Bahawalpur district is located in the southern part of Punjab, Pakistan. It is bounded on the north by Rahim Yar Khan district, on the east by Bahawalnagar district, on the south by Rajanpur district, and on the west by Dera Ghazi Khan district. Its approximate area is 13,191 square kilometres (5,089 sq mi). The total population was estimated to be 4.64 million in 2017. The city of Bahawalpur is the capital of the district, and is one of the largest cities in Punjab.
Visit the Punjab Bahawalpur District website to learn more about the district. The site has maps and an overview of the district, as well as important information on government services, health and education, transportation and daily life. You can also find links to local tourist attractions, museums, and libraries.
Bahawalpur district is a district located in the southern part of Punjab, Pakistan. It has an area of approximately 8,733 square kilometres, and a population of 3.3 million, according to the 2017 census. The district is home to the cities of Bahawalpur, Chishtian and Yazman. The main source of income for the district is agriculture, with around 63% of the household income derived from farming. Other sources of income include livestock, general trading and various cottage industries.
The district is governed by the Bahawalpur District Council, which is responsible for monitoring and implementing the laws of the district. The district is divided into five tehsils: Bahawalpur, Chishtian, Fort Abbas, Yazman and Khairpur Tamewali.
The district is renowned for its cotton, rice and wheat crops, covered with mango orchards, citrus groves and sandstone quarries. It is also home to the Bahawalpur National Park, a large area of natural beauty, which was declared a National Park in 1974 because of its rich wildlife, diverse landscape and many historical monuments. The park is home to a variety of rare animals, including Indian leopards and wild boars, and houses the world’s largest wild buffalo herd.
Bahawalpur district also boasts of many educational institutions. It has numerous colleges and universities, primary, middle and high schools and vocational training centers. Health care facilities include government and private hospitals, dispensaries, health centers and primary health care units.
The district is also famous for its cultural heritage. It has a rich tradition of music, dance and literature, which reflects the region’s unique identity. Bahawalpur was home to many famous Sufi saints, such as Hazrat Bahawal Haq, Khawaja Sabir Sufi Ali and Syed Zainul Abideen Ali. It is also famous for its colorful festivals and celebrations.
Bahawalpur district is an important commercial link between Lahore and Sindh. It has many economic opportunities, including a vibrant tourism industry, which has seen an increase in the number of visitors. It is a popular destination for domestic and international visitors, due to its rich culture, attractive heritage and diverse wildlife.
The Bahawalpur district is a district in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is located in the south and southeast of the province, along the border with India. Its administrative center is the city of Bahawalpur. The district is bounded by Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur to the northwest, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur to the north and northeast, India to the east and southeast, and Multan and Bahawalnagar to the west. The district has an area of 14,494 square kilometers, making it the 7th largest district of Punjab by area. According to the 2017 Census of Pakistan, the district has a population of 2,622,259, making it the 9th largest district of Punjab by population. The majority of the population are Punjabi, followed by Saraiki, Urdu, and Balochi. The district is home to numerous historical and cultural attractions, including the Fort of Muhammadi; the Jehangir, Feroz and Darbar Mahals; the Noor Mahal and the Bijnot Mosque.
You can go to Bahawalpur district by taking a bus or car from any nearby major city such as Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, or Islamabad. Alternatively, you can also take a train to Bahawalpur.
1. Bahawalpur Museum: The Bahawalpur Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. Established in the year 1947, the museum holds the distinction of being one of the largest museum in Pakistan, housing more than 2000 artifacts from the cultural history of Punjab and its adjoining areas.
2. Derawar Fort: This magnificent fort was originally built in 1733 by Nawab Bahawal Khan. It is the largest fort of Cholistan. The fort is composed of huge forty bastions and stands on the edge of the Cholistan desert. The walls of the fort are connected by each other and they are made of limestone and gypsum as well as mud.
3. Noor Mahal: Also known as Noor Palace, the Noor Mahal is located in Bahawalpur and is built in Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. This grand palace was built in 1872 by Nawab Mohammad Bahawal Khan V and is equipped with beautifully decorated interior and exterior with unique design, and is the only palace of its kind in Pakistan.
4. Lal Sohanra National Park: This park consists out of dry forests, scrubland and some irrigated areas. It is a paradise for bird watchers as it hosts a variety of migratory and local birds. The park also features an abundance of wildlife such as leopard, chinkara, Nilgai, blind Indus River dolphins, wild pigs, and spotted deer.
5. Derawar Mosque: This is a small but well-constructed mosque which is located within the Derawar Fort. It has a rich flavor of Islamic architectural designs and features seven domes with beautifully crafted wrought iron and marble ornamentation. The walls of the mosque are of white marble also having inscriptions of verses of Quran.
