Free Southern Punjab Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Southern Punjab with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Southern Punjab
Southern Punjab photo 2
Southern Punjab photo 3
All photos

Southern Punjab combines Multan's Sufi shrines, Bahawalpur's palaces, Cholistan's desert forts, river landscapes and distinctive regional food.

Southern Punjab occupies the lower reaches of Pakistan's Punjab province, where the Chenab, Sutlej and Indus systems shape intensely cultivated plains before giving way to the Cholistan Desert and the dry hills around Dera Ghazi Khan. The region is large and varied: Multan is an old commercial and religious centre, Bahawalpur preserves the legacy of a princely state, and the western districts open towards the Indus and the Sulaiman foothills. Distances between these places are considerable, so a journey is best planned around several bases rather than treated as a single city break.
Read more about Southern Punjab
Multan, historically known as the City of Saints, is the region's most distinctive urban destination. Its skyline is marked by blue-tiled domes and shrine architecture associated with Sufi traditions, while bazaars sell embroidered textiles, pottery, mangoes and the glazed ceramics for which the city is widely known. The shrines of Bahauddin Zakariya and Shah Rukn-e-Alam remain important places of devotion, and visitors should approach them as active religious sites rather than simply monuments. Around the old city, narrow markets and surviving traces of the historic fort convey Multan's long role as a crossroads between northern India, Afghanistan and the Indus basin.
East of Multan, Bahawalpur offers a different architectural and historical character. The former princely state left palaces, formal avenues and administrative buildings, including Noor Mahal, while nearby Uch Sharif is renowned for its medieval tombs and continuing religious importance. Beyond the irrigated agricultural belt lies Cholistan, a vast arid landscape of dunes, seasonal tracks and scattered settlements. Derawar Fort, with its powerful line of desert-facing bastions, is the region's most recognisable monument, although reaching it requires careful logistical planning and suitable transport.
Southern Punjab's culture is grounded in river agriculture, Sufi poetry, craft production and seasonal food traditions. Mangoes from the Multan and southern districts are especially celebrated, while local cooking includes wheat breads, meat dishes, lentils and sweets found in bazaars and family-run eateries. The Taunsa and Panjnad areas reveal the importance of barrages, wetlands and riverine life; around Dera Ghazi Khan, the landscape rises towards Fort Munro and the Sulaiman foothills. Heat can be severe before the cooler months, and the most rewarding itineraries combine historic cities with rural landscapes while allowing time for weather, road conditions and local arrangements.

When is the best time to visit Southern Punjab?

Best: March, November–December · 22–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January206
February228
March (best)2810
April357
May394
June423
July4123
August4125
September388
October343
November (best)285
December (best)226

Getting to and around Southern Punjab

How to get there

Multan International Airport is the principal air gateway within Southern Punjab, with domestic connections and international services that vary over time. Bahawalpur Airport serves the city but has a more limited and changeable service pattern. By rail, Multan is a major junction on Pakistan's national network, while Bahawalpur and Khanewal also provide useful access. Long-distance roads connect the region with Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and Sindh; Dera Ghazi Khan is an important approach to the western districts. Visitors using Lahore or Islamabad as international gateways should allow substantial onward travel time.

Transportation

Intercity travel is mainly by train, bus, coach or private car, with Multan and Bahawalpur offering the widest choice of connections. Urban rickshaws, taxis and app-based services may be available in larger towns, but arrangements are less predictable in rural districts. A car with an experienced driver is particularly useful for Uch Sharif, Cholistan, Derawar Fort, riverine areas and the journey towards Fort Munro. Desert roads and minor rural routes can be slow or difficult after rain, and public transport should not be assumed to reach remote monuments directly.

