ABOUT PATIALA:

• It was founded in 1753, by Maharaja Ala Ssingh and named Patiala, literally the territory (pati) of Ala.
• In 1948, it became the capital of a new state, PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union), created by merging the princely states of East Punjab.
• Rulers of Patiala were great patrons of art and crafts, which made the city an important centre of Punjabi language and culture.

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Chandigarh Airport, Chandigarh (IXC), 66 kms away from Patiala town.
• Rail: Patiala Railway Station, Patiala, 3.5 kms away from centre of Patiala town.
• Road: Well connected by road.

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

For more information visit https://patiala.nic.in/tourism/

ATTRACTIONS OF PATIALA

Qila Mubarak:

• Fort in the heart of the town was built in 1764, by Maharaja Ala Singh at the site of a kuchi-garhi.
• The royal family also resided here and the residential area was known as ‘Qila Androon’ or the Inner Fort.
• Palaces are adorned with fine murals painted by artists from Kangra and Rajasthan.
• 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.
• Bustling bazar around the fort is a treasure – trove for shoppers.
• Shopping list comprises of specialities of Patiala – exquisitely embroidered leather shoes (jutties), tasselled silken braid (pirandis) and brightly embroidered phulkari fabrics etc.

Moti Bagh Palace:

• Magnificent palace in Indo-Saracenic style was completed in early 20^th century and is one of the largest residences in Asia.
• It is surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens and water channels.
• Main palace now houses the National Institute of Sports and Sports Museum.

Sheesh Mahal:

• Charming palace near a small lake was built during the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845-1862).
• Its interiors are beautifully embellished with pieces of glass and mirror (sheesh).
• An Art Gallery here displays antique paintings, bronzes, sculptures and portraits of the Maharajas of Patiala.
• World’s largest collection of medals, decoration and orders of various countries are exhibited here.

Baradari Gardens:

• Graceful garden was laid-out in the late 19^th century, by Prince Rajinder Singh.
• It also has a rock garden and a fern house.

Kali Devi Temple:

• Located opposite Baradari garden on the Mall Road.
• Painted chamber of the shrine is a protected monument.

Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib:

• Famous Gurudwara marks the site, where Guru Teg Bahadur Ji rested on his way to Delhi to embrace martyrdom.

Bhadurgarh Fort:

• 6 kms away from Patiala town.
• It was originally founded in 1658, by Nawab Saif Khan.
• Present structure was built by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala in 1837.