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Things to Do in Bahawalpur (2026)
Begin your visit at the majestic Derawar Fort, located about 100 kilometers south of Bahawalpur in the Cholistan Desert. The fort's massive mud-brick walls stretch over 1.5 kiβ¦ π° Start at the Fort
Begin your visit at the majestic Derawar Fort, located about 100 kilometers south of Bahawalpur in the Cholistan Desert. The fort's massive mud-brick walls stretch over 1.5 kilometers and are best seen at sunrise or sunset when the light turns them golden. Entry is free, but you'll need a private car or a hired taxi to get there, as public transport is scarce.
π΄ Stroll the Lal Sohanra
Lal Sohanra National Park, just 36 kilometers east of the city, is a lush oasis in the desert. You can spot deer, nilgai, and even lions in the safari area, or take a peaceful boat ride on the lake. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and entry costs around 50 rupees for locals and 500 rupees for foreigners.
π Admire the Royal Mosque
The Abbasi Mosque, also known as the Royal Mosque, is a stunning example of Mughal and Persian architecture, built in 1849. Its three domes and four minarets are made of white marble and red sandstone, and the courtyard can hold up to 10,000 worshippers. Visit during prayer times to see it in use, or go in the late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos.
ποΈ Explore the Museum
The Bahawalpur Museum, located on Multan Road, houses an impressive collection of art, manuscripts, and archaeological finds from the region. Highlights include the Indus Valley artifacts and the miniature paintings from the princely state era. It's open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and entry is just 20 rupees for students and 50 rupees for adults.
ποΈ Shop at the Bazaar
The Shahi Bazaar, near the old city, is a bustling maze of shops selling everything from embroidered fabrics to traditional handicrafts. Don't miss the famous Bahawalpur khussa shoes, handmade leather footwear that starts at around 500 rupees. Bargaining is expected, so start at half the asking price and work from there.
π½οΈ Taste Local Flavors
For a true taste of Bahawalpur, try the city's signature dish, Sajji, at the popular Sajji Corner on Circular Road. A full chicken sajji costs about 800 rupees and is served with naan and raita. For dessert, head to the historic Noor Mahal Tea House for a cup of chai and their famous sohan halwa, a sweet made from semolina and ghee.
π Catch the Sunset
End your day at the Noor Mahal, a beautiful Italian-style palace built in 1872, now a museum and heritage site. The gardens are open to the public until sunset, and the view of the palace against the orange sky is unforgettable. Entry to the palace is 200 rupees for locals and 500 rupees for foreigners, and it's closed on Mondays.
π Getting Around
Bahawalpur is a compact city, and the easiest way to get around is by rickshaw or taxi, with fares starting at 50 rupees for short trips. For longer journeys, you can hire a private car for the day for about 2,000 rupees. The city is well-connected by train and bus from major cities like Lahore and Multan, with the main railway station on Station Road.
honestly the sajji tip is solid but if you're with a group, skip the tourist spots and head to the roadside stalls near the Circuar Road bridge after 8pm. they do a whole leg piece for like 600 rupees and the chargha there beats anything in the fancy places. ask for the one with extra black pepper, it's got a kick that cuts through the grease perfectly.
also if you're into old buildings, check out the Farooqia Mosque near the bazaar. it's not in any guidebook but the tile work on the facade is stunning, a mix of blue and green that looks way better than the Abbasi Mosque imo. the caretaker will let you in if you ask nicely, no tip needed but a 50 rupee note doesn't hurt. it's a ten minute walk from the museum so easy to squeeze in.
one more thing, the bus from the railway station to the fort is actually not too bad if you're on a budget. it takes forever, like two hours plus, but it drops you at the village right next to the fort and costs like 200 rupees. just don't expect a seat, you'll be standing with the locals and a few goats. worth it for the experience tho.
Totally agree on the museum, it's small but the miniature paintings are worth the whole trip. One thing I'd add though, the chai at the Noor Mahal Tea House is overpriced for what it is, just walk two blocks to any random dhaba and you'll get better karak for a fraction of the cost. The halwa's still worth grabbing there though.
The guide's spot on about Derawar Fort, but if you're going anyway, try to time it with the Cholistan Jeep Rally if you're visiting in February. It's chaos in the best way, camels, dune bashing, and local food stalls everywhere, and the fort becomes a backdrop for the whole event rather than just a standalone stop.
For the bazaar, skip the main Shahi Bazaar entrance and go a block behind it on Kachehri Road. There's a smaller lane where the khussa makers actually work, you can watch them stitch and pick a pair directly from the workshop for around 400 rupees, cheaper than the tourist-facing shops.
One thing the guide missed: the Sadiq Garh Palace, a little further out than Noor Mahal but way less crowded. It's the former nawab's residence and the interior has these incredible frescoes that are crumbling in places, which honestly makes it more atmospheric. You'll need to ask the caretaker to open it, a small tip of 100 or 200 rupees usually does the trick.