Top city travel guides in Southern Punjab

The cities of Southern Punjab, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Southern Punjab

Southern Punjab's attractions range from active Sufi shrines and historic bazaars to palaces, desert forts, wildlife areas and river landscapes. Multan's shrine quarter is the region's cultural centre, with the tombs of Bahauddin Zakariya and Shah Rukn-e-Alam offering distinctive tilework, domes and insight into continuing devotional traditions. Bahawalpur provides palace architecture and access to the desert, while Uch Sharif is known for its historic tombs and religious heritage. In Cholistan, the broad desert setting is as important as Derawar Fort itself, and visits require more preparation than an ordinary city excursion. Lal Suhanra National Park, near Bahawalpur, combines desert, wetland and woodland environments and offers a different perspective on the region's ecology. Around Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa and the lower Indus reveal the importance of barrages, floodplains and riverine habitats, while Fort Munro introduces a cooler hill landscape in the Sulaiman range. Museums, craft workshops, old markets and seasonal shrine gatherings complete an attraction landscape shaped as much by living culture as by preserved monuments.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Southern Punjab

The blue-tiled mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam is Southern Punjab's most recognisable architectural landmark, rising above Multan's historic urban landscape and expressing the city's long association with Sufi scholarship and devotion. Nearby, the shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya belongs to the same religious and architectural tradition, while the remains of Multan Fort recall the city's strategic importance even though much of the original defensive complex has disappeared. In Bahawalpur, Noor Mahal represents the courtly architecture of the former princely state and stands apart from the dense streets of the old city. Uch Sharif's medieval tombs are distinguished by brick construction, domes and surviving decorative detail. Farther into Cholistan, Derawar Fort forms an imposing wall of bastions across the desert horizon and remains the region's strongest image of frontier power. The Indus and its connected barrage landscapes provide a contrasting natural landmark system, while Fort Munro marks the transition from the irrigated plains to the Sulaiman foothills around Dera Ghazi Khan.

Show more landmarks

Explore Southern Punjab on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Southern Punjab

Dining in Southern Punjab is closely connected to wheat, irrigation agriculture, livestock, fruit and the food traditions of the wider Punjabi and Saraiki cultural zone. Multan is the leading place to explore local sweets, savoury snacks, tandoor breads, grilled meats and dishes prepared with seasonal produce, while Bahawalpur offers similar street-food and family-restaurant traditions alongside hotel dining. Mangoes are a major regional speciality in the warmer districts, and dates and other fruits appear in season. Seek out established bazaar stalls for halwa, samosas, lassi and breads, but choose busy outlets with good turnover and sensible food hygiene. Rural dhabas and roadside restaurants provide simple meals on intercity routes, although menus may be limited. Tea, sweetened yoghurt drinks and meat-based curries are common, while vegetarian lentil and vegetable dishes are widely available. Dining customs are generally informal, and visitors should expect regional variation rather than a single defined Southern Punjabi cuisine.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Southern Punjab

Southern Punjab does not have a broad, conventional nightclub scene, and public nightlife is shaped by local social customs and Pakistan's legal and cultural restrictions on alcohol. In Multan and Bahawalpur, evenings usually centre on family restaurants, tea shops, dessert parlours, hotel cafés and busy bazaars rather than bar districts. Some larger hotels provide quieter lounge spaces, while cultural programmes, poetry gatherings and religious events may offer more locally meaningful evening activities when scheduled. Dera Ghazi Khan and smaller towns are still more oriented towards restaurants, roadside tea stalls and private social occasions. Historic markets can remain active after sunset, but visitors should arrange transport back to their accommodation and avoid wandering unfamiliar streets late at night. Night-time activity is generally more limited in rural, desert and riverine areas, where accommodation and transport should be organised before dark.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Southern Punjab

