Taxila Ancient Ruins and Museum Taxila
Taxila Ancient Ruins and Museum represent a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing over 3000 years of Gandhara civilization Buddhist heritage and ancient artifacts.
ExploreDerawar Fort Cholistan Desert Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur, Punjab
Overview
Rising dramatically out of the golden sands of the Cholistan Desert Rohi approximately 100 kilometers south of Bahawalpur Punjab Derawar Fort Qila Derawar is an awe-inspiring 9th-century square fortress and World Heritage landmark. Originally constructed in 830 AD by Rai Jajja Bhati a Hindu Rajput ruler of Jaisalmer the fort was captured rebuilt and expanded in 1733 AD by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan I of the Abbasi ruling family of Bahawalpur. The fort is world-famous for its 40 massive round bastions standing 30 meters 100 feet high with a boundary wall circumference of 1.5 kilometers. Surrounded by historical monuments including the marble Abbasi Royal Tombs Abbasi Mosque and host to the annual Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally Derawar Fort stands as an iconic symbol of desert engineering military history and royal heritage in Pakistan.
Highlights
- Monumental 9th-century desert fortress featuring 40 soaring round bastions standing 30 meters high
- Boundary walls measuring 1.5 kilometers in circumference visible across the Cholistan Desert dunes
- Rich history built in 830 AD by Rajput ruler Rai Jajja Bhati and captured in 1733 AD by Abbasi Nawabs
- Adjacent white marble Abbasi Royal Tombs featuring delicate tilework and royal mausoleums
- Historical white marble Abbasi Mosque built in 1849 modeled after the Delhi Moti Masjid
- Official host site for the world-famous annual Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally every February
Things To Do
- Explore the colossal outer bastions high ramparts and central courtyard of the historic fortress
- Visit the adjacent white marble Abbasi Royal Tombs containing final resting places of Bahawalpur rulers
- Photograph the marble cupolas and arches of the historic Abbasi Mosque built in 1849
- Experience a desert safari camel ride or dune bashing across the golden Cholistan sands
- Attend the exhilarating Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally held annually around the fort grounds in February
Local Transportation
Situated 100 km south of Bahawalpur. Accessible via Ahmedpur East Road or the paved Cholistan Desert route by private car sedan SUV or hired taxi.
Accommodation
Day-visit destination from Bahawalpur city. Camping under desert stars is popular during rally season; hotel accommodations are widely available in Bahawalpur city center.
Food & Cuisine
Traditional desert and southern Punjabi cuisine. Enjoy local Mutton Sajji, Sohan Halwa, fresh tandoori naan, desert melon, and hot green tea Kahwa at roadside dhabas near the fort.
Safety Information
Remote desert location. Travel during daylight hours, carry sufficient bottled drinking water and fuel, wear sun protection, and hire a local desert guide for deep dune trips.
Travel Tips
Carry extra drinking water and snacks, fill up your vehicle fuel tank in Bahawalpur or Ahmedpur East, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a shawl or light jacket for cool desert breezes.