Derawar Fort was first built in the 9th century under the kingship of Rai Jajja Bhati, a Hindu Rajput from Jaisalmir in India's Rajasthan state. From Bahawalpur city, it takes several hours to get to the fort, with the journey being long, tiring and dust laden. But it's worth the trouble. With the vast Cholistan desert serving as a backdrop.

The fort traces its history back to the 9th century AD, though it may be added that it only gained its present look several centuries later, during the 18th century.