Derawar Fort
Bahawalpur, Punjab
Quick Info
Attraction Type
Fort
Location
, Pakistan
Timings
Tickets / Entry
Recommended Duration
2 to 3 Hours
Visa / NOC Info
Specific NOC Required for Foreigners from Home Department, Punjab
Wheelchair Support
Not Accessible
Description
Derawar Fort is a large, strong fort in the Cholistan Desert. It has forty tall walls that stand in a square shape. The fort was first built in the 9th century by Rai Jajja Bhatti, a Hindu Rajput ruler. Later, in 1732, Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abassi, the ruler of Bahawalpur, rebuilt and improved it. It is an important historical place and a symbol of the old Bahawalpur state.
What To Do
- Walk around the impressive walls and towers of the fort.
- Visit the beautiful mosque built by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, located outside the fort.
- Take many pictures of the fort's unique desert setting.
- Learn about the history of the fort and the local area.
- Watch the sunset over the desert from the fort's high points.
What To Buy
- Cholistani Embroidery: Hand-stitched clothes, bags, and wall hangings found at Fareed Gate Market in Bahawalpur. Get Directions
- Desert Crafts: Small items like wooden crafts and camel leather products from local shops in Bahawalpur. Get Directions
- Traditional Garments: Local dresses and turbans made with colorful fabrics. Look in the main bazaars of Bahawalpur. Get Directions
- Clay Pottery: Handmade clay pots and decorative items. These can be found in small craft shops in Bahawalpur. Get Directions
- Local Sweets: Try Bahawalpur's famous Sohan Halwa, sold at many sweet shops like Hafiz Halwa House in Bahawalpur. Get Directions
Policies & Info
- Keep the fort area clean. Do not leave any trash behind.
- Be respectful of local culture and dress modestly.
- Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of privacy if people are around.
- Foreigners must have a valid NOC from the Home Department, Punjab, to visit the Cholistan Desert and Derawar Fort.
Health & Safety
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven and sandy ground.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
- Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- The desert area can be isolated; travel with a local guide or in a group.
- Be aware of your surroundings, as desert terrain can be tricky.
Best Season to Visit
Spring: (March to April) The weather is mild and pleasant, around 20-30°C. This is a good time to visit as it's not too hot.
Summer: (May to August) It gets very hot, with temperatures often above 40°C. Visiting during these months is not recommended due to extreme heat.
Monsoon/Rainy: /Rainy: (July to September) There can be some rain, but the weather stays hot and humid. Heavy rains are rare in the desert, but flash floods can happen. It's still very hot.
Autumn: (September to November) The heat starts to go down, with temperatures becoming milder, around 25-35°C. It's a better time to visit than summer.
Winter: (December to February) The weather is cool and dry, with daytime temperatures around 10-20°C and cold nights. This is the best time to visit for comfortable exploration.
How to Reach
- By Air: Bahawalpur Airport (BWP) is the nearest active airport, located in Bahawalpur city. From the airport, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by road to reach Derawar Fort.
- By Road: Derawar Fort is about 100-110 kilometers from Bahawalpur city. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by car or jeep on Derawar Fort Road.
- By Train: Bahawalpur Railway Station is the nearest active station, located in Bahawalpur city. From the station, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by road to reach Derawar Fort.
- By Public Transport: From Bahawalpur city, you can hire a private taxi or a jeep to reach the fort. Local buses or vans may go towards Derawar village, from where you would need another local ride. The total journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Where to Eat / Stay
- Where to Eat:
- Savor Foods: Opposite DC Office, Satellite Town, Bahawalpur. Phone: +92 62 2888600. Get Directions
- Doongi Restaurant: Model Town C, Bahawalpur. Phone: +92 300 8092222. Get Directions
- Where to Stay:
- Hotel One Bahawalpur: Adjacent to Bahawalpur Airport, Bahawalpur. Phone: +92 62 111 140 140. Website: www.hotelone.com.pk. Get Directions
- The Palace Hotel: Bahawalpur Cantt, Bahawalpur. Phone: +92 62 9255555. Website: www.thepalacehotel.pk. Get Directions
Emergency Contacts
- Civil Hospital Bahawalpur, Jinnah Park Rd, Bahawalpur. Phone: +92 62 9250481. Get Directions
- Ambulances: 1122 (National Emergency Number for Pakistan)
- Police Station: City Police Station Bahawalpur, Circular Rd, Bahawalpur. Phone: +92 62 9250323. Get Directions
