With a strong historical and cultural background, Patiala is one of the most visited cities in Punjab locally. And being the fourth largest city of Punjab, it is no surprise that it is full of architectural marvels which are a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
Apart from its local history, this city is also renowned for its Gharana of Hindustani Classical Music. Not just that, interestingly, this city is also known for the 5 Ps - Patiala Shahi Pug, which is a kind of headgear traditionally worn by Sikhs. Then there is Paranda, Patiala Salwar, Patiala Jutti and how can we forget the Patiala Peg - a unique liquor drink which is the speciality of this city.
Best Time to Visit Patiala
If you also plan on visiting and exploring the old and delightful lanes of this city, then the best time to visit Patiala would be from October to February. During this time, you can consider sightseeing and exploring the local culture around.
History of Patiala
The first ruler of this historical city was Baba Ala Singh who was one of the chiefs of Phulkian Misl (a warrior clan). He was the one who set the foundation of Patiala Fort aka Qila Mubarak. If we go back in history, we will see that the land of Patiala has witnessed various battles amongst several empires who fought valiantly to own it. Some of them are Afghan Durrani Empire, the Maratha Empire and the Sikh Empire.
Major Attractions in and Around Patiala
1. Qila Mubarak
The Qila is one of the most rampant fort cum palaces which has been built in the Sikh architectural style, inspired by the Rajput and Mughal architecture. If you love to revel in Indian history and the stories relating to it, then you shouldn't probably miss travelling to this place.
2. Sheesh Mahal
The literal meaning of the word is Palace of Mirrors. This place was built as a part of the Old Moti Bagh Palace in the 19th century. There are even a lake and a bridge named Lakshman Jhula, present in front of the palace. If you love to travel and explore new places, then you should definitely consider visiting the mahal.
3. Baradari Gardens
The Baradari Gardens are located in the north of Old Patiala city. The garden was built during the reign of Maharaja Rajinder Singh and houses a lot of rare trees, shrubs and flowers. Overall, it is an interesting travel getaway to explore.
4. Lakshman Jhoola
It is basically a beautiful suspension bridge, established across a small and artificial lake in Patiala. More or less, it is a replica of the famous Lakshman Jhoola which is situated in Rishikesh.
5. Moti Bagh Palace
It is one of the best travel spots worth visiting in Patiala. The old quarters in this place were built in the 1840s by the Maharaja of Patiala. More or less, it was expanded in the 1920s under the supervision of Sir Ganga Ram during the reign of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. You simply won’t regret your decision to travel here.
How to Reach Patiala
The old city of Patiala promises you with an unforgettable journey. The vibe of this city is drenched in nothing but history, tradition and heritage. It is located at an approximate distance of 254, 2,177, 1,415, and 1,532 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata respectively. Here is how you can reach here by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
The best option would be to deboard at Chandigarh International Airport located (approx) 64 kilometres away. The airport is well-connected to other Indian cities. Once you get off at the airport, you will need to take a cab, or some other means of transportation to reach your destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Patiala
By Train
Patiala has its own railway station named Patiala Railway Station that goes by the same name. The railway station is well-connected to nearby Indian cities and states. After deboarding at the station, you will need to hire a cab to further reach your destination via well-maintained and motorable roads within the city.
By Road
The road connectivity of Patiala is quite good. So, if you are planning on a road trip from nearby cities, it will be a safe and convenient option. It is usually an easy road trip from Delhi to Patiala, for instance. However, depending upon your location, you can further consider taking a cab, interstate bus or even a private bus. If it suits you, then, you can also consider travelling via your own vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Patiala
Q. What are the popular tourist places in Patiala?
A. Some of the popular tourist places in Patiala include the Qila Mubarak, Baradari Gardens, Moti Bagh Palace, the Patiala Shahi Turban, and the Sheesh Mahal.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
