| Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Full Day Tours |
Tour from Bahawalpur to Bahalpur city
Visit Derawar Fort and Cholistan Desert.
Derawar Fort: A Monumental Sentinel of the Desert
Rising like a formidable mirage from the arid expanse of Pakistan's Cholistan Desert, Derawar Fort stands as a monumental testament to centuries of tumultuous history and architectural ingenuity. Located near Bahawalpur, this massive square fortress is a captivating historical landmark, its towering walls and forty imposing bastions visible for miles around.
A Legacy of Warriors and Trade Routes
The fort's history is as vast as the desert that surrounds it. It was originally constructed in 858 CE by Rai Jajja Bhatti, a Hindu Rajput ruler, as a tribute to Rawal Deoraj Bhati, the king of Jaisalmer. Initially known as Dera Rawal, the name eventually evolved into Derawar. The structure remained under Rajput control for centuries until the Muslim Nawabs of Bahawalpur captured it in the 18th century, with Nawab Sadeq Muhammad Khan rebuilding it in its current, imposing form in 1732.
Derawar Fort's strategic importance cannot be overstated. It served as a vital defensive and trade post along the ancient caravan routes connecting Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. The chain of forts across the Cholistan, of which Derawar is the best-preserved example, provided essential shelter and access to scarce water resources for travelers and traders navigating the harsh environment.
Architectural Grandeur and Modern Challenges
An architectural marvel, the fort's walls reach a height of approximately 30 meters (98 feet) and span a circumference of nearly 1.5 kilometers (4,921 feet). Each of the forty circular bastions is adorned with intricate patterns in cut brickwork, a striking example of a blend of Rajput and later Islamic architectural styles.
Despite its grandeur, the fort faces significant preservation challenges. While the exterior remains largely intact, the interior structures suffer from deterioration due to severe weather conditions and neglect. Renovation efforts are underway, and the site, along with other desert forts of Cholistan, was submitted to UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites in 2016.
Today, Derawar Fort is a unique and stunning attraction. Visitors often require special permission from the local Amir (as it remains private property of the Abbasi family) and a four-wheel drive to reach this remote desert gem. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to March, offering a chance to step back in time and witness a silent guardian of history in Pakistan's golden desert sands.
