Hotels, Things to do, Places to visit, Restaurants, Attractions, Car Rental in Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur
A Historical City in the Heart of Punjab Bahawalpur, founded in 1748, was once the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur. Located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, it is one of the country’s historically significant cities. According to the 2017 census, Bahawalpur is the 11th largest city in Pakistan by population, with approximately 762,111 residents.
Bahawalpur is famous for handicrafts and rich history, renowned for its exquisite pottery, carpets, and embroidery. These traditional handicrafts are a significant part of the city’s cultural heritage, and the Punjab government has recognised their importance by establishing a Craft Development Centre, where visitors can order and purchase these authentic crafts. Most of these handicrafts come from the Cholistan region, which is known for its skilled artisans.
Beyond its handicrafts, Bahawalpur is also a notable tourist destination, rich in history and filled with several tourist attractions. The city’s historical significance and cultural treasures make it a must-visit spot for those exploring Pakistan's Punjab province.
BahawalpurSee nearby Hotels 7Review ScorePrice per room per night from PKRs 8000
5Th Avenue Hotel is located in Bahawalpur. Notable landmarks in the area include Noor Mahal and Darbar Mahal, and travelers wishing to experience a bit of culture can try Bahawalpur Museum. Check out
Bahawalpur Cantt, Bahawalpur, Punjab • Show on map
The Noor Mahal is a Pakistan Army-owned palace in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
Noor Mehal, one of Bahawalpur's hidden treasures, is a magnificent palace now serving as a state guesthouse under the Pakistan Army's ownership. It spans an area of 44,600 square feet and includes 32 rooms, with 14 in the basement, 6 verandas, and 5 domes. Completed in 1875 at a cost of Rs. 1.2 million, much of the palace's construction materials and furnishings were imported from England and Italy.
Derawar Fort Rd, Derawar, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan • Show on map
Derawar Fort, located in Ahmadpur East Tehsil, Punjab, is an imposing structure in the heart of the Cholistan Desert.
Originally called Dera Rawal, the fort features massive walls spanning 1,500 meters and towering 30 meters high. Despite its deteriorating state, it remains a significant historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient architecture.
Bahawalpur Palaces, Bahawalpur, Punjab 63100 Pakistan • Show on map
Darbar Mahal is a magnificent palace situated in the city of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, known for its rich history and architectural splendor.
Constructed by Bahawal Khan and originally named Mubarak Mahal, it was completed in 1905 to host courtly events and serve as government offices for the former princely state of Bahawalpur. The palace's architecture is a stunning blend of local, Arabic, and European influences, featuring an intricately designed exterior with carvings, fretwork, and stucco work. Each side of the structure is adorned with grand entranceways and jharokha balconies, while the third floor boasts a Mughal-style chattri roof, complemented by highly-stylized octagonal turrets with Sikh-style domes at each corner. The Darbar Mahal stands as a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Bahawalpur.
Yazman Tehsil, Bahawalpur District, Punjab • Show on map
The Abbasi Mosque, located near Derawar Fort in Yazman Tehsil, within the Cholistan Desert of Bahawalpur District, Punjab, is a stunning architectural masterpiece.
Constructed in 1849 (circa 1222 Hj) under the orders of Nawab Bahawal Khan Abbasi, the mosque is entirely made of marble. Its intricately carved arches, exquisite marble work, elegant calligraphy, and meticulous attention to detail make it comparable to any great Mughal mosque. A standout feature of the mosque is the beautiful marble jharokha located inside the main arch, facing Derawar Fort. The roof of the mosque is adorned with three pearl-like domes. Unlike the deteriorating Derawar Fort, the Abbasi Mosque has been well-maintained by the local community and remains in excellent condition.
CXVP+23F, Lal Suhanra Zoo Rd, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan • Show on map
Lal Suhanra National Park, located in the Bahawalpur District of Punjab, Pakistan, is one of the largest national parks in South Asia.
Spanning 162,568 acres, the park is known for its diverse landscape, which includes desert, forest, and wetland areas. Facilities available at the park include boating, children's gadgets, a canteen, camel riding, grassy lawns, horse riding, a children's park, bamboo huts, and a TDCP Motel. The park is home to various species of animals, including Asiatic wildcats, rabbits, bustards, and deer. In mid-winter, the park’s lake hosts between 10,000 to 30,000 ducks and common coots, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
9MRM+9XH، CMH Chowk، Bahawalpur Cantt, Bahawalpur, Punjab 63100, Pakistan • Show on map
The Bahawalpur Central Library, also known as the Sadiq Reading Library, is a prominent library in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
It was established on 8 March 1924 by Sir Rufus Daniel Issacs during the coronation year of Sadeq Mohammad Khan, with a cost of 100,000 Rupees funded by the Bahawalpur State. This library stands as the second-largest in Punjab and reflects the architectural legacy of the Nawabs. Designed in a unique hybrid Neo-Gothic and Victorian style, the building distinguishes itself with single-foiled arches instead of the multi-foiled ones seen in other royal constructions. A porch wraps around the structure, complemented by an octagonal tower adorned with Jali work on its arches and stylized Victorian scrolls at the base, adding to its grandeur.
