Tollinton Market Lahore

There are two stories to tell about Tollinton Market in Lahore — and both are worth knowing. The first is the story of a magnificent Victorian-era exhibition hall built in 1864 that became a beloved general market before being lovingly restored as a heritage museum. The second is the story of its famous birds and pets market, which relocated to its current site near Jail Road and Ferozepur Road, and continues to draw thousands of Lahore's pet lovers, bird enthusiasts, and fresh food buyers every week.

This complete guide covers both: the Tollinton Market Lahore history, the original building's remarkable journey, the current New Tollinton Market on Jail Road Lahore's most famous birds market and pet market — timings, location, map, direction from Ichhra, shops, contact numbers, and the PKR 190 million LDA upgradation that transformed it in 2025.

Two Tollinton Markets - Understanding the Difference

If you search for Tollinton Market in Lahore, you will encounter two distinct entities that share a name and a history:

This guide covers both beginning with the historic original, then providing the complete practical guide to the current operating market on Jail Road.

Tollinton Market Lahore History - From 1864 Exhibition Hall to Today

The 1864 Punjab Exhibition Hall

The story of Tollinton Market begins not with commerce but with a grand cultural event. On January 20, 1864, the Punjab Exhibition of Arts and Industry was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Robert Montgomery in a purpose-built exhibition hall on The Mall Road, Lahore. A temporary building was hastily erected on The Mall to display the vast number of exhibits received from all over the province.

The exhibition was a landmark event in British India's Punjab. The Exhibition Committee selected four categories for prizes: raw produce, manufacturers, machinery, and fine arts. The last category included photographs, specimens of written characters, paintings on ivory, modern paintings, and engravings. Manufactured goods and handicrafts from across the province and the rest of India were put on display, including manuscripts, calligraphy, artworks, jewellery, dresses, shawls and pashminas, carpets, weapons including jewelled scabbards, hand-woven fabrics from Multan, Batala, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Bhera, articles made from steel, silver and leather. Even the great gun Zamzama the famous cannon that now stands outside Lahore Museum was displayed there.

When the Exhibition closed in April 1864, it was generally felt that the more important exhibits should be retained in Lahore for permanent display. The building was subsequently used to house the Punjab Museum collection the beginnings of what would become the great Lahore Museum next door.

Sir Ganga Ram's Remodelling - "Tollinton Market"

After the museum collection was transferred to the dedicated Lahore Museum building, the 1864 Exhibition Hall was handed over to the Lahore Municipal Committee. In the 1920s, the building was remodelled as a market by the renowned municipal engineer Rai Bahadur Sir Ganga Ram — one of colonial Lahore's most celebrated builder-philanthropists.

The market was named Tollinton Market after H.P. Tollinton, Secretary of the Punjab Government. The beautiful building built on a bungalow design with wooden verandahs, sloping roof, and dormer windows became one of Lahore's most beloved institutions for decades. For generations of Lahoris, this was the monthly shopping destination: a place for daily provisions, household essentials, and the famous pet and birds market that made the name "Tollinton" synonymous with animals in the city.

One visitor's TripAdvisor review perfectly captures the emotional weight of this place: "I remember that my aunt used to get us freshly made burgers from the kiosk in the main hall. This was also the famous pet market of the city so it really fascinated me."

The Heritage Battle - Saving Tollinton Market

In more recent decades, when the Tollinton Market building fell into disrepair, rumours emerged that land developers sought to demolish the historic structure to build a commercial plaza. Citizens of Lahore mounted a significant protest against this, recognising the irreplaceable heritage value of the 1864 building.

The citizens won. Not only was Tollinton Market saved from demolition it was restored and converted into the elegant exhibition halls of the Lahore City Heritage Museum, displaying the pictorial and cultural history of the city. The beautifully restored building now stands adjacent to Lahore Museum on Mall Road as one of the most significant heritage structures in the city.

The Market Moves to Jail Road

As the original Mall Road building was restored for heritage use, the active commercial market particularly the famous birds, pets, poultry, and meat section relocated to its current site near the intersection of Jail Road and Ferozepur Road in the Shadman area. This current market inherited the Tollinton Market name and continues as Lahore's most well-known destination for buying and selling birds, pets, fresh poultry, and meat.

