Things To Do
in Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur is a historic city in southern Punjab, renowned for its royal heritage and desert landscapes. It sits at the edge of the Cholistan Desert, offering dramatic forts, elegant palaces, and wide-open skies. The city blends grand architecture with bustling markets and warm hospitality.
Visitors can savor Bahawalpur's iconic Sohan Halwa, explore centuries-old mosques and museums, and use it as a gateway to the Cholistan frontier.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up early and travel to the vast Cholistan Desert plains to witness the sun casting a golden glow on Derawar Fort’s imposing sandstone walls. Enjoy a steaming cup of chai as the desert breeze whispers ancient tales through the ramparts. Capture panoramic photos that highlight the fort’s massive bastions against a clear blue sky.
Join a local guide for an immersive tour of the fort’s interior chambers, discovering hidden passageways and centuries-old inscriptions. Sample traditional snacks from a nearby stall while learning about the fort’s strategic significance in regional history. Wander along the crumbling ramparts and imagine the footsteps of former rulers surveying their realm.
Return at sunset to watch the warm hues reflect off the fort’s walls as the desert sky transforms into a fiery tapestry. Share stories around a bonfire with Bedouin guides, accompanied by soulful folk music. As night deepens, gaze up at a star-studded sky far from city lights.
Start your day with breakfast in a lush palace courtyard, savoring freshly baked parathas and sweet lassi. Stroll through ornate halls adorned with crystal chandeliers and European-inspired frescoes. Photograph intricate woodwork and marble columns that glow in the soft morning light.
Explore the palace’s museum to admire royal memorabilia, vintage photographs, and period furniture. Listen to a local historian recount stories of Nawab Sadiq Ibrahim’s lavish lifestyle and cultural patronage. Wander into the garden pavilion where peacocks roam freely among manicured hedges.
Attend a classical music recital in the palace’s grand hall, illuminated by flickering oil lamps. Savor a traditional dinner on the terrace, sampling rich biryani and aromatic kebabs. End the evening under twinkling fairy lights while enjoying a performance of local Dholak rhythms.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🚕Taxi (1 km) | $0.30-0.70 |
| 🛏️Hostel dorm bed | $6-12 |
| ☕Cappuccino | $1-2 |
| 🎟️Movie ticket | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich heritage and architectural landmarks
- Warm hospitality and approachable locals
- Gateway to the Cholistan Desert and Derawar Fort
- Limited nightlife and modern tourist amenities
- Very hot summers and occasional travel delays to desert routes
- "السلام علیکم" - Hello / Peace be upon you
- "براہ مہربانی" - Please
- "شکریہ" - Thank you
- "یہ کہاں ہے؟" - Where is this?
- "یہ کتنے کا ہے؟" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Bahawalpur
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning 19th-century palace with elegant arches, ornate details, and reflective courtyards ideal for interior and exterior photography.
A colossal fortress rising from the Cholistan Desert with whitewashed walls and dramatic desert backdrops—best photographed at sunrise or sunset.
Lush lakes, forests, and wildlife habitats offering serene landscape shots and birdlife photography opportunities.
Architecturally rich building with cultural exhibits; capture gallery corridors, artifacts, and historical displays.
Food in Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich saffron- and nut-infused brittle dessert, best found in local sweets shops and heritage cafes around the Old City.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef or mutton stew served with naan or paratha, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or dinner at traditional eateries.
Lentil curry with rice, a comforting staple available at most modest restaurants and homes.
Mustard greens saag served with cornflatbread, a seasonal favorite in cooler months.
Tomato- and spice-rich chicken curry cooked in a wok, widely available in many local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Lively lanes offering samosas, pakoras, fresh fruit, sweets, and a variety of snacks; great for sampling street food and picking up groceries.
Spice stalls, dried fruits, nuts, and everyday snacks; a good spot to try local chaats and buy ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Both men and women should dress modestly, especially in religious sites and rural areas (cover shoulders and knees).
Many locals appreciate politeness and consent before being photographed; a simple request goes a long way.
A warm greeting and a smile are standard; handshakes are common in business or formal contexts.
Use the right hand for giving or receiving items, eating, and handshake etiquette.
Safety
Tipping in Bahawalpur
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common for good service in restaurants, taxi rides, and hotel staff. About 5-10% at sit-down restaurants; rounding up fares for drivers and helpful guides is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted; many places also take local debit cards or mobile wallets. Carry some cash in small denominations for markets and street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot, with temperatures often above 40°C (104°F). Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late evenings, stay hydrated, and wear sun protection.
Mild to cool with pleasant days and chilly nights. Ideal for sightseeing and photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Pleasant daytime temperatures; blooming flora around some areas. Great for city walks and photography, but evenings can be cool.
Light showers can occur; keep an eye on forecasts and carry a rain cover for gear. Dust storms may accompany wind at times.
Bahawalpur at Night
Hiking in Bahawalpur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate hikes and sunrise/sunset viewpoints; guided treks available for safety and navigation.
Short nature walks around lakes and woodlands with opportunities for birdwatching and landscape photography.
Airports
How to reach Bahawalpur by plane.
Small domestic airport serving the city; limited flights and connections; easiest to connect via Multan or Lahore for longer trips.
Major regional airport with national and some international flights; provides access to Bahawalpur by road or rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant in the region, with Punjabi and Urdu understood in urban areas.
Predominantly Muslim population with diverse rural and urban backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; informal games are common in parks and streets.
Traditional contact sport enjoyed in rural and town settings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bahawalpur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy dal, saag, makai ki roti, chana masala, and vegetable curries. Request oil-free or ghee-light preparations when possible and ask for bi-products to avoid meat-based broths or stock.