One of Punjab’s royal cities is Patiala. The splendour and vibrancy of previous monarchs have shaped the city’s backdrop. The foundation of its rich cultural heritage is art. There are several locations in Patiala that reflect the history and culture of the city. 

It has a lot to offer, including palaces, forts, gurdwaras, and temples, and you’ll undoubtedly be astonished!

How can you reach Patiala?

By Air: The nearest international airport is the Chandigarh Airport, roughly two hours from Patiala.

By Road: You can reach Chandigarh. From there, you can take the road to Patiala, which is around two hours drive.

By Train: You can take a train to the Patiala railway station.

Places to visit in Patiala for a fun and exciting trip

So, if you’re looking for a different kind of vacation, give Patiala some thought. Before leaving on your trip, you might want to be aware of the following places to visit in Patiala.

Kali Mata Mandir

Bhupinder Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala, was inspired to construct the temple and transport the idol of Goddess Kali and the “paawan jyoti,” or the “holy fire,” from Bengal to Patiala. This was done in 1936. 

The temple, which is located across from the Baradari Garden, contains a six-foot-tall idol of Goddess Kali. The temple, which is entirely constructed of white marble, is an architectural marvel in and of itself. 

The kings of Patiala are reputed to have been avid patrons and advocates of art and culture, leading many people to assume that this is the case. Beautiful paintings, inscriptions, and frescoes that depict tales from Hindu mythology and stories from Hindu scripture decorate the walls of the temples. 

Opening hours for the temple are 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. There are daily rituals dedicated to the goddess Kali.

Sheesh Mahal

Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Palace of Mirrors, was a component of the Old Moti Bagh Palace when it was constructed in the 19th century. There are several frescoes, most of which were created under the rule of Maharaja Narinder Singh. 

This palace is made even more beautiful by the lake and Lakshman Jhula bridge that is located in front of it. Along with this castle, there is a museum that houses the world’s biggest collection of medals. 

Sheesh Mahal is open from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm. 

Source: Pinterest

Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib

Gurudwara Dukh Niwan Sahib, one of the most well-known Gurudwaras in Punjab, is located in Lehal, which is now a part of Patiala and is well known for its curative qualities. Visitors to this Gurdwara, which is looked after by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, have confidence in the water’s curative properties and honour it annually. 

According to the HukamNama, it is said that anyone with illnesses or illnesses may be completely healed if they take a plunge in the pond with entire commitment and concentration. In addition to praying, there are many other activities that visitors may engage in, such as volunteering to feed the homeless or maintaining the cleanliness of the Gurdwara. 

This Gurdwara is frequented by many people, not just on important days like Basant Panchmi (the day Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji landed here), Gurunanak Jayanti, or Lohri, but also by newlyweds and new parents. 

Overall, this Gurudwara is regarded as quite auspicious because of its reputation for healing abilities, and is unquestionably worthwhile for visitors to Patiala to pay a visit. Discover the carefully chosen information about Gurudwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib in Patiala. 

It is advised that tourists visit the Gurudwara between the hours of 4:00 AM and 11:45 PM.

Source: Pinterest

Moti Bagh palace

The Moti Bagh Palace, a historic and majestic palace in Patiala’s Moti Bagh, is a popular tourist destination. The palace’s original 1840s construction by the Maharaja of Patiala saw its 1920 expansion under the leadership of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. It has 15 dining halls and has an impressive architecture with chhatris and jharokha and an air of old-world charm. 

The National Institute of Sports has just moved into the remaining portions of the palace, which formerly served as a museum. Several 20th-century paintings painted in the Rajput and Kangra traditions may be found at the repository, also called the Sheesh Mahal, along with other art and cultural artefacts. 

The best time to visit the Moti Bagh Palace is in February when a large cultural event is held there. The Moti Bagh Palace is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Source: Pinterest

Baradari gardens

During the rule of Maharaja Rajinder Singh, the Baradari Gardens, which are close to Sheranwala Gate and are located north of Old Patiala city, were constructed. It contains several uncommon plants, shrubs, and flowers, all of which enhance the colonial structures that are present. 

In the garden, there is also a statue of Maharaja Rajinder Singh. With a cricket stadium, a skating rink, and Rajinder Kothi, a modest palace that is now a heritage hotel, this was constructed as a royal home. 

The Baradari Gardens hours are from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. 

Bahadurgarh Fort

The mediaeval fort known as Bahadurgarh Fort was built in the city of Patiala in the year 1658 CE. It was first constructed by Nawab Saif Khan and modified and updated by Maharaja Karam Singh in 1837. The fort, which has a surface area of 21 square kilometres, bears the name of the ninth Sikh Guru, Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur. 

It has two ramparts, a moat and is constructed in a round. There is a mosque and a Gurudwara in the fort complex, both of which serve as ideal examples of harmonious cohabitation. The Gurudwara is known by the name Gurudwara Sahib Patshai Navin. In addition to being a well-liked tourist destination, the fort’s grounds also house the Punjab Police Commando Training School at the moment. 

Timings: 9.00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife

The Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is 654 hectares in size and 5 kilometres from Patiala City, was formerly one of the royal family’s cherished hunting grounds. In 1952, a wildlife refuge was established in the Bir region. Today, a wide variety of indigenous fauna call it home, including the chital, hog deer, peafowl, myna, partridge, etc. 

The Sanctuary also contains a separate deer park. Winter (October–January) is the greatest season to visit the Sanctuary since migrating birds may be seen there. Visitors can also use the restrooms and café at The Sanctuary. When travelling in the summer, remember to include a reusable water bottle as well as a hat or umbrella. 

It can be visited between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. 

Adults must pay Rs 20 to enter, while children under 12 must pay Rs 10.

Qila Mubarak Complex

The Qila Mubarak complex is a rampart fort and palace constructed in the Sikh Palace architectural style, an Indian adaptation of the Mughal and Rajput styles. In 1764, it was constructed with the support of Maharaja Ala Singh. 

The Ran Baas (guest house), Darbar Hall, Qila Androon, which has an underground drainage system within the Qila, and Qila Bahadurgarh are just a few of the different elements that make up the entire complex. 

Source: Pinterest

FAQs