Bahawalpur is a worth visiting place and has a rich history, there are many places to visit in this city that has some tourists attraction. Bahawalpur remained as an independent state even in the era of British Rule in the Subcontinent and merged in Pakistan in 1954. Its historical palaces, forts, and parks everything fascinates you.
Best Places to visit in Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur is the largest district of Punjab in terms of area and there are many tourists attractions are there to visit. But we have carefully chosen the below best places to visit in Bahawalpur.
Noor Mahal
Noor Mahal is an architectural wonder in the city. It was made in 1872 by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV in the honor of his beloved wife. This palace used as a state guest house. It’s also known as the “Palace of light”. The architectural design was inspired by Italian, consisting of many rooms, verandas, halls, and domes. This majestic building looks magnificent when the lights on in the evening.
It remains open for the public and under the control of the Pakistan army. The biggest attraction at Noor Mahal is the incredible sound and light show that also draws a lot of attention from visitors. The show is
wonderful and you will always remember it. It’s usually held on Saturdays and Sundays after sunset at around 5:00-7:00 PM depends on the season.
Gulzar Mahal
There are many palaces in Bahawalpur and each has its example. Gulzar Mahal is also an architectural masterpiece. It was constructed in the time of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV. Gulzar Mahal was the first building to be equipped with hidden power lines. The Palace is surrounded by a large lush green garden that looks like a painting. Its stunning architecture contains European influences just like Noor Mahal.
Darbar Mahal
Darbar Mahal is also one of the most beautiful palaces in Bahawalpur. It was built by Nawab Bahawal Khan V for his wife. It’s an architectural marvel that is a beautiful blend of Mughal, Arabic, and European architecture. The structure of Darbar Mahal is made with red bricks that resemble the Lahore fort. The Palace is also under the control of the Pakistan Army. You have to get special permission in advance to see it. It is not open to the public.
Sadiq Garh Palace
Sadiq Garh palace is a glory of that time. It was established in 1882 by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan V and takes almost ten years for its completion. It is surrounded by a lush green garden with beautiful flowers. It has approximately 120 rooms, two elevators, and a basement where paths leading to nearby palaces. The rooms were decorated according to the customs and traditions of different countries to make foreign visitors feel at home. The total area of the palace is 125 Acres which are considered one of the biggest buildings in the world. It had its power generation, dairy farm, watering plant, zoo, lake, and massive villas in the back.
Derawar Fort
Derawar Fort existing in its original state for centuries. Derawar is one of the very famous forts in Pakistan. This historic Fort is located in Ahmed Pur tehsil of Bahawalpur. A Rajput Hindu ruler constructed it in the 9th century, after that Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan conquered it in the 17th century and rebuilt it with baked bricks. The walls of this fort are 30 meters high. It has forty bastions which are visible for a far all in the Cholistan Desert. The fort is 130 km away from Bahawalpur. Its splendour captures you from afar. Go and explore the biggest historical attraction in the Cholistan Desert.
The famous Abbasi Mosque is also very close to Derawar Fort. If you visit Derawar Fort don’t forget to visit this mosque which looks like a Pearl in the desert.
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Bahawalpur Museum
Bahawalpur museum is a must visiting place and it was established in 1974. The museum is divided into many galleries and every gallery has an interesting thing for viewers. You will find a wide compilation of stamps, coins of the former state, cultural heritage, wood carvings, metal wears, and paintings, artefacts from Mohenjodaro, Cholishtan, and Harappa. Visit to see past things and maximize your knowledge.
Central Library Bahawalpur
Central library Bahawalpur is located next to the museum. You can see it after visiting the museum. This historic building is the identity of the city. Its architecture is similar to the palaces of Bahawalpur. It is the second-largest library in Punjab. The interesting thing about the library is that it also has a children’s section where they can read books of their choice. It has also the main hall and an audiovisual archive section. The library contains more than 10,00,000 books, old newspapers, rare manuscripts, and historic documents.
Bahawalpur Zoo
Bahawalpur zoo was established in 1942 and is spread over a large area. It is a popular place in Bahawalpur, a large number of people come to see it. It is the best place of enjoyment for both elders and children. There is a huge park where many swings, food stalls and several other things for enjoyment so that they can have a good time. There is also a museum with stuffed animals and antiquities are kept.
Lal Sohanra National Park
Lal Sohanra National Park is classified as a National Park by the Govt of Pakistan and the same has been endorsed by UNESCO. It is one of the largest national parks in South Asia. The park located 35 km east of Bahawalpur City. There is a desert on one side of Lal Sohanra National Park and a forest on the other side. It’s covering an area of 162,582 acres. This national park contains forest on around 20,000 acres while lakes and water oasis on 5,000 Acres. Here you can see the variety of wildlife very closely including lions, deer, rhinos, etc. It’s a fun experience and you feel very good after visiting it. There is a beautiful and well-maintained park for children.
A beautiful TDCP resort also here, get advance booking if you are planning to stay. The Resort comprises of 3 acres area and provides many facilities including air-conditioned rooms, Restaurant, a swimming pool, Boating & Fishing, Camping, desert safari, horse riding, Conference Halls, and a Green area Park for accompanying events in the open space. It’s a very good place to stay.
Tomb of Bibi Jawindi
The Tomb of Bibi Jawindi is located in Uch Sharif, Bahawalpur. Uch Sharif is a historical city founded by Alexander the Great. It was built in the 15th century by an Iranian Prince Dilshad for Bibi Jawindi, who was the great-granddaughter of famous Sufi Saint Jahaniyan Jahangasht. This tomb is one of the five Sufi shrines in Uch Sharif which are the tentative list of UNESCO world heritage site. A large number of pilgrims come here in the morning and evening. It is an important architectural site, decorated with blue and white mosaic tiles which enhance its beauty.
SS World Park Bahawalpur
The SS World Park Bahawalpur is complete family entertainment. It is one of the most visiting and famous sites in Bahawalpur. There is a lot of fun to be had here. People say it the Disneyland of Pakistan. The SS World Amusement Park provides full enjoyment that consists of indoor, outdoor games; enjoy boating, bull riding, monorail, different types of swings, and a food court. The park is fully fortified with greenery, a water stream, a waterfall, and other recreational activities.