New Tollinton Market Lahore - The 2025 Upgraded Market

In 2025, New Tollinton Market on Jail Road underwent a complete transformation. The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) completed a comprehensive PKR 190 million upgradation and rehabilitation project turning what was described as "Lahore's formerly dirtiest spot" into a significantly improved commercial facility.

What the PKR 190 Million LDA Upgrade Included

• Complete facade redesign — a new and beautiful front elevation with standardised signage and colour-coded shop designs

• Waste disposal system — separate bins for organic and inorganic waste, plus garbage chutes for solid waste management

• Electricity system — complete upgrade by LESCO (Lahore Electric Supply Company)

• Internal fiberglass shades replaced to improve lighting and ventilation

• Shop floors reconstructed for better hygiene and durability

• Model shops created as templates for shopkeepers to replicate

• Slaughter regulation — slaughtering of chickens stopped at non-designated areas, centralised to specific hygienic zones

• Punjab Food Authority coordination for safe and hygienic foodstuff handling

LDA Director General Tahir Farooq confirmed the commitment to sustainability, maintenance, and cleanliness going forward. Lahore Conservation Society President Ajaz Anwar, an eminent historian, praised the upgraded facade and cleaner environment.

New Tollinton Market Lahore Location

Address

Tollinton Market Road, Shadman 1, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Near: Intersection of Jail Road and Ferozepur Road

GPS Coordinates: 31.5350°N, 74.3190°E

Tollinton Market Lahore Map

For the Tollinton Market Lahore map, search "New Tollinton Market Lahore" or "Tollinton Market Jail Road Lahore" on Google Maps. The market is near the Shadman Chowk area at the Jail Road / Ferozepur Road junction.

The history behind the relocation from Mall Road: Tollinton Market used to be behind the museum on Mall Road, but was later transferred to Jail Road at the edge of an open drainage channel with the idea of making waste disposal easier. Despite various controversies and legal proceedings about further relocation, the market has remained in its current Jail Road location.

Tollinton Market Lahore Direction - How to Get There

Directions to New Tollinton Market (Jail Road)

From Ichhra Bazaar (Ichhra to Tollinton Market): From Ichhra, take Ferozepur Road heading towards Shadman/Jail Road. Proceed towards the Shadman area — Tollinton Market is near the Jail Road and Ferozepur Road intersection. Estimated drive: 10–15 minutes. Ask any rickshaw driver for "Tollinton Market Jail Road" or "New Tollinton Market Shadman" — all local drivers know it well.

From Liberty Market / Gulberg: Head towards Jail Road from the Gulberg area. Tollinton Market is accessible from Jail Road heading towards Ferozepur Road. Estimated 10–15 minutes.

From Anarkali / Mall Road: Head towards Shadman via Abbot Road or Lower Mall. Connect to Jail Road. Estimated 15–20 minutes.

From Model Town: Head towards Ferozepur Road and proceed towards the Shadman / Jail Road junction. Estimated 15–20 minutes.

From Lahore Railway Station: Head via Lower Mall towards Shadman. Estimated 15–20 minutes.

By Ride-Hailing: Search "Tollinton Market Lahore" or "New Tollinton Market Shadman" on Careem, Uber, or InDrive.

Parking: Parking near Tollinton Market is limited. The market's narrow approach roads mean arriving on a motorcycle or by rickshaw/ride-hailing is significantly more convenient than driving a car.

Tollinton Market Lahore Timings

Tollinton Market opening time: Approximately 8:00–9:00 AM daily. Tollinton Market closing time: Approximately 8:00–9:00 PM daily.

Best time to visit:

• Early morning (8–11 AM): Birds and pets are freshest and most energetic. Vendors are receptive to negotiation early in the day, often offering first-sale discounts.

• Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): Highest footfall and widest selection the market is most vibrant with the largest variety of birds and pets on display.

• Avoid midday in summer: The heat combined with the market's humidity and odours makes midday visits uncomfortable.

