Bahawalpur – The Top 10 Places to Visit

Bahawalpur is one of the historic cities of Pakistan. Previously the city used to be the capital of the princely state of Bahawalpur. Today it is a modern and metropolitan that attracts many visitors who come to see its historic Royal Palaces and Forts. We are listing down the top 10 must see places in Bahawalpur city and around it. You would be surpried to learn about Hitorical facts of Bahwalpur.

Noor Mahal

Noor Mahal

Noor Mahal is located inside the Bahawalpur city. Built by the Nawab for his wife in 1872. Consisting of numerous rooms, verandas, halls and domes. The design was inspired by the then – modern Italian architecture. Incorporating sub continent style to build an amazing Palace. Many of the materials was imported from England and Italy. The graceful Palace is lavish and stunning. 

Darbar Mahal

Darbar Mahal

Darbar Mahal one of the Palaces in Bahawalpur that is not open to general public. It is a palace complex with mosque and other sructures around the main palace building. It is an infusion of local, Arabic, and European arhetectural styles. Intricate carvings, pillar and stucco work is done. There is an entrance on each side along with jharoka balconies. With special permissions one can visit Darbar Mahal.

Derawar Fort Bahawalpur

Derawar Fort – Bahawalpur

Dearawar Fort was the stronghold of the state. It is build first built in the 9th century by  Rai Jajja Bhati – a Hindu Rajput from Jaisalmir in India’s Rajasthan state. In 1733, the fort was captured by Nawab of Bahawalpur Sadiq Muhammad Khan, who had it rebuilt into the form visible today.

Lal Suhanra National Park

Lal Suhanra National Park -Bahawalpur

Lal Suhanra National Park is one of the largest National Parks, located in Punjab Pakistan. It is UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve. It has unique and diverse landscape which includes deserts, wetland and forest eco-systems. Many wildlife inlcuidng lions are present in the park and many others are bred here.

Gulzar e Sadiq

Gulzar e Sadiq is a park located centrally within the city. The park named after the Nawab of Bahawalpur Sadiq Muhammad Abbasi. Park is situated opposite to Eid Gah. There is lake, children play ground and wide grassy parks attract many people. Children will enjoy this place.

Al-Sadiq Jamia Mosque 

Al Sadiq Jamia Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Pakistan. Its foundation stone was laid by Great Sufi of Chishtia clan more than 200 years ago. It was renovated in 1935. 

Al-Sadiq Jamia Mosque

Central Library Bahawalpur

Founded during the British Raj in 1924 by Vicery of India Sir Sir Rufus Daniel Issacs and Nawaab Sadeq Mohammad Khan V the then ruler of Bahawalpur. The library is the 2nd largest in Punjab, housing around 100,000 books as well as editions of major newspapers from around the time of partition in 1947.The magnificent classical Italian design of the building makes it a must visit places.

Central Library

Bahawalpur Museum

The museum offers great insight into the history of the area around Bahawalpur. It is a history and heritage Museum and is divided into different areas. The Museum holds many pictures and documents from Pakistan Movement, Quranic documents, antiquity and modern art. 

Gulzar Mahal

One of the famous palaces Gulzar Mahal. It was built in the time of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV. Its beautiful architecture contains European influences just like Noor Mahal. Interestingly the Mahal was the first building in Bahawalpur to be equipped with concealed electric wiring, and the system operated using a diesel generator. Gulzar Mahal presents beautiful synthesis of traditional and Islamic architecture. It is not open for public.

Abbasi Mosque

Just outside Derawar fort stands the Abbasi Mosque. It’s white marble makes it seem like an oasis in the Cholistan desert. Built in 1849 the Mosque is an exact replica to Moti Mosque at Red Fort in Delhi. 

Abbasi Mosque

Abbasi Royal Graveyard

The royal graveyard of the Abbasi’s family is situated not far the fort. All Nawabs from royal family are buried here. The graveyard is still owned and controlled by the Nawabs surviving family members. There is one large size rectangular room that contains the graves of all the 12 Nawabs that ruled the Bahawalpur State. The paintworks and architectural beauty make really makes under each dome give an indication of the lavish lifestyles of these kings.

Gates of Bahawalpur

The historic city is home to many historical iconic buildings and monuments. Among its heritage include the seven gates of the old city. Like most ancient cities Bahawalpur was a walled city with gates to various routes leading towards other cities and nearby states. The gates include Bikaneri gate (Fareedi gate), Bohar gate, Multani gate, Ahmedpuri gate, Dirawari gate, Mori gate and Shikarpuri gate.

Fareedi Gate

Among the most famous is the Fareedi gate. Entering through the historic gate you experience the hustle and bustle of the inner workings of the city. The market encompasses everything from food delicacies to shops containing everything items as well as local specialities.

Tomb of Jawindi Uch Sahreef

Althouh Uch Sharif is not with Bahawalpur but it is a must for everyone traveling to Bahawalpur. Located in Uch City which is said to be founded by Alxander the Great, Tomb of Jawindi is one of the five sufi monument. It is one the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is just outside Bahawalpur city – an hour and half drive. The tomb besides the monuments is of Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari it is a short way from the cemetery of Uch worth a visit if anyone is visiting this area. 

Uch Sharif