Patiala is a city that is situated in the southeastern part of Punjab. It is the fourth largest city in Punjab and is known for its traditional attires like Patiala salwar and juti. Also called the Royal City and the Beautiful City, Patiala is situated around the famous Qila Mubarak. The city has deep cultural traces in terms of classical music.
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Visit Patiala to discover the traditional facet of Punjab. Patiala is also renowned for its tasty traditional cuisines. Encompassed with ancient palaces and forts, Patiala is certain to take you back to times when kings ruled the entire region. The city also has renowned Gurudwaras and religious sanctums. In this article, find places to visit in Patiala.
5 Places to Visit in Patiala
Qila Mubarak Complex
Qila Mubarak Complex is a formidable fort cum palace inspired by Sikh architecture. The complex is the residence of the Royal family of Patiala and is built in 10-acre land at the heart of the city. Quila Mubarak Complex is a vast stronghold that houses the Quila Androon, Divan Khana and Ran Baas. Quila Androon is a large inner portion of the Qila Mubarak Complex that was built by Maharaja Amar Singh.
Quila Androon has got 13 royal chambers and its walls are embellished in paintings from various chapters of Hindu mythology. The Darbar Hall consists of an Armoury & Chandelier Museum which houses cannons, maces, swords and shields. The daggers of Guru Gobind Singh and the sword of Nadir Shah are the most popular attractions here. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Patiala.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Major Attractions: Armoury & Chandelier Museum, Quila Androon
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Witness Ancient Architectural Marvel
Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal aka the Palace of Mirrors was built in the 19th century as a part of the Old Moti Bagh Palace. Reflecting the supreme quality of ancient architectural brilliance, Sheesh Mahal is a place that should be added to your list of places to see in Patiala. The palace is home to captivating paintings and sculptures. There is also an artificial lake, fountains and gardens.
Inspired by Mughal and European styles of architecture, the palace has a suspension bridge that is a replica of Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh. The palace is covered in meticulous mirrors and glassworks. The palace walls were painted by renowned painters from Rajasthan and Kangra. If you are an admirer of beautiful monuments and alluring art then Sheesh Mahal is just the right place for you.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Major Attractions: Hanging Bridge
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Explore supreme quality painting and mirror works
Moti Bagh Palace
Literally translated to “The Pearl Garden Palace”, the Moti Bagh Palace is one of the top places to visit in Punjab. The Moti Bagh Palace is one of the largest residential structures in Asia. It was where the Maharaja of Patiala resided. The construction of the humungous palace was started in 1847 during the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh and was finished during the rule of his great-grandson Maharaja Bhupinder Singh.
The massive complex is now home to Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports. Along with that, the Moti Bagh Palace also serves as the headquarters of the North Zone Cultural Centre. It also houses a museum and a taxidermy gallery. The palace was constructed in Indian and European style architectures and is embellished with jharokhas, chhatris and fountains.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Major Attractions: Palace Gardens, Jharokhas
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Spend an evening at the gardens, Attend the Annual Patiala Heritage Festival
Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib
Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib is arguably the most famous tourist spot in Patiala and stands as the pride of the city. The Gurdwara is of high significance from the pilgrims’ perspective. Each year, millions of devotees and tourists flock to Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib for blessings. Numerous legends revolve around the Gurudwara and Guru Teg Bahadur. It is said, praying at the Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib would end ones suffering.
The black and white marble floor adds to the aesthetics of the massive structure that sprawls over acres of land. The Gurudwara welcomes a huge gathering on the fifth day of the light half of each lunar month. Basant Panchmi, the day that marks the visit of Guru Tegh Bahadur is highly revered. The entire complex is dotted with marble columns and thus, Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib is a sight in itself.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Major Attractions: Artefacts and Palace Gardens
Ideal duration to explore: 2-3 hours
Things to do: Photography, Witness Ancient Architectural Marvel
Baradari Gardens
Located in the north of Patiala city, the Baradari gardens is one of the top places to visit in Patiala. Built near the Baradari palace, the Baradari Garden has derived its name from its ‘twelve gates’. The resident of the palace, Emperor Rajinder Singh planted rare species of trees and flowers. The same gave birth to the majestic garden that it is today.
Feel the freshness in the air while in this garden. It is a family-friendly destination and is usually crowded during the evenings. The garden is dotted with massive fruit trees, a fern house and rare plants. It also houses Colonial buildings and a marble statue of Maharaja Rajinder Singh.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Major Attractions: Colonial buildings and the marble statue
Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
Things to do: Photography, Evening Walks
Patiala can be visited to know the soul of Punjab’s cultural and religious facets. If places in Patiala has evoked interest in you then check out places to visit in Amritsar.
FAQ
What is Patiala famous for?
The city is famous for its Patiala shahi turban, Patiala paranda (a tag for braiding hair), jutti and Patiala peg (a measure of liquor)
Is Patiala worth visiting?
Patiala is encompassed in architectural marvels inspired by Mughal and Hindu styles of architecture. The city is also home to numerous historically significant places.