Tollinton Market Birds - What's Available

Tollinton Market Lahore birds is the section that gives the market its greatest fame. It is Lahore's most concentrated destination for buying and selling all types of birds from common domestic varieties to rare exotic species:

Birds Available at Tollinton Market Lahore

Pet Birds:

• Parrots — Multiple species including Alexandrine parakeets, ringneck parakeets, cockatoos

• Love Birds (Lovebirds) — Multiple colour mutations; Love Birds Spot (contact: +92-42-37569583) is one of the well-known vendors

• Budgerigars (Budgies/Parakeets) — Widely available in numerous colour varieties

• Cockatiels — Various mutations including lutino, albino, pied, grey

• Finches — Zebra finches, Gouldian finches, and other species

• Canaries — Different breeds for singing and colour

Poultry & Farmyard Birds:

• Chickens — Live desi chickens, broiler chickens, country hens

• Ducks — Multiple varieties

• Pigeons (Kabootar) — Multiple breeds — Shirazi, Lahori, tumbler pigeons, and decorative breeds

• Peacocks — Occasionally available

• Quail (Bater) — For keeping and for meat

Wild & Exotic Birds: Various exotic and rare bird species are periodically available in the market, though buyers should be aware of wildlife protection laws when considering such purchases.

Important Note for Bird Buyers

Visitor reviews consistently warn: examine carefully while buying. Common issues reported include misrepresentation of bird species, age, or colour mutations (e.g. being sold red-eye cockatiels as black-eye variants). Inspecting the bird thoroughly, preferably with an experienced bird keeper, before completing any purchase is strongly recommended. Ask to handle the bird before buying.

Tollinton Pet Market Lahore - Animals Available

Beyond birds, Tollinton pet market Lahore is the city's most accessible destination for buying and selling all types of pets:

Pets Available

Pet Accessories & Services

A key part of the Tollinton pet market is the accessories and services ecosystem:

• Cages — for birds and small animals, all sizes

• Pet food — bird seed, cat food, dog food

• Collars and leashes — leather collars for dogs, cat accessories

• Nail trimmers — for cats and dogs (noted by visitors as available at around PKR 300)

• Vaccination services — dog vaccines, cat vaccines, hexavalent vaccines available from market vendors

• Pet bells and accessories — cat bells and general pet accessories

Tollinton Market Shops - Meat & Poultry

Beyond birds and pets, Tollinton Market is also Lahore's most well-known wholesale chicken and fresh meat market. This is the primary commercial function that has made the market an essential daily destination for butchers, restaurants, and household buyers:

Fresh Meat & Poultry

• Live chickens — available for selection and on-site slaughter

• Chicken cuts — boneless, wings, thighs, drumsticks, whole birds

• Branded packaged chicken — some packaged meat brands also available

• Beef (Gosht) — fresh beef at wholesale prices

• Mutton — fresh mutton at better-than-retail prices

• Fish — fresh fish vendors throughout the market

• Frozen meat — frozen chicken and meat available

For bulk commercial buyers, restaurants, caterers, and food businesses, Tollinton Market is the best option for fresh chicken in Lahore. Prices are consistently lower than retail butchers and supermarkets.

Post-LDA Upgrade Improvements

Following the 2025 LDA upgradation, the slaughtering of chickens has been moved to designated hygienic areas no longer at non-designated spots throughout the market. This represents a significant hygiene improvement alongside the new waste disposal infrastructure.

Tollinton Market Lahore Contact Number

The Tollinton Market Lahore phone number +92-323-8411555 is the general enquiry contact for the New Tollinton Market. For specific shops, most vendors are available in person at the market individual shop contact numbers vary and change regularly.

Visitor Tips for Tollinton Market

Wear closed shoes never slippers or sandals. The market floors, especially in the poultry and meat sections, have water, waste, and organic material on the ground at all times. Proper footwear is essential.

Bring a face mask. The combination of live birds, poultry, meat, and fish creates strong odours throughout the market. Multiple visitor reviews specifically recommend carrying a mask before entering.

Visit early for the best birds. The freshest stock and most energetic animals are visible in the morning. Early visitors also benefit from first-sale pricing from vendors.

Bring an expert if buying pets. The market has a known history of misrepresentation regarding animal breeds, age, and condition. Bringing someone experienced with the specific animal you want to buy is strongly recommended.

Bargaining is expected and customary. Prices quoted initially are typically starting points for negotiation. Polite but firm bargaining is both acceptable and expected throughout the market.

