Bahawalpur, a city located in Punjab, is the capital of the Bahawalpur District and Division. With regard to its population, it is the 10th largest city with a population of over 1.4 million people otherwise it is the 13th largest city in Pakistan. Located on the River Sutlej, it attracts a great number of tourists every year. However, tourists always in need to know the top 10 places to visit in Bahawalpur. This guide will help you through it.
Top 10 places to visit in Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur is well-known because of its historical sites, like the Bahawalpur museum, the Darbar Mahal and the educational institutions, which include the Islamic University of Bahawalpur. The city is known for its cultural heritage which is full of traditional festivals and fairs that are held throughout the year and the agricultural contributions that come from here. In this article, you will see the top 10 places to visit in Bahawalpur.
1. Derawar Fort
Built-in the 9th century, Derawar Fort is a large square fortress located in Bahawalpur. A Hindu Rajput namely Rai Jajja Bhatti built it however, it was then taken over by the Muslim Nawabs of Bahawalpur. The massive walls of the fort make it stand out from the rest. These walls are lined with battlements and stand 30 meters tall. There are 30 bastions in the fort. Each bastion is named after the Amir of the Bahawalpur state. It is a great tourist destination and is open to visitors.
2. Noor Mahal
Built-in 1872, the Noor Mahal is a fine example of Italian architectural work. It was built for the residence of the wife of Nawab Bahawal Khan V, The Begum of Bahawalpur. This palace is known for its huge and beautiful fountains and gardens and the marble work and the intricate carvings further enhance its beauty. It was recently converted into a hotel and is open for tourists to visit.
3. Uch Sharif
A small town located in Bahawalpur, which is rich in historical sites is known as Uch Sharif. It consists of several tombs and shrines that date back to the 15th century. The town is also rich in traditional architecture, including intricate carvings and ornate tile work. It is not only considered one of Pakistan’s most important historical sites but is also a popular tourist destination.
4. Central Library
Established in 1964, The Central Library is known for its vast collection and variety of books that serve as great resource material for researchers and students. It has a huge quantity of quality books, journals, newspapers and various types of material for different subjects. Now the library is also providing services like photocopying, reference assistance and internet access.
5. Farid Gate
Farid Gate was built in the 19th century and was named after the famous and well-known Sufi saint of that time; Hazrat Farid Shakarganj. The gate is popular because of its architectural design that blends Islamic influences with Indian ones. The calligraphy and intricate tile work further influence the beauty of this gate. It is another important historical site and tourist destination.
6. Royal Graveyard
A cemetery located in Bahawalpur known as the Royal Graveyard is the final resting place of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur and their loved ones. These Nawabs have ruled the princely state of Bahawalpur for about a century. The blend of Islamic and Indian architecture makes this graveyard even more attractive. It is also open to tourists and visitors.
7. Cholistan Desert
It is a large desert in Bahawalpur that is also known as Rohi. It covers an area of around 26,000 square kilometres. Cholistan Dessert is known for the unique ecosystem that it serves and is home to a wide range of plants and animals. Various tombs and forts are included in the desert, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. For adventurous tourists, this desert is the best place to visit because of the camel treks and the desert safaris.
8. SS World Family Park
It is popular because of the large number of recreational facilities like playgrounds, a lake and several gardens. It is a great place for families and provides a safe environment for all to relax and enjoy.
9. Tomb of Bibi Jawindi
The Tomb of Bibi Jawindi was built in the 16th century. Located in Uch Sharif it’s one of the most iconic historical monuments not only in Bahawalpur but all of Pakistan. As mentioned above, Uch Sharif is a town in Bahawalpur. Bibi Jawindi was a Sufi saint and a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The calligraphy and tile work is an amazing works of art. Furthermore, it is one of the most important historical sites in the region without a doubt.
10. Bahawalpur Museum
The Bahawalpur Museum was developed in 1957. It is known for its collection of historical objects and artefacts that it has. It also has a lot of books, journals, and newspapers and is open to tourists and visitors.
