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The
erstwhile capital of one of
India
’s richest princely states was founded in 1753, by Maharaja Ala Singh and
was named
Patiala
, meaning the territory (pati) of
Ala.
In 1948,
Patiala
was made the capital of a new state, PEPSU (
Patiala
and East Punjab States Union), created by merging the princely states of
East Punjab
.
Today this city is also a great center of learning and the prestigious
Punjabi
University.
Places
of Interest
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Sheesh Mahal
The
charming palaces near a small lake was built during the region of Maharaja
Narinder Singh (1845-1862). Its interiors are beautifully embellished with
pieces of glass and mirror (sheesh), while the terrace gardens and fountains
beautiful the exterior.
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The
Art
Gallery
at the palace displays contains
a rare collection of miniature paintings and paintings in Kangra, Rajasthan
and Patiala styles,
& contains
the World’s largest collection of medals & decorations.
The beautiful lake nearby
is flanked by two watch towers, with a rope suspension bridge resembling the
Lakhaman Jhula at Rishikesh.
Qila Mubarak : 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, Baramasa 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 its 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 shopper’s. The shopping list
comprises of specialities of
Patiala
– exquisitely embroidered leather shoes (jutties), tasseled 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 regarded as one of the largest residences in
Asia
. It is surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens 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.
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 large marble statue enshrined in the temple was brought from Makrana
in Rajasthan. 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.
Around Patiala
Bhaduragarh Fort (6 kms.)
It was originally 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 (48 kms.)
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.
The best time to visit ; The best time to visit
Patiala
is between October and March.
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How To Get
There
| By Air |
The nearest Airport is Chandigarh |
| By Rail |
Well connected by
rail are within easy reach of
Chandigarh & Delhi. |
| Road |
There is vast network of bus services |
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Punjab