The meat section offers genuine wholesale prices. For bulk chicken purchases, Tollinton Market offers better prices than retail butchers or supermarkets, a consistently cited advantage for commercial and household buyers.

The Original Tollinton Market Building (Mall Road) - Now Lahore City Heritage Museum

For those interested in history rather than commerce, the original Tollinton Market building on Mall Road is a destination of genuine significance.

Located east of the Lahore Museum on The Mall, the restored 1864 Victorian structure is now the Lahore City Heritage Museum. The building's distinctive architecture bungalow design with wooden verandahs, sloping roof, and dormer windows has been carefully restored. The museum displays a pictorial and cultural history of Lahore through photographs, artwork, and artefacts.

The building is surrounded by some of Lahore's most historically significant institutions: the Lahore Museum, the National College of Arts (NCA), the University of the Punjab, Anarkali Bazaar, and the grave of Qutub ud Din Aibak. A visit to the heritage museum pairs naturally with the Lahore Museum next door together representing one of the finest heritage walks available in the city.

For heritage visitors, the original Tollinton Market building is worth visiting as much for its architecture and restored interior as for its museum collection.

What Visitors Say About New Tollinton Market

What they appreciate:

• "Very nice place for buying birds and animals including parrots, dogs, cats, chickens, sparrows, ducks, rabbits and other species — if someone does not want to buy anything, even then one must visit this place once"

• "All types of birds and their food available here, and wholesale meat of chicken, its old and biggest market of chicken meat"

• "Suitable for fresh chicken and beef meat at reasonable prices, and also purchase and sale of parrots and other birds"

• "Prices of pets and birds are a bit high but if you have bargaining skill, you can pick your choice with less money"

• "I brought some birds at cheaper prices than other places in the market"

What to be aware of:

• The smell of the market particularly near the poultry and meat sections is strong. A face mask is universally recommended

• The ground in wet sections is muddy and wet — closed shoes essential

• Quality and honesty of vendors varies widely — inspect carefully before buying

• Parking is challenging — arriving by motorcycle or ride-hailing is advisable

• Post-LDA upgrade (2025) has improved hygiene and infrastructure, but the active, raw nature of a live animal market remains

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Tollinton Market located in Lahore?
A: The current New Tollinton Market (birds, pets, meat) is near Jail Road and Ferozepur Road, Shadman area. For the Tollinton Market Lahore map, search "New Tollinton Market Lahore" on Google Maps.

Q: What are Tollinton Market timings?
A: Opening time approximately 8:00–9:00 AM. Closing time approximately 8:00–9:00 PM. Best time to visit is early morning.

Q: What is the Tollinton Market Lahore contact number?
A: +92-323-8411555. For Love Birds Spot within the market: +92-42-37569583.

Q: What birds are sold at Tollinton Market Lahore?
A: Parrots, love birds, budgerigars, cockatiels, finches, canaries, pigeons, ducks, peacocks, quail, and many other species.

Q: How do I get from Ichhra to Tollinton Market?
A: From Ichhra, take Ferozepur Road towards Shadman and Jail Road. Tollinton Market is near the Jail Road and Ferozepur Road intersection. Estimated 10–15 minutes by car or rickshaw.

Q: Is the original Tollinton Market building still standing?
A: Yes — the original 1864 building on Mall Road (next to Lahore Museum) has been beautifully restored as the Lahore City Heritage Museum. The active commercial market relocated to Jail Road.

Q: Why is the new Tollinton Market near Jail Road?
A: The market relocated from its original Mall Road location to its current Jail Road / Ferozepur Road site to accommodate the commercial operations of the poultry, meat, and animal trade with easier waste disposal access. The original building was preserved as a heritage site.

Commercial Property Near Tollinton Market Lahore

The Jail Road / Ferozepur Road corridor near Tollinton Market is one of Lahore's most active commercial zones benefiting from the market's consistent daily footfall from wholesale buyers, individual shoppers, and pet enthusiasts from across the city.

Following the PKR 190 million LDA upgradation completed in 2025, the market's commercial appeal and property values in the surrounding area are expected to strengthen as cleaner, more organised trading attracts higher-quality businesses to the vicinity.

For investors and business owners looking for commercial property near Tollinton Market on Jail Road or in the Shadman area, Property Dealer connects you with verified listings and registered property dealers in this corridor.

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