, a railway line, and even a church on the island. These additions made Manora a busy and strategic location.
Manora Today
Today, Manora is still a very important place for Pakistan. It serves as a major naval base for the Pakistan Navy. This means it's a key location for protecting the country's coast.
The island is also home to several interesting landmarks. You can find the historic St. Paul's Church, which was built in 1865. There's also the ancient Shri Varun Dev Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to the sea god Varuna.
Life on Manora
Even though it's a military base, Manora is also a place where people live. There's a small fishing village on the island. The people there often rely on the sea for their livelihood.
Manora is also becoming a popular spot for tourists. People visit to see the lighthouse, enjoy the beaches, and explore the historical sites. It's a unique blend of military importance, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
Images for kids
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Manora harbor- view from lighthouse
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Manora Fort
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Manora beach- view from lighthouse
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Manora beach
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Manora cliffs
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St Pauls Church
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Varun Dev Temple
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Varun Dev Temple
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Map from 1911