Tomb of Javindi Bibi, Javindi Bibi Graveyard, Uch Sharif, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan • Show on map
The Tomb of Bibi Jawindi is among the five monuments in Uch Sharif, Punjab, Pakistan, included on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Dating back to the 15th century, the shrine was built to honor the historical Sufi premier Bibi Jawindi of the Suhrawardiyyah order. The tomb features a striking design with glazed bricks, resting on an octagonal base with turrets at each of its eight corners. Known as one of the most ornate monuments in Uch, its interior and exterior are adorned with Islamic scriptures, carved timber, and blue and white mosaic tiles. The structure’s base tier is elegantly supported by its eight tapering turrets, showcasing exceptional architectural beauty.
Gulzar Mahal, Bahawalpur Palaces, Bahawalpur, Punjab 63100, Pakistan • Show on map
Gulzar Mahal is a palace in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, constructed between 1906 and 1909.
Surrounded by a large garden, it is part of the Bahawalgarh Palace Complex, located near Darbar Mahal, Farrukh Mahal, and Nishat Mahal. Commissioned during the reign of Sadeq Mohammad Khan, the palace was intended as a residence for the women members of the royal household of the former princely state of Bahawalpur, excluding the Queen. Since 1966, the palace has been leased to the armed forces.
9MVM+MX6, bhabhrana main road, Bahawalpur Cantt, bhabhrana, Bahawalpur, Punjab 63100, Pakistan • Show on map
Sadiq Dane High School is a high school located in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
Sadiq Dane High School is also known as Government Boys High School. It is the largest school in Bahawalpur with over 2000 students currently enrolled. It was established by Nawab of Bahawalpur. It was established in 1911. This old and historical and academic institution is attributed in the name of Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi the 5th and the then Governor of Punjab Sir William Dane.
Old City Bahawalpur , Punjab 63100, Pakistan • Show on map
Fareed Gate is a historical landmark of the old city of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. It is one of the seven gates that once surrounded the walled city and is the only gate that still stands today.
Conservation efforts are being undertaken to restore the gate and its surroundings to their former glory.
Fareed Gate is not just a historical site but also a bustling hub of activity. It features a vibrant food street, particularly lively at night, where visitors can enjoy a variety of local delicacies. Additionally, the area offers an array of shops where one can find everyday essentials. Visiting Fareed Gate is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich history and dynamic culture of Bahawalpur.
Tour Packages in Bahawalpur
Nightlife
Darbar Mahal, Noor Mahal is another iconic palace worth visiting in Bahawalpur. The night view of Noor Mahal is particularly breathtaking and adds to the charm of this historical city.
A Historical Gem with Majestic Palaces and Nighttime Attractions Bahawalpur is a city rich in history and offers several tourist attractions that are worth exploring, especially at night. One of the most significant landmarks in the city is Darbar Mahal, a grand and majestic historic palace that stands as a symbol of the city's royal heritage. Located within a vast compound, Darbar Mahal is the largest and most prominent structure, accompanied by Nishat Mahal, Farrukh Mahal, Baradary, and the Royal Mosque. These buildings are surrounded by expansive lawns and orchards, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
The Nawab of Bahawalpur's palace is an excellent spot for history enthusiasts and those interested in seeing well-preserved royal architecture. A visit to these magnificent palaces is highly recommended, and it is suggested to coordinate with an Army contact for a guided tour of these fascinating buildings. At night, when fully illuminated, these palaces transport visitors.
Culture and Heritage
A Rich Historical Destination with Unique Handicrafts Bahawalpur boasts a rich history and is a popular destination for historians and archaeologists. The city is known for its fine traditional handicrafts, including embroidery, cotton, silk, carpets, and delicate ceramics. These crafts reflect the cultural heritage of Bahawalpur and its surrounding regions.
For those looking to purchase authentic Cholistan handicrafts, a visit to the Craft Development Center near Farid Gate in Bahawalpur is a must. Established by the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC), the center offers a wide range of locally-made handicrafts, showcasing the unique craftsmanship of the Cholistan region.
Bahawalpur is a city with a unique cultural blend, home to people from various backgrounds, including those from Cholistan, the Great Bahawalpur State, and Punjab. The city is rich in linguistic diversity, with several local dialects spoken, such as Haryanvi, Bagri, Majhi, and Riyasti. These dialects are a mix of different Punjabi dialects and are spoken in various districts of the region. For example, a large portion of the population in the Cholistan Desert speaks a mix of Punjabi and Rajasthani, which accounts for about 9% of the total population. Additionally, Balochi is spoken by a small minority.
The inhabitants of Bahawalpur, primarily Punjabis, share physical traits with the Punjabis of Rajasthan—they have tall, muscular frames with sharp features. Traditionally, the locals lived in large, round-shaped mud and grass homes, most of which were built on top of sandhills. Many people in Bahawalpur follow a nomadic lifestyle, moving from one place to another based on the availability of weather, food, and water. Their way of life is quite similar to that of rural folk. The principal clans in the region include Chandani, Chachar, Mehr, Lar, and Bohar.
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