City guide
Lodhran: CottonMangoes and a Railway Junction
A fast-growing district town on the north bank of the Sutlej, between Multan and Bahawalpur, known for cotton fields, White Chaunsa mangoes and its railway junction.
- Southern Punjab, north bank of the Sutlej
- Lodhran Junction (1885)
- Cotton and mango country
- Best season: November–February
The Sutlej river in southern Punjab
Lodhran at a Glance
About Lodhran
Lodhran lies on the northern side of the Sutlej river in southern Punjab, between Multan to the north-west and Bahawalpur across the river to the south. It is the headquarters of Lodhran District in Multan Division, which was separated from Multan District in 1991 and has three tehsils: Lodhran, Kahror Pakka and Dunyapur.
The 2023 Census counted 144,512 people in Lodhran city, about ten times its 1972 population, and 1,928,299 in the district, which covers 2,778 km². Most people still live in villages, and the district is among the less-developed parts of Punjab, though roads and bus links have been improving.
Lodhran is first of all a farming district. It is well known for cotton, and its mango orchards have made a name for the White Chaunsa, prized for its sweetness, colour and longer shelf life. The town also matters as a railway junction: Lodhran Junction, opened in 1885, sits on the Karachi–Peshawar main line where branches leave for Khanewal and for Raiwind near Lahore.
Lodhran's skyline is low and its fields are wide, this is a town that lives by its harvests.
Things to See and Do
A working farm town, best seen through its markets, orchards and river.
Mango orchardsIn early summer the orchards around Lodhran are heavy with fruit; the White Chaunsa ripens later in the season. Roadside stalls sell by the crate.
Cotton fieldsFrom late summer into autumn, cotton picking fills the fields and the ginning towns with activity, a defining sight of southern Punjab.
The SutlejThe river marks the district's southern edge; its banks and the bridges towards Bahawalpur are where the plain meets the river country.
Multan and BahawalpurTwo great historic cities are close by: Multan's shrines and bazaars, and Bahawalpur's palaces.Food and Local Produce
Southern Punjab flavours, close to Multan's famous kitchens.
Mangoes and mango shakesIn season, mangoes are eaten whole, sliced or blended into thick shakes at every juice stall.
Sohan halwaNeighbouring Multan's ghee-rich sweet is sold throughout the area and makes the classic gift to take home.
Saraiki home cookingDaal, seasonal vegetables and roti at home; karahi and tikka at roadside grills in the evening.
A Short History
1885
Lodhran Junction
The railway station opens, and the town begins to grow around it.
1951
A small town
The census counts fewer than 5,000 people in Lodhran.
1991
District headquarters
Lodhran District is separated from Multan District.
1995
Kanjo Hall
The city's main hall for cultural and public events is built.
2021–2022
Better links
Work begins on a 62 km road linking Lodhran, Khanewal and Multan, and a bus service between Bahawalpur and Lodhran is launched.
2023
Census
The city's population reaches 144,512.
Getting There and Around
By air
Multan International Airport
Multan is the nearest major airport, with domestic and international flights; Bahawalpur also has an airport with limited flights.
By rail
Lodhran Junction
Main-line trains stop here, with branch lines to Khanewal and Raiwind; check timetables with Pakistan Railways.
By road
Coaches to Multan and Bahawalpur
Frequent coaches and vans link Lodhran with Multan and Bahawalpur, and a bus service runs between Lodhran and Bahawalpur.
In town
Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws and motorcycle rickshaws cover short distances; agree the fare first.
Plan Your Visit
Best time to visit
November to February
Mild and dry; come in summer only if mangoes are the point of the trip.
Weather
Very hot summers
Southern Punjab summers are fierce; avoid midday travel from May to August.
Where to stay
Multan or Bahawalpur
Lodhran has limited accommodation; most visitors base themselves in Multan or Bahawalpur.
Etiquette
Modest dress
Dress modestly, and ask permission before photographing people or farms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lodhran?
The 2023 Census counted 144,512 people in Lodhran city and 1,928,299 in Lodhran District, which covers 2,778 km².
When did Lodhran become a district?
In 1991, when it was separated from Multan District. It has three tehsils: Lodhran, Kahror Pakka and Dunyapur.
What is Lodhran famous for?
Cotton, mangoes, especially the White Chaunsa, and Lodhran Junction on the Karachi–Peshawar railway.
How far is Lodhran from Multan and Bahawalpur?
Lodhran lies between the two cities, on the north bank of the Sutlej, and is connected to both by frequent road and rail services. Check current timetables before you travel.
Where should I stay when visiting Lodhran?
Accommodation in Lodhran is limited, so most visitors stay in Multan or Bahawalpur and visit on a day trip.
Keep Exploring
Related places and stories on DailyLife.pk
MultanMultan city guide: Shah Rukn-e-Alam and other Sufi shrines, the walled city, blue pottery, sohan halwa
BahawalpurBahawalpur city guide: Noor Mahal, Darbar Mahal, Central Library, Lal Suhanra National Park, Derawar Fort
LahoreLahore travel guide: Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, the Walled City, food streets, neighbourhoods, metro
Rivers and Lakes of PakistanPakistan's rivers and lakes: the Indus and its tributaries, the Indus Waters Treaty, Attabad, Saiful Muluk
Economy of PakistanPakistan's economy explained: FY2025-26 GDP, growth, per capita income, exports, textiles, record remittances
Punjabi CuisinePunjabi food guide: saag and makai roti, halwa puri, paye, Lahori fried fish, sohan halwa, lassiHow we know this
- Type Place guide
- Sources 7 (2 official/academic)
- Reviewed October 2026
- Disputed points None
7 sources
- Table 1: Area, population by sex, sex ratio, density, urban proportion: Punjab districts (Census 2023), Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
- Pakistan: Provinces and Major Cities: 2023 Census, City Population (Thomas Brinkhoff), from PBS data
- Punjab (Pakistan): Urban Localities: 2023 Census, City Population (Thomas Brinkhoff), from PBS data
- District Lodhran: Kanjo Hall, Government of the Punjab
- Lodhran (overview used to locate primary sources), Wikipedia
- Lodhran District (overview used to locate primary sources), Wikipedia
- Lodhran Junction railway station (overview used to locate primary sources), Wikipedia
Photo credits (6)
- Satluj River view.jpg, M Nouman Zafar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- A plate full of mangoes.jpg, Kskhh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Cut mangoes on plate.jpg, Shahzaib Damn Cruze, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Fields of Faisalabad Pakistan.jpg, Farhan from Karachi, Pakistan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Sohan Halwa.JPG, Miansari66, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Chicken Karahi in Pakistan.jpg, Kskhh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
