بہاولپور

Bahawalpur (Urdu, Saraiki: بہاولپور), is known for its famous palaces such as the Noor Mahal, Sadiq Ghar Palace, and Darbar Mahal, as well as the ancient fort of Derawar in the Cholistan Desert bordering India.

 I must have seen every mosque and shrine and they were all jaw dropping gorgeous. Yet my main memory will probably be how lush and well organised the farming appeared with lots of manicured crops of maize, wheat and others that I can’t name!

The wheat was being harvested by hand (usually by brightly clothed women) and then fed into a thresher. It was then transported into nearby cities via donkey, ox, camel, tractor or truck. So the roads, which were narrow and poorly maintained, were clogged by a variety of over laden vehicles that obeyed no road rules and were too stubborn (or manly) to give way. Travelling was slow and torturous, and in very high temperatures, thank goodness for air conditioning in the car. 

I also had another, short camel ride (around the impressive fort). During and after I said the same thing I say every time I am on a camel, “Never again”. This time I really mean it!

Also was escorted through a bazaar to a shrine to an ancestor of the Gilani family. The escort included an armed guard! had lunch at the Gilani residence, which was an honour usually reserved for heads of state. The current Prime Minister of Pakistan, under many legal battles due to corruption etc allegations, is a Gilani.