Patiala - Punjab

Tourisum

Qila Mubarak Complex

The fort in the heart of the town was built in 1764, by Maharaja Ala Singh at the site of a kuchi-garhi or a mud fort. The royal family also resided here and the residential area was known as “Qila Androon” or the inner fort. The residential palaces are adorned with magnificent murals depicting themes of Ramayana, Mahabharta, Shrimad Bhagwat, Geet Govinda, Baramasas and Ragas and Ragnis etc. These were designed by great artists from Kangra and Rajasthan. The Durbar Hall, to the right of the entrance was built later and is noted for it’s beautifully ornament ceiling 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 specialties of Patiala- exquisitely embroidered leather shoes(jutties), tasseled silken braid(pirandis) and brightly embroidered phulkari fabrics etc.

Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal

The two mahals contain a large no. of frescoes, most of which were made built during the reign of Maharaja Narender Singh (1845-1862). The Sheesh Mahal was built behind the main Moti Bagh Palace to serve as a pleasure complex.The paintings in two of its well maintained, mirror-worked chambers are of Kangra and Rajasthani qalam, depicting the poetic visions of Keshav, Surdas and Bihari. Within the Qila Mubarak are 16 painted and mirror-worked chambers. For instance, the Darbar room is illustrated with Vishnu avatars and stories of courage or generosity, the ladies' chamber with illustrations from famous romantic epics, and two other chambers with illustrations of the qualities of a good or bad king. Its interiors are beautifully embellished with pieces of glass and mirror(sheesh), while the terrace gardens and fountains beautify the exterior. The Sheesh Mahal now houses a museum, an art gallery, the famed medal gallery and also the North Zone Cultural Centre. The Art Gallery at the palace displays antique paintings, bronzes, sculptures and portraits of the Maharajas of Patiala. The frescoes, among the finest painted in India in the second half of the 19th century are evidently the work of artists from Rajasthani, Pahari and Avadhi traditions. World’s largest collection of medals, decoration and orders of various countries are exhibited here.
The beautiful lake nearby is flanked by two watch towers, with a rope suspension bridge resembling the Lakhsman Jhula at Rishikesh.

Diwan Khana

This hall is used for holding important public occasions. The Darbar has been transformed into a museum exhibiting dazzling chandeliers and armor, including the sword and dagger of Guru Gobind Singh.It also displays Nadir Shah’s sword. The hall was built on a high platform over a network of tunnels . The delicately worked wood-and-glass doors open into a huge 15m-high chamber.The ceiling is hung with a fabled collection of chandeliers.At the far end of the chamber is a raised platform, where the Maharaja used to sit.

Shahi Samadhan

The Samadhan, where Maharaja Rajinder Singh once built a garden, now holds cenotaphs of erstwhile rulers, looked after by a mahant.

Moti Bagh Palace

The magnificent palace in indo-Saracenic style was completed in early 20th century and is regarded as one of the largest residences in Asia. It started during the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh, it was completed under Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. The Old Moti Bagh Palace now houses the National Institute for Sports. The facade has Rajasthan-style jharokas and chhatris. It is surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens, Sheesh Mahal and water channels. The palace has many huge halls adorned with marble floors, rich frescoes and thousand piece chandeliers suspended from high ceilings. The main palace now houses the famous National Institute of Sports- the headquarters of sports education and coaching in India. The unique Sports Museum here, exhibits rare photographs, medals and kits etc. of the great Indian sportsmen.

Lachman Jhoola

Across the small Lake in front of Sheesh Mahal is a magnificent suspension bridge which being a replica of the famous Lakshman Jhoola at Rishikesh, is also named as Lachman Jhoola. It links the Sheesh Mahal with the Banasar Ghar on the other side of the lake. The Banasar Ghar now houses the North Zone Cultural Center and a hall for setting up exhibitions.

Mall Road

Baradari is the colonial area of Patiala . On one side of Mall road is the Baradari, and on the other is the walled city. All along the vibrant Mall Road are fountains and beautiful paved walkways, as well as goverment offices (all buildings conforming to one architectural style), entertainment spots, including cinema theatres and the Rajendra tank, and temples. (The Rajendra Tank is actually a large lake which once attracted migratory birds in winters. Boating facilities are available here.)

Rajindera Kothi

Set in the heart of the Baradari Gardens, this late 19th Century Palace built in colonial style by Maharaja Rajindra Singh till recently housed Punjab States Archives. PUDA is planning to exploit this building as a potential Heritage Hotel.