Southern Punjab does not have a broad, conventional nightclub scene, and public nightlife is shaped by local social customs and Pakistan's legal and cultural restrictions on alcohol. In Multan and Bahawalpur, evenings usually centre on family restaurants, tea shops, dessert parlours, hotel cafés and busy bazaars rather than bar districts. Some larger hotels provide quieter lounge spaces, while cultural programmes, poetry gatherings and religious events may offer more locally meaningful evening activities when scheduled. Dera Ghazi Khan and smaller towns are still more oriented towards restaurants, roadside tea stalls and private social occasions. Historic markets can remain active after sunset, but visitors should arrange transport back to their accommodation and avoid wandering unfamiliar streets late at night. Night-time activity is generally more limited in rural, desert and riverine areas, where accommodation and transport should be organised before dark.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Southern Punjab

Shopping in Southern Punjab is strongest in traditional bazaars rather than large luxury retail districts. Multan's old markets are known for blue pottery and glazed ceramics, embroidered textiles, khussa footwear, carved wood, metalwork, traditional caps and regional sweets. Hussain Agahi and surrounding commercial streets can be crowded and intense, so visitors should compare quality, clarify prices and protect belongings. Bahawalpur has shops selling textiles, handicrafts, leather goods and food products associated with the desert and riverine districts, while smaller market towns provide a more practical selection of clothing, household goods and produce. Mangoes in season, dates, packaged sweets and locally made pickles are useful edible purchases when transport conditions allow. Craft quality varies, and not every item labelled as traditional is locally produced, so asking about materials and place of manufacture is worthwhile. Contemporary malls and branded shops are more likely in Multan and Bahawalpur, but the region's most distinctive purchases remain its ceramics, embroidery, footwear and agricultural products.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Southern Punjab, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Southern Punjab essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Pakistani rupee, abbreviated PKR. Hotels, larger restaurants, transport offices and established shops in Multan and Bahawalpur may accept cards, but cash remains important, especially in bazaars, rural areas, shrines and smaller towns. Contactless payment is not universal. Carry smaller rupee notes for local transport, refreshments and donations, while using reputable exchange services or banks for currency transactions and keeping cash securely out of sight.
Safety
Visitors should take normal urban precautions, including securing valuables, using reliable transport after dark and seeking local advice about crowded areas. Heat, dehydration, traffic, uneven historic surfaces and poor lighting are more immediate practical concerns in many sightseeing situations. Remote desert and riverine travel requires advance planning, adequate water and a dependable vehicle. Security conditions can change, particularly near sensitive border or remote areas, so check current official and local guidance before setting out and respect photography restrictions around security installations.
Emergency Situations
