Multan Off The Beaten Path Tips by besal Top 5 Page for this destination

Derawar Fort

Situated approx 200 km from Multan (3 hours drive), close to Bhawalpur, is huge fort in the middle of Cholistan desert called Derawar Fort.

A square shapped fortress, approx 5000 feet in circumference and 100 feet high, the forts 40 large cylindrical shaped bastions shows its majestic from far away.

Since 1700 the fort is the property of Nawab of Bhawalpur. During 1965 war with India, the fort was also used as an ammunition dump as well, therefore was a legitimate target.

Near the fort is a marble mosque which has been modeled after the Red Fort in New Delhi.

Getting to the fort is a bit tricky. Although there is a proper metaled road, but there are no sign boards or directions pointing which way to go. From Ahmedpur East , before the toll plaza, a service road takes you to the town main market (if you are heading south on the highway). Take a left, and after every 10 minutes ask for directions. The drive is through fertile land, slowly changing into a desert. This is how we reached the fort.

Unfortunately there is no repair work or maintenance being done to this magnificent fort, and the walls and surroundings are slowly crumbling. Take plenty of water and food with you if you go there.

Fort Munro

Fort Munro, at height of 6,500 feet, is a hill station in the Dera Ghazi Khan district, and part of the Sulaiman Mountains Range.

The place is named after General Munro who was the administrator of Multan before partition. To escape hot Multan summers, General Munro would shift his head office to this location.

Because of its proximity close to Balochistan and Dera Ghazi Khan, we were advised not to go there during our short stay. However this place will remain on my agenda, and I will post pictures of this area once I get my foot planted there.

Uch Sharif

Situated approx 175 km from Multan is another city which can be labeled City of Saints. Uch Sharif has some of the most beautiful architectural monuments which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage Site . However several of the master pieces are in depleted conditions. Damage was caused by floods several years ago.

The most notable tombs are of Bibi Jawindi, Baha'al-Halim and Ustead and the Tomb and Mosque of Jalaluddin Bukhari.

The architecture and design to me was very similar to Sindhi culture (extensive use of Blue), and on our visit there were several devotees from Sindh who had come to Uch Sharif to pay homage.

From Ahmedpur East (going south on National Highway), take right (going west) till you reach the main city. From there you will have to go left several km a marker will lead you towards the tombs. The drive is through fertile Punjab, with farms on both sides.