There are several museums located in Punjab’s Bahawalpur District. Two of the most notable museums are:
1. Darbar Mahal Museum: Located in the vicinity of the famous Derawar Fort, this museum was established in 1965 by Nawab Sikandar Mubarik Khan. It displays wonderful artifacts belonging to the past rulers, including ancient coins and local dress. The museum also stores rare manuscripts, coins, and weapons.
2. Uch Sharif Museum: Established in 1927, the museum contains an impressive display of items, including pottery, manuscripts, coins, jewelry, and weapons from the Islamic era. The museum also holds the relics of several Sufi saints. The museum has a small library with a collection of books related to history, religion, and philosophy.
Aside from these two, there are also several other museums in the district, such as Cholistan Museum, Bahawalpur Museum, and Bahawalpur National Library.
1. Derawar Fort: The Derawar Fort is one of the most famous and biggest forts of Pakistan. It is situated in the Cholistan Desert near the town of Ahmadpur East, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The Derawar Fort has been a fascinating tourist destination for years.
2. Lal Suhanra National Park: Lal Suhanra National Park is a 1,160-acre nature sanctuary located near the town of Bahawalpur in the Punjab province of Pakistan. This park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the Chinkara, Chital, blackbuck and wild boar.
3. Noor Mahal: Noor Mahal is a 19th century palace built by Raja Karam Singh of Bahawalpur. It is a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can learn about the culture and history of Bahawalpur.
4. Abbasi Mosque: The Abbasi Mosque, built in 1883, is the largest old mosque in Bahawalpur. This mosque is a fine example of Mughal-era architecture and is a popular tourist attraction.
5. Darbar-e-Aalia: The Darbar-e-Aalia is a shrine located in Bahawalpur City dedicated to the Sufi saint, Syed Shabbir Aali. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Muslims and a must-visit for those interested in Sufism.
6. Cholistan Desert: The Cholistan Desert is located in the south-eastern part of the Punjab province. It is a popular destination for desert safaris, camel riding, dune bashing and camping in traditional desert tents.
The archaeology of Punjab’s Bahawalpur district is much varied, ranging from Neolithic sites to religious structures from the times of the Mughal and Sikh empires. The most important sites are the Neolithic and associated sites, which contain pottery and stone tools from c. 7000 to 2000 BC. Other important archaeological sites in the district include several forts, tombs and shrines, some of which are associated with the Mughal and Sikh empires. The ruins at Tasian are an important part of the region’s Buddhist heritage. Many of the tombs and shrines in the district belong to Sufi saints, who were influential in the region during Mughal and Sikh times. Bahawalpur is also home to the ruins of the Bahawalpur State, the erstwhile princely state of the Nawabs.
1. Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally: Every year in January, the Cholistan Desert Jeep rally is held in Bahawalpur. It is one of the biggest and most popular events in the area and draws thousands of spectators and participants from around the world. This event has been running for more than a decade and features hundreds of 4×4 vehicles including buggies, motorbikes, and jeeps as they race across the desert.
2. Urs Ajmer Shareef: This annual religious festival takes place at Ajmer Shareef, an important and historic Sufi Shrine in Cholistan desert. People come from far and wide to attend this festival and enjoy the array of activities that include qawwali and naat performances, kite flying, and shopping.
3. Bahawalpur Royal Mela: This Mela is held every year at Bahawalpur and is known for its wide variety of shopping options. From traditional handicrafts to modern jewellery, the Mela serves as an important celebration of the city’s cultural heritage. Apart from the shopping, there are food stalls, live performances, and cultural programs throughout the day.
4. Spring Festival: Bahawalpur celebrates the arrival of spring with an annual festival. The festival includes traditional music, dancing, and festivities that attract people from all over the province. There are also animal shows, food stalls, and sports competitions. This event is an important part of the local culture and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Punjab’s Bahawalpur district has a long and rich history, and this is reflected in its diverse folk culture. Music and dance are an integral part of the region’s culture, and the principal dances are Seraiki, a form of Classical Punjabi dance that has its origins in the Seraiki Gypsy dance, and Balochi dance which is referred to as Basant or Basantali in the Bahawalpur district. Other genres of folk music that are popular in the Bahawalpur district include Jagran (devotional songs sung in honor of the goddess goddess), Khabhang (a regional style of Punjabi music sung by the Khabang and other minorities), and Darra (a form of Punjabi regional music played on traditional instruments).
On special occasions, such as weddings, people of the Bahawalpur district often exchange gifts such as decorative drums known as dhols, as well as jewelry made up of gold and silver, and other distinguishing pieces of clothing, furniture, and artifacts.