Pakistan's national emergency arrangements apply in Southern Punjab. Police can generally be reached on 15, while Rescue 1122 provides emergency rescue and ambulance services in areas covered by the system; availability is stronger in larger towns than in remote desert locations. Fire and medical response may require local assistance outside urban centres. Keep your accommodation's contact details available, carry identification and travel insurance information, and arrange a clear emergency plan before visiting isolated parts of Cholistan or the western hills.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly, particularly at shrines, mosques and rural communities, and remove shoes where local practice requires it. Ask permission before photographing people, religious ceremonies, military sites or private compounds. At shrines, follow queues and instructions, avoid obstructing worshippers and treat devotional objects respectfully. Public displays of affection should be restrained. Tipping is discretionary but welcomed for good service; negotiate fares before travelling in an unmetered rickshaw or taxi. Do not remove pottery, tiles or other material from historic sites.
Local Tips
Explore Multan's bazaars with time to spare rather than trying to cover them quickly, and ask shopkeepers about the differences between decorative pottery and locally made household ware. In Bahawalpur, combine palace architecture with a separate day for Uch Sharif or Cholistan rather than underestimating the distances. Early mornings are usually the most comfortable time for outdoor photography and desert travel. Saraiki is widely associated with Southern Punjab, but Urdu is useful across the region and English is more common in hotels and formal tourism settings.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloہیلو[Hello]
Goodbyeالوداع[Alvida]
Yesہاں[Haan]
Noنہیں[Nahin]
Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم/خوش آمدید[Barah-e-Karam/Khush Aamdeed]
Thank youشکریہ[Shukriya]
Excuse me/Sorryمعاف کیجئے/معاف کریں[Maaf Kijiye/Maaf Karein]
How are you?آپ کیسے ہیں؟[Aap Kaise Hain?]
Fine. And you?ٹھیک ہوں۔ اور آپ؟[Theek Hoon. Aur Aap?]
Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟[Kya Aap Angrezi Bolte Hain?]
I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آتا[Mujhe Samaj Nahin Aata]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبراہ کرم مینو دکھائیں[Barah-e-Karam Menu Dikhain]
I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا[Main Gosht Nahin Khata]
Cheers!چیرز![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseبراہ کرم میں بل دینا چاہتا ہوں[Barah-e-Karam Main Bill Dena Chahta Hoon]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!مدد![Madad!]
Go away!چلے جاؤ![Chalay Jao!]
Call the Police!پولیس کو بلائیں![Police Ko Bulain!]
Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلائیں![Doctor Ko Bulain!]
I'm lostمیں گم ہو گیا ہوں[Main Gum Ho Gaya Hoon]
I'm illمیں بیمار ہوں[Main Beemar Hoon]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...میں خریدنا چاہتا ہوں...[Main Kharidna Chahta Hoon...]
I'm just lookingمیں صرف دیکھ رہا ہوں[Main Sirf Dekh Raha Hoon]
How much is it?یہ کتنے کا ہے؟[Yeh Kitne Ka Hai?]
That's too expensiveیہ بہت مہنگا ہے[Yeh Bohat Mehnga Hai]
Can you lower the price?کیا آپ قیمت کم کر سکتے ہیں؟[Kya Aap Qeemat Kam Kar Sakte Hain?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?کیا وقت ہوا ہے؟[Kya Waqt Hua Hai?]
It's one o'clockایک بجے ہیں[Aik Baje Hain]
Half past (10)ساڑھے دس[Saade Das]
Morningصبح[Subah]
Afternoonدوپہر[Dopahar]
Eveningشام[Shaam]
Yesterdayکل[Kal]
Todayآج[Aaj]
Tomorrowکل[Kal]
1ایک[Aik]
2دو[Do]
3تین[Teen]
4چار[Chaar]
5پانچ[Paanch]
6چھ[Chay]
7سات[Saat]
8آٹھ[Aath]
9نو[Nau]
10دس[Das]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?کہاں ہے...؟[Kahan Hai...?]
What's the address?پتہ کیا ہے؟[Pata Kya Hai?]
Can you show me (on the map)?کیا آپ مجھے (نقشے پر) دکھا سکتے ہیں؟[Kya Aap Mujhe (Nakshey Par) Dikhha Sakte Hain?]
When's the next (bus)?اگلی (بس) کب ہے؟[Agli (Bus) Kab Hai?]
A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (.... کی طرف)[Aik Ticket (.... Ki Taraf)]

