Patiala district is one of the famous princely states of erstwhile Punjab, with the administrative headquarters bearing the same name. It is rich with attractions that invite tourists throughout the year. The place has historical monuments, which speak of a rich tradition and legacy. Some of the famous tourist attractions of Patiala have been listed below:Places to See In Patiala
Qila Mubarak
Qila Mubarak is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Patiala. Built in 1764, by Maharaja Ala Singh, the fort was originally made as a mud fort or kachi garhi. The Maharaja constructed the pacca qila after his conquest of Sirhind. He constructed the qila by using the octroi received from the merchandise passing through his territory of the GT Road. More
Sheesh Mahal
Sheesh Mahal, or the Palace of Mirrors, is one of the popular tourist attractions of Patiala. It flaunts the ostentatious grandeur of the royal Maharajas. The palace has been named so, owing to its exquisite interior that is completely ornate with mirrors and glasses, along with the pretty floral motifs painted on the walls. More
Bahadurgah Fort
Bahadurgah Fort is a famous tourist attraction of Punjab, located 6 km away from the city of Patiala. It lies at a distance of one and half kilometer from the main gate of Punjab University. The fort was built in 1658, by Nawab Saif Khan and was called Saifabad. Later, Maharaja Amar Singh renovated the fort and renamed it as Bahadurgah Fort. More
Moti Bagh Palace
The construction of this palace was started during the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh and was completed under Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, in the early 20th century. Today, the old palace houses National Institute for Sports. The façade has Rajasthan-style jharokas and chhatris, and the palace is set in a beautiful garden with terraces, water channels and a Sheesh Mahal.
Jalau Khana & Sard Khana
The Jalau Khana is a small, two storied building with a central hall, which has been built in Late Colonial style, where regalia were displayed. The Sard Khana provides an escape from the summer heat. There is a deep well inside it, which acts as a wind tunnel, bringing cool air into the ground-floor rooms and the basement. Outside, there is a formal garden with waterways and fountains.
Lachman Jhoola
In front of the Sheesh Mahal, across the small lake, there is a magnificent suspension bridge called the Lachman Jhoola. It is a replica of the Lachman Jhoola at Rishikesh. It links the Sheesh Mahal with the Bansar Ghar, which houses the North Zone Cultural Center and a hall for setting up exhibitions.
Baradari Gardens
Baradari Gardens surround the Baradari Palace, located in the north of old Patiala City, just outside Sheranwala Gate. It was constructed by Maharaja Rajindera Singh and consists of rare plants and trees, dotted with impressive Colonial buildings and a statue of the founder. The prime attraction in the garden is the 19th century Fern House, along with quaint Rink Hall.
Bir Moti Bagh
Bir Moti Bagh used to be the hunting preserve for the Maharajas and is located in the outskirts of Patiala. The total area of the forest is 1,600 acre. Most of the area is still covered with forest, but parts of it have been made into a zoo and a deer park as well as a pilot project for medicinal plants.
Goddess Kali Temple
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh built Goddess Kali Temple and brought the 6-feet statue of the Goddess from Bengal to Patiala. The temple attracts both Hindus and Sikh devotees, from distant places.
Others
Amongst the other attractions is Shahi Samadhan, where Maharaja Rajinder Singh once built a garden. Now, it holds cenotaphs of erstwhile rulers, looked after by a mahant. Then, you have the Mall Road, with fountains and beautifully paved walkways all along. There are also government offices, entertainment spots, Rajendra Tank and a few temples therein. Even Rajendra Palace, a 19th-century palace built in the colonial style, by Maharaja Rajindra Singh, is worth a visit.