3 Days in Bahawalpur: Itinerary 2026
Start your first day in the heart of Bahawalpur, the old city around the historic Chowk Bazaar. Visit the majestic Noor Mahal (open 9 AM to 5 PM, entry Rs. 500) and the adjacentβ¦ πΊοΈ Day 1: Old City
Start your first day in the heart of Bahawalpur, the old city around the historic Chowk Bazaar. Visit the majestic Noor Mahal (open 9 AM to 5 PM, entry Rs. 500) and the adjacent Bahawalpur Museum (open 9 AM to 4 PM, entry Rs. 200). Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling bazaars for local crafts and street food, then catch the sunset at the nearby Farid Gate.
π° Day 2: Dera Nawab
Dedicate your second day to the royal heritage of Dera Nawab Sahib, about 30 minutes south of the city center. Visit the magnificent Derawar Fort, with its 40 bastions, and the royal necropolis of the Abbasi family. The fort is open from sunrise to sunset, and entry is free, but you'll need a local guide for the best stories. Plan to arrive by 9 AM to avoid the midday heat.
π³ Day 3: Lal Suhanra
On your final day, head to Lal Suhanra National Park, about 45 minutes east of Bahawalpur. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers jeep safaris (Rs. 1,500 per vehicle) to spot deer, wild boar, and migratory birds. The park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, and the best wildlife viewing is early morning. After the safari, relax at the park's picnic spots or visit the nearby Cholistan Desert Museum.
π Getting Around
The most convenient way to explore Bahawalpur is by hiring a private car or rickshaw for the day, costing around Rs. 2,000 to 3,000. Public buses and minibuses are cheap but crowded and less frequent. For trips to Dera Nawab and Lal Suhanra, consider booking a taxi through local apps like Careem or Uber, which are available in the city.
π½οΈ Where to Eat
Don't miss the local specialty, Sajji, a spicy roasted chicken or mutton dish, at popular spots like Sajji House on Circular Road. For traditional breakfast, try the halwa puri at Al-Madina Restaurant near the old city. In the evenings, head to the food street at Farid Gate for chaat, gol gappay, and refreshing lassi.
π¨ Where to Stay
For a comfortable stay, consider the Hotel One Bahawalpur on Multan Road, with rooms from Rs. 8,000 per night. If you prefer heritage charm, the Bahawalpur House offers a royal experience with rooms around Rs. 12,000. Budget travelers can find guesthouses near the railway station for as low as Rs. 1,500 per night.
π‘ Practical Tips
Carry cash, as many small shops and eateries don't accept cards. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the shrines in the old city. The best time to visit is from October to March, when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing. Always negotiate rickshaw fares before starting your ride.
solid plan honestly. one thing i'd swap is the bahawalpur museum for the sadiq ghar palace if ur only picking one, it's smaller but way more character, the old furniture and photos tell the family story better. also for sajji, skip sajji house and go to the stalls by the canal near dring stadium, they do it on charcoal till late and the smoky flavor is unbeatable, costs half too.
if ur there on a friday, the farid gate food street gets packed with families after jummah prayers, so go thursday night instead for a calmer vibe. and for lassi, try the one at the corner of shahi bazaar, it's served in a clay cup which keeps it cold, proper old school. also carry a scarf even if ur a guy, the dust off the cholistan can hit u outta nowhere during the jeep safari, i learned that the hard way.
The itinerary looks solid, and I'd echo the recommendation to get to Derawar Fort early. I went last November and by 10:30 AM the heat off the desert was no joke, even though the fort itself is impressive. One thing the guide doesn't mention: the drive out there passes through some small villages where you can pick up fresh dates in season, way better than anything in the city markets.
For food, I'd add Chaman Lal's on Shahi Bazaar for their haleem, it's a local institution and only open until about noon. Also, if you're at Lal Suhanra, don't skip the walk near the lake area after the jeep safari, the bird watching is actually better on foot than from the vehicle. Skip the Cholistan Desert Museum unless you have extra time, it's a bit tired compared to the Bahawalpur Museum.
One practical tip: the rickshaw drivers near the railway station will quote you double for Farid Gate, just walk five minutes down the road and flag one from the main road instead. And yes, cash is essential, I had to skip a great looking stall because they wouldn't take a card.
your day 2 plan is spot on but i'd add a stop at the abbasi mosque on the way back from derawar, it's right off the main road and the blue tile work is stunning, most tourists blow past it. also the fort's outer wall looks best in the late afternoon light, so if u can stretch the timing, hang around till 4 pm instead of rushing back.
for the old city, don't miss the haveli on mohalla shahi bazaar with the carved wooden balconies, it's not marked but any shopkeeper will point u to it. and honestly the best thing i ate in bahawalpur wasn't sajji, it was the dahi bhalla at the corner stall opposite the clock tower, they've been running it for decades and the tamarind chutney is unreal.
one thing the guide skips: the train station itself is worth a look, it's a british era building with these huge fans and old ticket booths, and the platform chai is surprisingly good. also if u're there on a sunday morning, the lakeside walk at lal suhanra is packed with locals doing family picnics, so the safari might feel less wild, go on a weekday instead.