Location: Bahawalpur
Top Things to do in Bahawalpur
Top Restaurants in Bahawalpur
Countries
10 Things to Do in Bahawalpur That You Shouldn't Miss
Bahawalpur (Urdu: بہاولپُور ; Punjabi, بہاولپور), is a city located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Bahawalpur is the 12th largest city in Pakistan with an estimated population of 798,509. Bahawalpur forms part of the region of southern Punjab - a distinct region historically influenced the ancient cultural centres of Multan and Uch Sharif.
Restaurants in Bahawalpur
1. Darbar Mahal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By flyfisher66 - Islamabad, Pakistan
Darbar Mahal is a very historic palace in Bahawalpur that is absolutely grand and majestic in appearance. Constructed in 1904 by Nawab Bahawal Khan V, this majestic palace has great architectural beauty.
The palace is located inside a huge compound that consists of Darbar Mahal (the biggest and most prominent of all), Nishat Mahal, Farrukh Mahal, Baradary and Royal Mosque. All these building are surrounded by huge lawns and orchards.
The area currently is under use of Pak Army who pay rent to Nawab family for using these buildings. Unlike Sadiqgarh Palace that has been ravaged and ransacked over the years, these properties being under use of Army are very well maintained. One can clearly see that Army has done a great job in restoring these building to their original greatness.
However, the flipside of this arrangement is that these architectural wonders are not open to the public and visitors need to get permission from Army to enter the premises. A visit can however be arranged after coordination with the Army authorities. After the coordination has been done with Army, the entry is free and there are no fees to paid anywhere.
When in Bahawalpur, a visit to these palaces is a must and one must try to find out a contact in Army to coordinate a visit to these fascinating buildings. At night when fully light, these buildings take the visitor to another world and leave a grand impact of their presence. Highly recommended.
2. Derawar Fort
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By flyfisher66 - Islamabad, Pakistan
Derawar Fort is located 100 KM away from Bahawalpur city. It is actually located in Tehsil Yazman of Bahawalpur District. So the address of Derawar Fort Needs correction.
Derawar Fort is located at the start of Greater Cholistan Desert along the banks of old Hakra River that used to flow in this area a long time ago. One can still see the dry bed of Hakra River east of Derawar Fort in the form of a continuous depression moving from North to South.
Derawar Fort was originally constructed by Rai Jajja Bhatti in 9th century AD. In 18th century Nawab of Bahawalpur captured this fort and brought it under their rule. It was lost in 1747 but recaptured in 1804 by Nawab Mubarik Khan of Bahawalpur State. Nawab did a major reconstruction of the fort and what we see inside the fort today was mostly built in the time of Nawab Mubrik Khan.
Derawar Fort is a majestic and iconic site in Cholistan and is visible from a long distance on a clear day. Its walls and bastions still stand with majestic grandeur and tell the stories of its great past.
The fort is however decaying at an alarming speed and seemingly, no one seems to be bothered about it. I first visited this fort in 1988 and since then, I have visited this fort numerous times. The Fort was in a pretty good shape two decades back but the decay in last one decade has been rapid and enormous. Reportedly, the fort is still a private property of heirs of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan V who are numerous and are bitterly fighting since decades for possession. The result is the obvious neglect in maintenance of the fort.
Derawar Fort needs a major restoration work failing which this great desert fort will be lost for ever. Govt of Pakistan needs to pay special attentions towards it's maintenance.
The underground quarters of Nawab are still there though have decayed at many places. One is amazed to see the air circulation system that keep the under ground palace cool like an air conditioned area. An amazing work of art.
Special attention is needed to save and protect this wonderful historical site.
3. Noor Mahal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By WMBandit - Shanghai, China
I saw some photos online and immediately want to visit this Mahal. The start of the day was disappointing - along with my friend, we were placed under police security for our day and they kindly told us that we need special approval from the Army. They tried to help us but in the end we will not allowed in. I wasn't going to wait for 2 hours so we just stood outside the gates and gazed from afar. I'm sure it is beautiful- Pakistan is a beautiful place so no surprise there.
4. Abbasi Mosque
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By flyfisher66 - Islamabad, Pakistan
White marble Abbasi Mosque looks like a pearl in the Wilderness of Cholistan Desert. It is located adjacent to the historical Derawar Fort and was built by the Nawab of Bahawalpur in 1844. It is an exact small replica of Moti Mosque located in Red Fort, Delhi.
The mosque is still in a good shape and has been well maintained by the people of Derawar, unlike the Derawar Fort that is in Shambles now.
Mosque has one large hall and a big courtyard. It can accommodate up to 1000 people, using the court yard. Like Derawar Fort, the minarets of Abbasi Mosque are also visible from a long distance while traveling through Cholistan Desert.
A must see site if one is visiting Derawar Fort.
5. Bahawalpur Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Salman Q
It is a good zoo as far as the number of animals is concerned. However, the overall cleanliness of the zoo is an issue especially the lions enclave is extremely smelly.
6. Bahawalpur Trade Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By tahirfaiz333 - Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Solid option for shopping without basic problems like parking, space and rush, always faced at Circular road and Shahi Bazar. Nice place but need to improve the facilities like food.
7. Lal Suhanra National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By yousaf s - Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia
This is a good park it is 29 KM away from centre of the city. Big grass outfields many trees and flowers plants many swings for children and families many animals and birds also here horse riding and water boats are for attractions. Good sitting area and benches inside park food and drinks also available and a wide car park is also there. Good schools trips and a family picnic point.
8. Ss World Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By yousaf s - Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia
Very very good attraction in the centre of Bahawalpur city. Beautiful covered area with many swings and fun a mono rail is also there only 40 rupees entry ticket but enjoyment is unlimited.
9. Head Panjnad
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Amil M - Lahore, Pakistan
Panjnad is at the confluence of five rivers in Punjab province & the head works is located close to the land where the two rivers Sutlej & Chenab merge. A network of canals is further extended down this head works mostly for irrigation purpose.
Its a very scenic picnic point popular not just among locals but also thronged with tourists from many other cities of Punjab. The head works is popular for its fresh water fish market. They serve the fish grilled or baked over charcoal with spices added to suit your taste. They've basic outdoor Seating or you may take your meal close to the river bed & enjoy your picnic & private moment. There is ample space & they are courteous enough to offer you a mat.
Panjnad head is approximately 80 KM drive from Bahawalpur city. Road is fine & drive very scenic, waving through corn fields, cotton crops & fruit farms on the way. Its more popular during winter season when the climate is favorable.
10. The Abbasi Royal Graveyard
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Dirk W - Mermaid Beach, Australia
After visiting Abbasi Mosque and Derawar Fort, we noticed the Royal Graveyard and were told we could visit, then somehow were refused. I respect the fact that this is a private family graveyard, but the "visit policy" seems to be random (or is it dependent on the right size $$$$ ?). We travel all the way from Australia and appreciate significant sites ; we regret that we were denied a visit.
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