Top 10 places you must see in Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur is one of the understated gems of Pakistan’s beauty. A princely state right up to Independence, it boasts some of the grandest architectural wonders, as well as some more unique and ancient ones. It is located right near Cholistan Desert, so there are multiple attractions here that can appeal to everyone.

1. Noor Mahal

Situated close to Canal Road, Noor Mahal is a surprising wonder of architecture in the city. Built to resemble Italian chateaus along neoclassical lines, this palace was made in 1872 on the behest of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan for his wife. It is partially open to the public, and used as a state guesthouse.

2. Derawar Fort

130 kilometres south of Bahawalpur City and situated in close proximity to Shadab Colony, this impressive fort is well worth the drive. It has forty bastions which are visible for miles all around in the Cholistan Desert. It was originally a Rajput fort built in the 9^th Century, and has withstood the tests of time quite well with its five-foot thick walls.

3. Darbar Mahal

Sitting near the edges of Darbar Road, this is one of the many beautiful royal palaces in Bahawalpur. It was commissioned by Bahawal Khan V for his wife and completed in 1905. It has not been open to the public since 1971, but you can still enjoy looking at its gorgeous exterior architecture.

4. Abbassi Mosque

This mosque’s exquisite cupolas and domes were built of the highest quality marble in 1849 by Nawab Bahawal Khan, who was known for his dedication to beautiful architecture in Bahawalpur.

5. Tomb of Bibi Jawindi

While it is not exactly in Bahawalpur, it is nearby in Uch, a city founded by Alexander the Great and famed for its shrines and Sufi culture. It was built in 1493 by an Iranian prince, Dilshad, for Bibi Jawindi, the great-granddaughter of a famous Sufi saint. Despite the damage already done to it, conservation efforts are underway to protect its gorgeous interiors and exteriors.

6. Lal Sohanra National Park

Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, this is one of the largest national parks in South Asia. It has an unbelievably diverse landscape with desert, wetland, and forest ecosystems. It is located 25 kilometres east of Bahawalpur and is spread over an area of 127,480 acres.

7. Central Library

The second-largest library in Punjab, Bahawalpur Central Library is an architectural beauty inspired by Italian designs. It is easily reachable from Goheer Town. It houses an impressive collection of over 100,000 books and even has all the editions of major national newspapers dating back to 1947. It also provides facilities for visually and physically impaired.

8. Gulzar Mahal

This palace has the privilege of being the first building in Bahawalpur to have concealed electrical wiring and was commissioned by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV. Similar to Noor Mahal, its architecture has distinctly European influences and is worth visiting.

9. Sadiq Dane High School

Located near Satellite Town, Sadiq Dane High School – also known as Government Boys High School – is an educational institute which was established in 1911 by the then Nawab of Bahawalpur. Its gorgeous architecture, complete with a clock tower, is still fully functional and over 2000 students are educated here.

10. Farid Gate

Bahawalpur was historically a walled city with seven gates, and Farid Gate is one of the only gates that is still standing. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve it and the surrounding areas to their former glory.

So, check out these places in Bahawalpur you may have never known about before! What do you think? Tell us below in the comments section.