Royal Graveyard (Abbasi family)
The Royal Graveyard of the Abbasis is a historical landmark situated in Bahawalpur City within Punjab province. This burial ground serves as an eternal resting place for former rulers of Bhawalpur State, spanning from 1748 to 1955 under the rule of Nawabs and their family members who were part of Abbasi dynasty that significantly contributed towards cultural development in Bahwalpur. The architectural style blends Indo-Islamic elements with distinctive features unique to this royal burial ground, known as "Abbasai.
The best time to visit is during November, December, January and February. These months offer the most favorable conditions for visitors.
Royal Graveyard (Abbasi family) is road accessible and can be reached by regular vehicle.
Located near Derawar Fort. Access to the interior tombs often requires prior permission from the Abbasi family guards or local authorities.
The opening hours for Royal Graveyard (Abbasi family) are 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Hours may vary during public holidays — it's best to confirm locally before your visit.
Keep a scarf or cloth mask handy to cover your face and wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes from blowing grit. If a storm hits while driving, pull over safely and wait for visibility to improve before continuing to the graveyard.
A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended because the graveyard is located deep in the desert sands beyond the paved roads of Bahawalpur. Standard cars may struggle or get stuck on the soft sandy tracks leading to the site.
Camping is permitted in the open desert areas nearby, and there are established campsites and temporary tent villages often set up for visitors near Derawar Fort. It is advisable to bring your own high-quality tent and bedding as nights can be quite cold.
Nighttime temperatures in this desert region can drop significantly, often falling to 7–10°C in the winter months despite warm days. Visitors staying for sunset or camping should pack heavy woolens and thermal layers to stay warm.
There is no reliable public water supply at the graveyard itself, so you must carry enough bottled water for your entire group. In the wider desert, locals rely on artificial ponds or 'tobas' for water, which are not suitable for drinking by tourists.
Royal Graveyard (Abbasi family) dates back to 18th century.
Royal Graveyard (Abbasi family) features Indo-Islamic / Abbasi architecture.
Photography is permitted for visitors who have secured entry permission, as the site is highly valued for its intricate blue tile work and marble architecture.
The graveyard is private property belonging to the Abbasi family, and formal entry inside the tomb enclosures typically requires prior permission or a special invitation. However, the caretakers at the site may allow visitors to view the grounds if approached politely.
The site has limited accessibility with sandy paths and raised door sills at the tomb entrances, making it difficult for standard wheelchairs to navigate without assistance.
Modest attire is required, meaning shoulders and legs should be fully covered. Because it is an active burial ground of a royal family, wearing somber and respectful clothing is better than wearing bright, casual tourist wear.
Official guides are not stationed on-site, but the local caretakers often provide brief historical background and can show visitors the most significant tombs.
Visitors should walk quietly and avoid stepping on or sitting on any graves. If granted entry to the indoor mausoleums, removing your shoes at the entrance is a mandatory custom to maintain the sanctity of the resting place.
Since the graveyard is located in a remote desert area near Derawar Fort, there is ample open space for parking vehicles directly outside the main entrance.
Certain areas containing the graves of the Nawabs' wives are often more private, and visitors may be restricted from entering these sections. Always follow the guidance of the on-site guards or caretakers regarding where you are permitted to walk.
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