The Lahore Fort

The Lahore Fort, locally referred to as Shahi Qila is citadel of the city of Lahore.The Lahore Fort is one of the greatest fort built by the Mughals in South Asia. The Fort was originally built by Malik Ayaz, later it was altered by the famous architect who created the Taj Mahal, and finally it was rebuilt by the Great Akbar, lending itself to its own distinct character, history, and flavor.The massive doors, and great walls of Lahore Fort, include the Diwan-e-Azam, a grand throne room with a marble pavilion, and a majestic court designed for public audiences. In addition Sheesh Mahal, the Naulakha, and Moti Masjid also located within the fort speak eloquently of days gone by, a time when architecture and design was created with unparalleled detail for the pleasure of great emperors, royalty, princes, and princesses. Intricate patterns of inlaid precious stones, carvings, mosaic tiles, and murals are displayed against backgrounds of rough tiles designed with such quality, that today, they are as beautiful as the day they were created and placed.

Rawat fort

Gakkhars, a fiercely independent tribe of the Potohar Plateau built the Rawat fort, in early 16th century. The grave of a Gakkhar Chief, Sultan Sarang Khan is located inside the fort. He died in 1546 AD fighting against the forces of Sher Shah Suri. If one dares to climb the broken steps inside the tomb, one may get a panoramic view of the plateau and the Mankiala Stupa.

Islamgarh Fort

Islamgarh Fort is located deep in Cholistan near the Indian border at a distance of 150 km from Derawar Fort. The fort itself is an impressive square building of brick work with high sloping roofs strengthened by bastions. The fort was built by Rawal Bhim Singh in 1608 A.D. The fort has been in a state of neglect and disrepair for over a century.The fortification walls are l0 to 12 feet thick.

Derawar Fort

On the edge of the desert, 100 km from Bahawalpur stands the majestic Derawar Fort. It is the largest and the most superlatively preserved fort of Cholistan. The powerful fort towers over the surrounding semi desert and is visible from miles around. It is a square fort measuring 672 feet in length on each side, with a gate on its southern side approached by means of a winding ramp. Most of the bastions show geometric designs made by burnt bricks. A number of buildings in the fort provided quarters for Nawab’s army. The retiring quarters of the royal family still stand deserted inside the fort. Four shrines of pious Muslims are located near Derawar Fort. The Derawar Mosque, having 3 domes and 4 minarets, is an exact replica of Moti Masjid at Red Fort Delhi, and was built in 1844 A.D.

Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort is one of the most imposing historical monuments which represents the Pathan period of architecture style in Pakistan. The Rohtas fort lies sprawling upon a low rocky hill to the north of Jhelum in a bend of the river Ghan (mostly spelled as Kahan). The gigantic fort is founded on steep rocks jutting into the river Kahan, its ramparts protected on the west and north sides by the river and by high hills on its east and south. It was never taken by assault and survives intact to the present day. The main fortifications consist of the massive walls, which extended for more than 4km; they are lined with bastions and pierced by monumental gateways.