Noor Mahal Bahawalpur
Among Pakistan’s many beautiful tourist destinations, hill stations, and historic sites, Noor Mahal Bahawalpur stands as one of the most stunning examples of royal architecture and cultural heritage. Located in South Punjab, this royal palace is a major attraction for both local and foreign travelers who want to explore Pakistan’s rich history and grandeur.
Built between 1872 and 1875, Noor Mahal reflects the Nawab’s deep love for fine architecture. The palace was commissioned by Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, who was often called “The Shah Jahan of Bahawalpur” for his passion for constructing beautiful buildings.
Location
📍 NMH9+H5M, Bahawalpur Cantt, Punjab
🕘 Timings: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Noor Mahal Bahawalpur History
Construction of Noor Mahal began in 1872 and was completed in 1875. The palace was built for Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV of Bahawalpur, a ruler known for his interest in fine design and royal architecture.
According to local stories, the palace was originally built for the Nawab’s wife. However, she refused to live there after discovering that it was near the Basti Maluk Cemetery. After that, Noor Mahal was used as a guesthouse for visiting nobles, dignitaries, and royal friends.
At times, the Nawab also used it as a State Court and a place for cabinet meetings. Later, in the early 20th century, Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan added a mosque to the palace grounds.
After Bahawalpur joined Pakistan in 1965, the property came under the Government’s Auqaf Department. In 2001, the Department of Archaeology of Pakistan declared Noor Mahal a protected monument, recognizing its historic and architectural importance.
Today, it’s one of Bahawalpur’s top tourist attractions, especially for history lovers, students, and photographers who want to see the grandeur of a royal era preserved in time.
Structure of Noor Mahal
The palace is built in the style of an Italian chateau with touches of Islamic and neoclassical architecture. It is surrounded by a large courtyard, fountains, and a water tank that enhance its royal charm.
Noor Mahal has 32 rooms, including 14 in the basement, and features five domes that reflect traditional subcontinental design. The palace stands on two floors with wide Corinthian-style columns and beautifully crafted entablatures.
When the palace was first completed, it was decorated with imported furniture, chandeliers, carpets, and artwork brought from Europe. It also contained an armory, displaying a wide collection of weapons and royal antiques.
Inside, visitors can still see grand halls, high ceilings, and antique furniture that reflect the elegance of the royal era.
Activities and Attractions
Today, Noor Mahal Bahawalpur is often called the “Palace of Lights” because of its charm, especially at night when the entire building glows with golden illumination.
The palace now serves as a museum and features a beautifully maintained garden with water fountains. The surrounding area is open for the public to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
The palace also hosts a sound and light show on weekends (Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 PM), which attracts hundreds of visitors every week. The show highlights the rich history of Bahawalpur and the story behind Noor Mahal’s creation.
Inside, you can also find:
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A royal library with rare collections
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Old photographs and paintings from the Nawab’s time
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Vintage cars and royal antiques
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A museum displaying weapons, furniture, and ornaments used by the Nawabs
During the day, the white marble palace shines under the sun, while at night, its lights make it one of the most breathtaking sights in Punjab.
Best Way to Reach Noor Mahal Bahawalpur
You can travel to Bahawalpur by air, train, bus, or private car. The city has an airport, taxi stands, and bus terminals, making it easily accessible from other cities in Punjab.
If you’re traveling by Pakistan Railways, Bahawalpur has a well-connected train station. From the city center, the palace is about 4.5 kilometers away, and it takes around 10 minutes to reach Noor Mahal by car or taxi through the Cantonment area.
Contact Us to Visit the Place
We are RepeaTrip Tours. If you want to explore Noor Mahal Bahawalpur and other beautiful historical sites across Punjab, contact us to plan your visit and make your trip memorable.