Bahawalpur , the Royal range

For those travelling from Karachi to Lahore by road, Bahawalpur is often treated as a mere stopover. But with its rich history, architecture and royal heritage, the city is a treat on its own. The state of Bahawalpur, governed by the Abbasi nawabs acceded to Pakistan in 1947 but continued as an independent state, with their own prime minister, until 1955. The royal heritage of the region is visible in its architecture and prestigious institutions such as the central library built in 1927 and Sadiq Public School. The palaces of the nawabs, such as the Noor Mahal, Sadiqgarh Palace, Gulzar Mahal and Durbar Mahal are also a must-see. Although access to interiors of palaces other than the Noor Mahal might be restricted, a drive through the city is a treat for every architecture and history enthusiast. For the more adventurous souls, a desert safari to Derawar fort is a must. The fort is still the private property of the nawabs and requires permission, which is usually granted easily. A visit to Bahawalpur would not be complete without a stay at Lal Suhanra National Park that is home to a healthy population of Black Bucks, Chinkaras and Neel Gai (Blue Bulls). The park has acres of forests, sand dunes and wetlands and must feature on every nature-lover’s bucket list.