History of Southern Punjab

Ancient Multan and the Indus Crossroads

The Multan area has been occupied for many centuries and developed around the agricultural and trading networks of the lower Punjab. Ancient references associate the city with a major settlement on routes linking the Indus basin with western and northern regions. Its strategic position brought successive political powers, commercial communities and religious influences. Although the visible modern city has changed repeatedly, Multan's dense historic core, fortified remnants and long-established bazaars reflect its continuing importance as a centre of exchange.

Early Islamic Rule and the Ghaznavid Conquest

Southern Punjab entered the wider Islamic political world after the Arab conquest of Multan in the eighth century, although control over the city and surrounding territories changed repeatedly in later centuries. The Ghaznavids and subsequent dynasties used Multan's strategic position on routes through the Indus region. These centuries helped establish the urban, scholarly and mercantile networks that later supported the spread of Sufi institutions. The region's Islamic heritage therefore developed through several political phases rather than a single event.

Sufi Networks and Medieval Shrine Culture

From the medieval period, Sufi teachers and their communities played a major role in the religious and social life of Southern Punjab. Multan became associated with Bahauddin Zakariya and Shah Rukn-e-Alam, while Uch Sharif developed an important cluster of shrines and tombs linked to Chishti, Suhrawardi and related traditions. These sites connected spiritual authority with teaching, charity and local communities. Their domes, brickwork and glazed tile decoration remain among the defining features of the region's architecture.

Mughal, Sikh and Early Colonial Transformations

The towns and river routes of Southern Punjab were incorporated into the Mughal imperial system and later affected by the decline of Mughal authority, Sikh expansion and British annexation in the nineteenth century. Multan's strategic fort and commercial position made it particularly important during periods of conflict. British administration introduced new forms of revenue collection, communications and irrigation management, while existing agricultural and mercantile networks continued to shape local society.

The Bahawalpur State and Desert Frontier

The Abbasi rulers established and expanded the princely state of Bahawalpur, which survived under British paramountcy until the creation of Pakistan. The state developed its own courtly institutions, palaces and administrative centres, leaving a particularly visible architectural legacy in Bahawalpur and nearby settlements. Its territory also encompassed much of Cholistan, where desert routes, forts and seasonal grazing shaped life beyond the irrigated plains. Derawar Fort symbolises the strategic importance of this desert frontier.

Canals, Agriculture and Modern Regional Change

From the late nineteenth century onwards, canal construction and barrage projects transformed large parts of Southern Punjab by expanding irrigated agriculture. Cotton, wheat, sugar cane, dates and mangoes became important components of the regional economy, alongside livestock and trade. Railways and roads strengthened connections between Multan, Bahawalpur, the Indus corridor and markets farther north. Since independence, population growth, industrial development and urban expansion have further changed the region, while water management and desert livelihoods remain central concerns.

Post-Independence Heritage and Cultural Identity

After Pakistan's creation in 1947, Southern Punjab became part of a rapidly changing national economy while retaining strong regional traditions in Sufi devotion, Saraiki-language culture, craft production and agricultural life. Multan and Bahawalpur expanded as educational, commercial and administrative centres, and Dera Ghazi Khan grew as a link between the river plains and the western hills. Contemporary identity is expressed through poetry, shrine festivals, food, textiles and vernacular architecture as well as through the preservation of historic monuments.

Southern Punjab in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Southern Punjab

The closest regions to Southern Punjab, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Pakistan
More of the region

Explore more of Pakistan

Discover Pakistan: A land of majestic mountains, rich history, and delicious cuisine, where every journey is an adventure and every moment is filled with wonder.

Explore Pakistan
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern Punjab

Discover the best of Southern Punjab with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of data including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Southern Punjab like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive, free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book tours, and experience the local culture seamlessly.

  • User-friendly interface with easy navigation
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover what's around you
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • Essential travel information and history of Southern Punjab
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs
  • Coverage of 7,000+ destinations worldwide

Planning a trip to Southern Punjab, Pakistan? Make the most out of your journey with Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide designed to enhance your travel experience. Southern Punjab is a treasure trove of rich culture, historical landmarks, and culinary delights. Whether you're wandering through the ancient ruins of Harappa, exploring the majestic Derawar Fort, or savoring the local cuisine at renowned eateries like Haveli Restaurant in Multan, Evendo has got you covered.

The app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location comes with a rich set of data, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it incredibly easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and various experiences in Southern Punjab, eliminating the need to search multiple platforms. Navigate through the city effortlessly with our user-friendly interface and 'Near Me' feature, which shows what's around you no matter where you are. Dive into the local culture with curated local tips and essential travel information that ensure you experience Southern Punjab like a local.

Famous attractions such as the Multan Fort, the stunning shrines of Uch Sharif, and the bustling bazaars of Bahawalpur are just a tap away. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, forever. There are no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Plus, the app covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it a valuable tool for all your future travels.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.