This post is now up on Dawn.com. in

the Talking Points section in the July issue. 

http://www.dawn.com/news/1119821/herald-exclusive-what-is-pakistans-most-attractive-destination

in case you want to read the entire article.

 

Bahawalpur, Punjab

By Shanaz Ramzi

With so many beautiful tourist destinations spread all across Pakistan, it is extremely difficult to choose just one. That said, I think Pakistan’s most attractive tourist destination – especially in today’s precarious security environment – is the historical city of Bahawalpur. With none of the usual trappings that most tourist destinations offer, it has a wealth of attractions for the holidaymaker.
For one thing, it is one of the safest cities to visit, with polite, hospitable people. For another, it boasts so many wonderful historical sites in and around the city that you could fill up albums with some of the most amazing photographs. Examples include the magnificent world heritage site of Derawar Fort with its 40 bastions, in Cholistan Desert.
There is also the royal family necropolis of the Abbasis of Bahawalpur, the exquisite architecture of which merits it a visit.
Then there is the incredibly beautiful palace Noor Mahal which belonged to the Nawab of Bahawalpur during the British Raj and is today in the possession of the army. Some may recall seeing it in the TV play Noor Bano.
There are other beautiful palaces too in Bahawalpur, including Darbar Mahal and a magnificent mosque, Derawar Mosque.

Derawar Mosque was constructed in 1844 AD, Bahawalpur, Punjab. Photo by Madeeha Syed

There is plenty more to feast your eyes on — but if there’s a limit to the amount of sightseeing you want to do, don’t despair for Bahawalpur is also a shopper’s paradise. One can pick up the most amazing bargains there, be it embroidered fabric, gota-work suits or silver jewellery.
And What holiday could be regarded as complete without great manna? The city has the wholesome offerings of Punjab at its unadulterated best — and what’s more, at very reasonable rates. So even if this may not be the best season for visiting Bahawalpur, if you haven’t been there, don’t miss it. You won’t regret it.
Shanaz Ramzi is a journalist and author.