Bahawalpur 'city of Nawabs' is in Punjab province of Pakistan, offers the best places to visit as it has a large number of historic attractions, landmarks that date back centuries.
The Bahawalpur state emerged through efforts of the Daudpotra tribe of Shikarpur, on the collapse of the Mughal Empire. Bahawalpur means the land of Bahawal, founded by Bahawal Khan in 1748 on the ruins of an earlier settlement.
Bahawalpur Visiting Places
Bahawalpur is an ancient city and this city has seen many civilizations and cultures in different periods which are reflected in the historical buildings here.
In modern times, these historic buildings are a symbol of the past and provide tourists with entertainment as well as a glimpse of the old way of life. Some of the most beautiful and historic tourist attractions are as follows,
- Noor Mahal Bahawalpur
- Gulzar Mahal Bahawalpur
- Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur
- Sadiq Garh Palace Bahawalpur
- Sadiq Public School Bahawalpur
- Central Library Bahawalpur
- The Bahawal Stadium
- Bahawalpur Zoo
- Al-Sadiq Mosque Bahawalpur
- Bahawalpur Museum
Noor Mahal Bahawalpur
Noor Mahal is one of the hidden gems of Bahawalpur constructed by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan the fourth in 1872, who was also known as the Shah Jahan of Bahawalpur for his passion for constructing beautiful buildings.
Mr. Heennan, an Englishman who was the state engineer, designed the building. Most of the place's materials and furniture were imported from England and Italy. The construction of the palace was completed in 1875 at a cost of Rs. 1.2 million.
The design encompasses features of Corinthians and Islamic styles of architecture with a tinge of subcontinental style. The Islamic style is evident in its five domes, whereas the angular elliptical shapes are a stroke of subcontinent style. Nawab Muhammed Bahawal Khan the fifth added a mosque based on the design of the mosque of Atchison College.
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Gulzar Mahal Bahawalpur
In 1904 AD, Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan - V constructed this palace and was completed in 1907. The architectural design is classical consisting of columns, capital pediments parapet walls consisting of blusters.
The ceiling has a mirror mosaic. The palace was used for public functions and as a State Guest House. It was constructed over 34 acres and has a huge wall surrounding it.
Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur
The palace was constructed by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi - V in 1904 and was completed in 1907 AD. It was used for a private and public audience. There are octagonal rooms at the corners having staircases leading up to the roof terrace.
The rooms on the top floor are surrounded by domes inspired by Sikh architecture. This palace was constructed over 75 acres.
Sadiq Garh Palace Bahawalpur
Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan - IV constructed this palace in 1874 AD and it took 10 years to complete with a cost of Rs. 15 lacs (1.5 million).
The palace has eight residential suits for honorable guests which were supported with the drawing, dressing, offices, and attached baths.
The palace on all its four sides has underground and verandahs. The palace is the last glory of the state which was used as a residential headquarters by the last Nawab where the different State Heads visited it from time to time till 1975 AD.
Sadiq Public School Bahawalpur
The earth-breaking ceremony of the school took place in 1950 AD by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan V and regular classes started in 1954 AD. Students of this prestigious institution earned names in all professional fields.
Central Library Bahawalpur
It is housed in a building having fine architectural values. The foundation stone of this building was laid by the then Governor and Viceroy of India Sir Rufius Daniel Isaacs on 8 March 1924 to mark the installation of the late Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V.
The Bahawal Stadium
The Bahawal Stadium is a cricket stadium (ground) locally known as Dring Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium and a covered swimming pool.
It is the first cricket ground in Pakistan which hosted the second Test Match of the Indian Cricket Team in Pakistan in 1954-55, India's inaugural tour of Pakistan.
Bahawalpur Zoo
The Zoo was set up in 1942 AD by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V, and is spread over 25 acres. The Zoo has the Lions breeding center which is supplied to other parts of the country.
It has an interesting collection of more than 200 animals and over 100 birds of tropical areas. It also has an aquarium and Zoological Museum with stuffed rare birds and animals.
Jamia Masjid Al-Sadiq
It was made of white marble with beautiful design work by Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V. It can house 50,000 people at a time for religious activities and prayers.
Bahawalpur Museum
Bahawalpur has a modest museum with a fine collection of coins, medals, postage stamps of the former State of Bahawalpur, manuscripts, documents, inscriptions, wood carvings, historical models, stone carvings, etc.