Baradari Gardens

The Baradari gardens surround the Baradari palace located in the north of old Patiala city, just outside Sheranwala Gate. The gardens, laid under Maharaja Rajindera Singh were planted extensively rare trees and shrubs, dotted with impressive Colonial buildings and a marble statue of Maharaja Rajindera Singh, a rock garden and the Fern House. The 19th century Fern House, a replica of the one in Calcutta forms a unique attraction along with quaint Rink Hall.

Ijlas-e Khas

Intended to be the Administrative Secretariat of the princely state, this beautiful building now houses the offices of the Punjab State Electricity Board.

Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib

The villagers of Lehal donated land for the modest Gurudwara built on this elevated site, said to have been visited by Guru Teg Bahadur ji on his way to Delhi to embrace martyrdom. The legend is that anyone who prays at this Gurudwara is relieved of his suffering ('dukhniwaran'). A new bigger building is now being constructed.

Kali Temple

It is located opposite Baradari garden on the Mall Road. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was inspired to build this temple and bring the 6-ft statue of Kali from Bengal to Patiala . This large complex attracts devotees, Hindu and Sikh, from distant places. A much older temple of Raj Rajeshwari is also situated in the center of this complex.

Qila Bahadurgarh

The ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur stayed at Saifabad during his travels. Originally known as Saifabad, it was renamed Bahadurgarh by Maharaja Amar Singh who reinforced and renovated it. The present fort dates back to Maharaja Karam Singh. He built a beautiful Gurudwara on the Patiala-Rajpura road (6 Km from Patiala City ).

Panj Bali Gurdwara

Nawab Saif Khan, an admirer of Guru Teg Bahadur, Commemorated the guru's visit by building two gurudwaras, one inside the fort and the other across the road, now known as Panch Bali Gurudwara.

Punjabi University

The Punjabi University, located in the erstwhile princely city of Patiala, in the south-east of Punjab, was established on April the 30th 1962. After the Hebrew University of Israel, this is the only University to be named after a language. Originally conceived and started as a unitary multi-faculty teaching and research university and primarily meant for the development and enrichment of Punjabi language and culture, but alive to the social and educational requirements of the state, it grew into an affiliating one in 1969. It has since developed in significant dimensions and acquired a distinctive character among the centres of education and research in the country. The university campus is situated on the Patiala Chandigarh road, at a distance of 7 km from the main city. Sprawling across 316 acres, the campus is away from the din and noise of the city markets and roads. It presents a splendid sight of the complex of beautiful buildings which include The famous Guru Gobind Singh Bhawan, Guru Teg Bahadur hall, Punjabi Bhavan, Waris Bhavan, Itihas Bhawan, Audio-Visual Research Centre, Metrorology Centre, Science Auditorium, Arts Auditorium, Teaching blocks for Arts and Sciences, University Library, Punjabi Reference Library, University Computer Centre, Gymnasium, Hostels for students Amongst several others, conducive to quiet and concentrated academic work. It has since evolved into a multi-faceted multi-faculty educational institution with over sixty-five teaching and research departments.

Excursion of Patiala

Bhadurgarh Fort
It is 6 km far away from city Patiala. It was oriinally founded in 1658, by Nawab Saif Khan. The present structure was built by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala in 1837. The excellent fortress is presently occupied by the Department of Police.

Sangrur
It is 48 km. from Patiala. It was the capital of the erstwhile state of Jind. The Government Civil Secretariat and diwan or Assembly Hall are some of the fine structures reflecting the glory of the bygone era. The beautiful Banesar Garden here has a fine marble baradari.

Fatehgarh Sahib
The historic pilgrim center is named after Baba Fateh Singh ji, the younger son of Guru Gobind Singh ji. The town and its surroundings are dotted with many historic gurudwaras. Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib- the beautiful white gurudwara marks the site where, Zorawar Singh (9 years old) and Fateh Singh (7 years old), the two younger son’s of Guru Gobind singh ji were entombed alive inside an enclosure of brick and cement. They preferred martyrdom instead of embracing Islam under the pressure of the Nawab of Sirhind. Large number of pilgrims visit the shrine throughout the year.

How to reach Patiala

By Air: From New Delhi, take a flight to Chandigarh and from there onwards hire a taxi for a 65 minutes drive to Patiala.

By Rail: From New Delhi, take New Delhi-Bhatinda Inter City Express or the Shatabdi Express to Ambala, and then hire a taxi for the drive to Patiala.

By Road: Patiala lies just off the excellent National Highway No. 1 (Delhi-Amritsar) and is about 250 Km from Delhi. The journey via Ambala Cantt takes about 5 hours. You can also drive to Patiala from Chandigarh, via Zirakpur (on NH 22), and Rajpura.