Noor Mahal: A Glorious Palace of Lights
Noor Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of Lights,’ is one of the top tourist attractions in Bahawalpur. Bahawalpur is known for its majestic Cholistan Desert and other attractive places. This historic city is a 3-hour drive from Lahore.
Noor Mahal is an impressive reminder of the royal family of Bahawalpur. This grand Italian-style palace is managed by the Pakistan Army and is open to the public between 9:00 am and 10:00 pm daily. It has a museum and a public park too. It is a hidden gem of Pakistan Culture which has incredible architecture and a luxurious interior.
History:
The construction of Noor Mahal started in 1872 in Bahawalpur and was completed in 1875. The total construction cost at that time was around 1.2 million PKR.
Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV built this palace in honor of his wife. He is also known as ‘Shah Jahan of Bahawalpur’ This palace was later used as a guest house for royal families and cabinet meetings.
The palace was built in the Italian chateau style and the building was designed by a British engineer Mr. Heenan. Most of the material used in the construction of the palace was imported from England and Italy.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Nawab of Bahawalpur Muhammad Behawal Khan also added a mosque to its premises.
In 1965, Bahawalpur merged with Pakistan and the government took over the palace. In 1971, the palace was leased to the Pakistan Army, which then bought it for PKR 119 million. In 2001, the Department of Archeology declared Noor Mahal a "protected monument" and opened it to the general public.
Architecture:
The Noor Mahal is built in 8 Kanal and has two stories and a basement. It consists of 32 rooms out of which 14 are in the basement. The building has five domes which highlight Islamic architecture. The palace is in the middle of a beautiful garden with water tanks and fountains which make it an enchanting beauty.
The interior of the Noor Mahal is just as luxurious as its exterior. Hand-carved furniture, mosaic floors, crystal chandeliers, and grand pianos show that this palace is the epitome of Royalty. Artworks of Western artists are displayed on the walls and the palace is decorated with elegant carpets, luxurious curtains, and exquisite ornaments.
There is also a Durbar Hall, a massive library, and vintage cars which grab tourists' attention.
The Bottom Line:
Noor Mahal is no doubt one of the most beautiful historical landmarks of Pakistan. It not only depicts the unique taste of royalty but also presents you with the essence of Islamic and Italian Architecture. If you want to explore the historical monuments of Pakistan, then the Noor Mahal is a must-visit.
