ARTICLE: Notable Tourists Attractions In Kaduna State

A BRIEF ABOUT KADUNA STATE

Kaduna Statei is located in north-western Nigeria with the population of about 760,084 as of the 2006 Nigerian census. Rapid urbanisation over the past decade has created an increasingly large population, now estimated to be around 1.3 million.

It was  the capital of the then Northern region, and the North central state after state creation exercise in 1967. The name Kaduna  is  from the Hausa word "kada" which stands for crocodile ("kaduna" being the plural form),The name was given after the river Kaduna that is said to be the  the habitat for many crocodiles. 

The city has grown  into a giant  filled with side attractions for tourists

NOTABLE PLACES IN KADUNA STATE

THE NOK VILAGE

Nok terracotta

The Nok village is famous  and distinguished by an ancient tradition of clay sculptures dated back to way back beyond 2500 years. It is said to be among one of the oldest cultures in black Africa. Kwoi of the Jaba LGA of Kaduna state, where the Nok settlement is found is located at about  190 kilometers from Kaduna passing through  Kachia LGA of the state.

GENERAL HASSAN KASTINA AMUSEMENT PARK

Lugard's foot bridge

This park was esthablished by Lord Fredrick Lugard  after the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, hence one of the oldest park in Nigeria. It serves as a repository for  the famous foot bridge of Lord Luguard  built in 1880 as well as the swimming pool constructed for the training of soldiers during the second world war.

The park is loctated along swimming pool road, near Police College Kaduna.

KAJURU CASTLE

The Kajuru Castle

Kajuru Castle is a luxury villa, built between the years 1981 until opening 1989, in early medieval style at Kajuru village in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Built with metre thick granite stone, it took five years to build complete with turrets, armoury and dungeon, this castle is ersatz Bavarian Castle.

In the castle, there are bedrooms looking like dungeons and several towers with crenulated walls. Beware there are also crocodiles in the moat protecting the castle gates!

Located at about 45 kilometres from Kaduna on the Southern Kachia road is the village of Kajuru

EMIR OF ZAZZAU' PALACE

Emir of Zazzau's Palace

This magnificent edifice was built by traditional Hausa architects many years ago. The palace is one of the many cultural achievements in Zaria that has endured the trials of modernity, Zaria is the seat of the Emir of Zazzau whi is the head of Zaria's Emirate council.

Its about 72km from Kaduna and 272km from Abuja city.

LORD LUGARD HALL

Lord Lugard Hall

The hall was built by Lord Fredrick Lugard in 1914 to serve as a center for conference and meetings in the colonial administration of Norther Nigeria.  It is divided into three sections namely; The Lugard Memorial Chamber otherwise known as the Northern Council of Chiefs, the House of Assembly, and the Assembly Service Commission. It also houses a clinic, kitchen and two dining halls. It currently serves as  Kaduna's legislative assembly building.
Lugard Hall is located at Coronation Crescent, Independence Way, Kaduna, Kaduna.

KADUNA RIVER

The Kaduna river

The city got its name from this river due to it being the habitat for crocodiles. The evening sight-seeing along the river provides a beautiful scenery attractively magnificent and amazing.The Kaduna river is a major tributary located in central Nigeria and is the major source of fishing and also transportation of local produce.

THE MASTRIGA WATERFALLS

Mastriga waterfalls

Matsirga Waterfalls take its source from springs on the Kagoro Hills cascading from four different natural funnels off the sheer rock cliff from about 25 metres to form a large pool at the bottom.

Situated in Madakiya close to Kafanchan, about 227 kilometers south of Kaduna, the water at Matsirga Waterfalls drops 30 meters into a gorge that has been supported by beautiful rocks. The fresh cool breeze around the area has something to offer for tourists.

At the point of impact with the river, the cascading showers of the fall create a rainbow-like mist which appears and disappears mysteriously.

KOFAR GAMJI PARK

Kofar Gamji Amusement Park was the first amusement park built in 1914 in the heart of the Kaduna City. Located along the Shooting Range New Extension, it is indeed the most visited place during celebrations such as Christmas and New Year. Sodiq list some of the features of the amusement park to include wide lawns for relaxation, eateries, a swimming pool, and a terrace for couples who choose to stroll hand in hand. The scenic view of the Kaduna River, which cuts across the park, is a pleasure to behold.  Gamji Gate Park is next to Kabala and is located in Kaduna, Nigeria

AHMADU BELLO STADIUM

The Ahmadu Bello Stadium is also referred to as ABS is a multipurpose stadium in Kaduna city, Kaduna State, Nigeria. It was designed in 1965 by the English architects Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry. As of 2016, it is used mostly for football matches. The stadium has a capacity of 16,000 people.

Ahmadu Bello Stadium is located at Constitution Road, Kabala Costain, Kaduna immediately after the river Kaduna bridge 

These are some of the notable tourist attractions in Kaduna state perhaps if you plan on visiting the  State these are places to checks to make your visit a captivating and memorable one