Noor Mahal (Punjab)
The Noor Mahal palace was built in 1872 like an Italian chateau on neoclassical lines. It is located at the distance of 5 km from Bahawalpur Railway Station, turn right from Railway Road to Noor Mahal Road. It belonged to the Nawab of Bahawalpur during British Raj, who constructed this palace for his wife.
Interior of the Noor Mahal is basically well decorated to present as museum to explain the story of Nawabs of Bahawalpur. It also has a collection of different things used by Nawabs such as swords, currency notes, coins, furniture, etc.
The Noor Mahal is also under the control of Ranger Pakistan, but open for the general public. Visitors have to pay Rs. 100 as entry fee.
About Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur is the eleventh largest city in Pakistan by population, located in Punjab immediately south of the Sutlej River, with a splendid view of 4,250 ft long Empress Bridge over the Sutlej River. It is also the largest city in Pakistan with respect to land area. Bahawalpur was the former capital of Bahawalpur State part of Rajputana States, founded in 1748, ruled by Nawabs of Abbasi family. The Nawabs of Bahawalpur has constructed number number building for residence and defense purposes. Now these buildings of Nawabs are opened for the public such as Noor Mahal, Sadiq Ghar Palace, and Derawar Fort.
In the British regime, Bahawalpur was declared as the princely state of India in 1802 by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan II. On independence of Pakistan in August 1947, Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V acceded the state of Bahawalpur to Pakistan on 7 October 1947 as an independent state. In 1955, Nawab of Bahawalpur abolished the State of Bahawalpur and merged it into Pakistan. The family of Nawab is still living in Ahmedpur East in Bahawalpur, but they do not have any involvements in the affairs of Bahawalpur state. Most of the properties of Nawabs are now under control of Pakistan Army except properties which are in their personal use.
Bahawalpur is situated at a distance of 420 km from Lahore, and accessed through the motorway M5. From Kabir wala interchange on the Lahore - Abdul Hakeem Motorway, it is accessed through the National Highway - N5 through Khanewal and Lodhran.
The Nawabs of Bahawalpur also worked for the betterment of the people of Bahawalpur. Sadiq Egerton College was founded in 1886 and Islamia University started its operations in 1925. There number of schools are in operation due to the family of Nawabs.
Bahawalpur Railway Station, located in the center of city, is one of the major railway station in Pakistan on Karachi-Peshawar line. It is also a beautiful and attractive railway station in Pakistan.
Bahawalpur is a gateway to Lal Suhanra National Park with an area of 162,568 acres, which is considered as the largest nationals park in the South Asia and homeland for different type of precious animals and birds. It is located 35 Km in the east of Bahawalpur.
Another charming beauty of Bahawalpur is the Cholistan Desert, where the historical Derawar Fort is one of the most romantic places. In a desert safari, one can enjoy mild hot sandy winds of the Cholistan Desert.
The climate of Bahawalpur is dry and hot. Its weather is much hot in summer season, whereas temperature is moderate in winter season. It receives almost no rainfall, only 5.6 inch per year rain fall occurs in this area.
All of the agricultural in Bahawalpur is based on the canal and river water. Cotton, sugarcane, wheat, rice and sunflower are the main crops in this area. It is also famous for mangoes, guavas, and dates. Some of these fruits are exported to foreign countries too.
Bahawalpur is famous due to its handicrafts which are manufactured in the Cholistan Desert area. These handicrafts are Flassi, Changaries, Gindi, Khalti, and Artwork on dresses. Bahawalpur is also famous for carpets, pottery, and embroidery.