Traditional food is also popular among the people of the Bahawalpur district, and dishes such as nehari (lamb stew), and cholay (a type of curried chickpeas) are widely enjoyed. Certain rituals are also observed in the region, such as teeka, where a string of sacred verses is recited during weddings.
Religion is also an important part of the folk culture in the Bahawalpur district, and many of its residents practice Sufi Islam. Sufism is characterised by music, meditation, and ritual prayer, and local shrines are often visited by the faithful.
Punjab Bahawalpur district is culturally rich and diverse. The region has a strong history, with a large population of religious minorities and other ethnic groups, such as Jats, Nigerians, and Pushtuns. Bahawalpur has been described as an alternate cultural hub to Lahore and has a distinctly different feel than other cities in Punjab.
The region is known for its traditional music, particularly the qawaali and tappa music. Many of these songs are passed down through the generations and reflect the region’s culture and history. They are often sung at weddings, religious festivals and other celebrations.
Bahawalpur is also home to a vibrant folk culture including traditional folk dances, stories and rituals. At weddings, masquerade and folk games are played. Additionally, the region has a vibrant art scene, with many artists, designers and painters coming from the area.
Bahawalpur is one of the few areas in Punjab that still has traditional crafts, such as hand embroidery and pottery, as part of its cultural heritage. Handcrafted jewelry, basketry, and carpets also represent a cultural bond and are still commonly seen in the region.
The region’s culture has been significantly influenced by the Mughal Empire. Mughal architecture is still seen in Bahawalpur and many of the city’s traditional monuments and tombs have been preserved. Additionally, the region has a strong culinary culture, with various traditional dishes, particularly curries and rice, being popular in the region.
The culture of Bahawalpur is a source of great pride for the people of the region. The vibrant, diverse culture is a great representation of the rich heritage that Punjab has to offer.
There are several hotels and accommodation options available in the Bahawalpur district of Punjab. Some of the top options include the Sharif Hotel, Royal Night Inn, City Guest House, Northern Inn Hotel, Haal Hotel, City Pearl Hotel, Jama Lodge, Abida Hotel, and Mubarak Hotel. Most of these hotels provide modern amenities including air-conditioning, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi.
The art of Bahawalpur district is intrinsically linked with its history and culture, often reflecting the region’s deep connection to Sufism and its past rulers. Traditional arts and crafts of Bahawalpur include metalwork, woodwork, stencil works, painting on metal, crochet work, pottery, weaving, and jewelry making.
Metalwork is one of the most noticeable crafts in the district, with intricate pieces embellished with intricate patterns of delicate silver inlay, enamel, and gemstones. Traditional pieces of silver jewelry, including bangles, rings, and necklaces, are widely available in this region.
Woodwork is also widely practiced in Bahawalpur. Common items such as tables, chairs, and chests are adorned with colorful paintings depicting scenes of traditional life and landscapes of the region. Traditional musical instruments such as the tumbi, sarangi, and sarangi are also commonly crafted out of wood.
Painting on metal is another popular form of art in Bahawalpur. Metal plates, trays, and platters feature intricate patterns and bold brushwork, in a range of colors, depicting animals, flowers, and geometric designs. This art form is often referred to as ‘jhal’.
Crochet work is also ubiquitous in Bahawalpur. This art form is known for its intricate motifs and palettes, used to create traditionally inspired items such as tablecloths and shawls.
Pottery is another well-known art form in Bahawalpur. People of this province have been creating traditional pieces of pottery for centuries, featuring unique shapes and designs.
Weaving is another important art form of the region, with local weavers creating shawls and carpets with colorful motifs and elaborate patterns.
Finally, jewelry making is a popular art form in Bahawalpur, with traditional pieces crafted out of gold, silver, and precious stones. These pieces often feature delicate designs, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the region’s artisans.
The Punjab Bahawalpur district travel map is a useful tool that helps to easily identify and navigate major tourist attractions in the region. The map includes detailed road maps, city maps, and tourist attractions such as historical sites, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. The map also provides information on various tourist activities such as bird watching, boating, and golfing. Furthermore, it also provides information on local hotels and restaurants.
Punjab Bahawalpur district tourism activities include visits to the historic Derawar Fort, the historic Noor Mahal, Lal Suhanra National Park, the Cholistan Desert, the Bahawalpur Zoo, and the Bahawalpur Museum. Visitors can also engage in activities such as camel safaris, jeep safaris, camping, horse and camel riding, sightseeing, bird watching, and shopping. There are also a number of religious sites in the district, including Sarkar Peer and the Gurudwara Tur Sahib, as well as numerous shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels.