Places to Visit in Patiala Punjab India

It was founded in 1753 by Maharaja Ala Singh and named Patiala, literally the territory (pati) of Ala.  In 1948, it became the capital of a new state, PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union), created by merging the princely states of East Punjab.  The ruler of Patiala was great patrons of art and crafts, which made the city an important centre of Punjabi language and culture.

Patiala City

Located in the southeastern part of Punjab, Patiala district has a rich cultural heritage and Patiala city was once the capital of the premier princely state in the former Punjab Province of British India.  Patiala is famous for its turban (traditional headgear), paranda (tasseled tag for braiding hair), peg (a double or large peg of whiskey) and jutti (traditional Punjabi footwear).

Tourist Places in Patiala

Qila Mubarak

The for tin the heart of the town was built in 1764, by Maharaja Ala Singh at the site of a kuchi-garhi.  The royal family also resided here and the residential area was known as ‘Qila Androon’ or the Inner Fort.  The palaces are adorned with fine murals painted by artists from kangra and Rajasthan.  The Durbar Hall, to the right of the entrance was built later ad is noted for its beautifully ornament ciling and fine murals. It houses a museum displaying a historic collection of weapons.

The bustling bazaar around the fort is a treasure – trove for shoppers.  The shopping list comprises of specialities of Patiala – exquisitely embroidered leather shoes (jutties), tasselled silken braid (pirandis) and brightly embroidered phulkari fabrics etc.

Moti Bagh Palace

The magnificent palace in Indo-Saracenic style was completed in early 20th century and is one of the largest residences in Asia.  It is surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens and water channels.  The main palace now houses the National Institute of Sports and Sports Museum. Built in 1847, the Moti Bagh Palace is a centre of attraction in Patiala.  It was designed like the Shalimar Gardens of Lahore.  Most of this four-storeyed structure now houses the National Institute of Sports and the Art Gallery.  Surrounded by a beautiful garden, the palace is worth a visit for its massive stonewalls, beautiful terraces, water channels, arched openings, ornamental grills and crowning domes.

Sheesh Mahal

The charming palace near a small lake was built during the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845 – 1862).  Its interiors are beautifully embellished with pieces of glass and mirror (sheesh).  An Art Gallery her displays antique paintings, bronzes, sculptures and portraits of the Maharajas of Patiala. World’s largest collection of medals, decoration and orders of various countries are exhibited here. The interior wall of the Sheesh Mahal has paintings depicting the vision of Keshav, Surdas and Bihari, both in line and color.  These walls and ceilings are also rich in floral designs.  The interior casts a kaleidoscope phantasmagoria of myriad images and multi-colored lights.  One can see the huge portraits of the rulers of Patiala adorning the walls of the museum hall.  Some of the rare manuscripts can be seen here.

The Medal Gallery in the Sheesh Mahal has on display the largest number of medals and decorations in the world.  Besides medals, there is a rare collection of coin including those issued by the princely states in the 19th century.

Baradari Gardens

The graceful garden was laid-out in the late 19th century, by Prince Rajinder Singh.  It also has a rock garden and a fern house.

Kali Devi Temple

It is located opposite Baradari garden on the Mall Road.  The Painted chamber of the shrine is a protected monument.

Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib

The famous gurudwara marks the site, where Guru Teg Bahadur ji rested on his way to Delhi to embrace martyrdom.

Bhadurgarh Fort (6km)

It was originally founded in 1658, by Nawab Saif Khan.  The present structure was built by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala in 1837.

Patiala To Other important City Distance

Barnala 91 Km
Bathinda 155 Km
Chandigarh 63 Km
Dera Baba Nanak 274 Km
Faridkot 185 Km
Fazilka 265 Km
Firozpur 245 Km
Gurdaspur 243 Km
Hoshiarpur 165 Km
Jalandhar 150 Km
Kapurthala 169 Km
Ludhiana 92 Km
Mansa 110 Km
Nangal 164 Km
Pathankot 259 Km
Amritsar 227 Km
Rup Nagar 108 Km
Sangrur 54 Km