The southeastern city of Punjab, Patiala was once a princely state established under Baba Ala Singh, a Jat Sikh chieftain. He laid the foundation of the fort and now, is located in the region around Qila Mubarak or the Fortunate Castle. Punjab is a state full of life, color and vibrance; and so is Patiala. It is highly famous for its traditional Patiala Shahi turban, the Paranda, the Patiala Salwar, the Punjabi Jutti, and the favorite of all, the Patiala Peg. Spending your time in this vibrant city is something you would never regret. Here are a few amazing things that you can cover in your trip to Patiala.
1. A day trip to Chandigarh
Chandigarh is just around 2 hours from Patiala and hence can be easily visited for a short trip. The “City Beautiful” is surely as beautiful and organized as its name implies. Tourist attractions like the Rose Garden, Rock Garden, The Sukhna Lake and many more can be easily covered when in Chandigarh. It does not get hectic to add Chandigarh to your trip at all.
Places to see in Chandigarh
Popular Attractions: The Sukhna Lake, The Rock Garden, The Rose Garden, Elante Mall, North Country Mall, Le Corbusier’s Museum
Website: Chandigarh Tourism
2. Visit the Chattbir Zoo
The Chattbir Zoo; Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, near Zirakpur, is a domicile to a large variety of the birds, mammals and reptiles. It was constructed back in the seventies and is the most developed zoological park of Punjab area. The Chattbir Zoo houses the most interesting lion safari to the reserve of Asiatic Lions. The animals roam freely here and it is really interesting to see how just a raw scrubland transformed into a wonderful habitat for the wild creatures.
Chattbir Zoo
Address: Chattbir Zoo Rd, Sahibzada, Ajit Singh Nagar, Chhat, Punjab 140603
Timings: 9am- 5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: Less than 1 USD
Website: Chattbir Zoo
3. Shop at the Phulkari Emporium in Chhoti Baradari
Famous for its shopping markets, Patiala is the place where you can buy to your heart’s content. Patiala is a producer of a wide range of goods, be it carpets, fabrics or handicrafts. These can be easily procured from the interior markets of the city. With all the specialties, the Phulkari work is the most famous work of Patiala. The best range of Phulkari can be procured from the State-run Phulakari Emporium in Chhoti Baradari.
Phulkari Emporium
Address: Baradari, Patiala, Punjab 147001
Timings: 9 am- 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free
4. Witness the festival of Baisakhi
The most famous and celebrated festivals of Patiala are Baisakhi and Guru Purab. It is the most gala time of all. This festival of Baisakhi is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. It marks the beginning of the solar year for the Sikh Community. The whole city is illuminated during such festivals; especially Baisakhi. The city is a sight to behold with the color and zeal that can be seen during this time.
Festival of Baisakhi
When: 13th of April each year
5. Explore the Qila Mubarak Complex
Qila Mubarak or the Fortunate fort is a stupendous and an extraordinary example of the Sikh architecture in India. It houses a great collection of various kinds and sizes of mirrors, armory, weapons, guns and chandeliers in its Darbaar Hall, while the paintings of the magnificent Sikh Rulers are also a gorgeous attraction. The Androon Hall is a spellbinding piece of art work which is made with glass of different colors.
Qila Mubarak Complex
Address: Quila Androon, Chandni Chowk, Adalat Bazar, Patiala, Punjab 147001
Timings: 9 am- 5 pm
Entry Fee: Less than 1 USD
6. Spend time at the Moti Bagh Palace
The Moti Bagh Palace, built as one of the largest residences in the world, served as a residence to the royal family of Patiala till the late forties. This massive palace houses 15 dining halls, a large artificial lake with a hanging bridge and the Sheesh Mahal Museum; providing you with a glimpse of the rich culture and traditions of Patiala. Several realistic art works cover the walls of Moti Mahal and many sculptures are also showcased here. The medals won by Maharaja of Patiala can also be seen here. It is a brilliant piece of architecture and is open for visitors from around the world.
Moti Bagh Palace
Address: Old Moti Bagh, Moti Bagh, Patiala, Punjab 147001
Timings: 9 am- 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free
7. Eat at Channa Bhature at Jaggi Sweets
Food and Punjab are almost synonymous of each other. Punjab has a wide platter to provide to their guests and their food in rich in spices. The most famous of all the Punjabi cuisine is the Channa Bhature for sure. Patiala is not only famous for this delicacy but also houses the food joint where you can get the best of the best. Jaggi Sweets offer you authentic and hygienic Channa Bhutare and must be visited during your stay. After all, your taste buds will surely savor this taste until you visit this place again.
Jaggi Sweets
Address: Near Anardana Chowk, Adalat Bazar, Patiala, Punjab 147001
Timings: 7 am - 11 pm
Price for 2: 2 USD approx
Website: Jaggi Sweets, Patiala
8. Pay Respects at the Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib
Situated close to the Patiala Bus Stand, Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib holds a great past with it. The history of the place, supported by an old handwritten document preserved in the Gurdwara, is said that Bhag Ram, a jhivar of Lehal, waited upon the ninth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur, during his break at Saifabad, and made the request that the Guru visit and bless his village so that the inhabitants could get rid of the serious and mysterious sickness which had been their blight for a long time. On his request, the Guru visited Lehal and the sickness in the village vanished. The place where Guru Tegh Bahadur sat is known as Dukh Nivaran, literally meaning the eradicator of suffering. The devotees presently have faith in the healing qualities of jal in the sarovar attached to the shrine. It is still believed that every illness can be cured by ‘ishnaan’ here at this divine sarovar.
Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib
Address: NH 1, Field Ganj Opp. Jagraon Bridge, Near Railway Station, Ludhiana, Punjab 141008
Timings: Always Open
Entry Fee: Free
9. Savor the lush greenery at the Baradari Gardens
Located in the southernmost part of Punjab, Patiala is a rather busy place in itself, with tons of things to do for travelers exploring the area. Those who are tired of roaming the town hubs can take a little downtime at the hidden gem that is the Baradari Garden. Frequented by locals and travelers alike, this local garden is great for nature lovers as it is home to some of the most stunning trees, and displays a wide variety of plants and flowers. Baradari Garden is also an open space where yogis can thrive, as many locals come to this park to do early morning or afternoon yoga. Picnics also take place here, usually on weekends and are plagued by those who just wish to enjoy some nature in the middle of Patiala’s hustle and bustle.
Baradari Garden
Address: Baradari, Patiala, Punjab 147001, India
Opening hours: 24/7, Sundays to Mondays
Price: free admission
Enough reasons to visit - go now!
A visit to this colorful, full of life and vibrant city should be on top of your to-visit list every time you think of having good food or buying great handicrafts. Not only the food and the crafts, but the history of this city is also a great reason to visit the royal city of Patiala.
History
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