6 places you must-visit in Bahawalpur

Usman Siddiqui
4 min readNov 12, 2019

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Bahawalpur was a princely state of the Indian subcontinent. Nawab Bahawal Khan established this state in 1802. The state of Bahawalpur played an essential role in resolving the economic crisis of Pakistan soon after its independence in 1947. Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan V granted seventy million rupees and much more to help Pakistan in its worst times.

Bahawalpur has a very rich architectural legacy. It is a heart of historical heritage and monuments.

1. Cholistan Desert:

Cholistan Desert is the only desert that is found in both Pakistan and India. It is 30 Km away from Bahawalpur. This desert hosts the biggest motorsports event in Pakistan “Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally” that is now renowned internationally. The culture of the people of the Cholistan Desert is very unique and offbeat from other cultures of the world. The scenery of stary sky at night in Cholistan is a sight worth watching.

2. Derawar Fort:

Derawar Fort (first built in 9th Century AD) was rebuilt in 1732. It holds a gigantic and majestic structure in Cholistan. Other forts were connected to Derawar fort through a network of underground tunnels.

This 9th-century human marvel is a must-visit place if you are planning your visit to Bahawalpur.

3. Darbar Mahal:

A night view of Darbar Mahal.

Darbar Mahal is an architectural marvel of the 20th century. Its construction was completed in 1905 and it was dedicated to the wife of the Nawab. The building is made of red bricks and mirrors a little much with Lahore Fort. The gallery is beautified with photographs of old rulers, furniture and swords which belong to the Nawabs of Bahawalpur.

This a great place to visit to have a glimpse of the architecture of Mughlai Forts.

4. Abbasi Mosque:

Made up of white marble, this mosque looks like a pearl in the desert of Cholistan. This mosque was built in 1849. It coincides with Delhi’s Jamia Masjid and Lahore’s Moti Masjid.

View of Abbasi Masjid from Derawar Fort.

So, put Abbasi Masjid on your schedule and pay a visit to this hallmark of architecture.

5. Noor Mahal:

The gem of Bhawalpur is Noor Mahal. Its first impression will make you imagine the glory and majesty of the Muslim rulers. The structure of the building embraces the Corinthian order and with a touch of Islamic style.

The interior of the building is worth watching. There are a lot of elegant possessions of the Nawabs. It includes antique furniture, currency notes, swords, and an old piano which Nawabs used to play. There is also a prison cell in the basement of the Mahal.

6.Lal Suhanra National Park

Lal Suhanra is one of the biggest South Asian Park and is also stated as Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. It includes forest, desert, and wetland ecosystems(pools and lakes.) Over 400 different species of animals are present in the park.

It includes a large number of Blackbucks and other animals such as Deer, Bustard, and endangered species of Snakes, etc.

So, when are you planning to visit this majestic place?

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