Patiala

Located in the culturally rich state of Punjab, Patiala is a historic city resplendent with architectural marvels and cultural heritage of the yore. The people here are large hearted, affable and extremely warm and it is highly recommended to experience the hospitality of the place. The city is situated near Qila Mubarak which was constructed in the year 1763 by a militiaman, Baba Ala Singh. Patiala is very well known for its traditional turban, Patiala Salwar, Paranda, Jutti and Patiala Peg. Patiala travel guide is incomplete without a mention of its rich heritage. Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut was born in Patiala. The city is also accredited as the “City of Newspapers”. The popular printing press of Nawal Kishore was founded in the 19th century in Patiala. Being the home of Hindustani classical music, it is also renowned as Patiala Gharana.

Patiala is the erstwhile princely state of Punjab, which is situated in the Malwa region. It is surrounded by Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar and Chandigarh in the north, Sangrur district in the west, Ambala and Kurukshetra in the east and Kaithal district in the South. The city covers a total area of 3625 sq km. It is a judicious synthesis of a brilliant spectrum of Rajput, Mughal and Punjabi cultures and a fine blend of modernity and tradition. It was Maharaja Bhupinder Singh (1900-1930) who gave Patiala state a prominent place in the political map of India. Though historians have tried to trace the origin of Patiala to Rig Vedic literature, the town, as it stands today, was founded by Baba Ala Singh. It was founded with the construction of Qila Mubarak in 1763.

Patiala was once an erstwhile princely state founded by Baba Ala Singh from the Sidhu Dynasty. The Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music traces its roots to this state. Post independence, Patiala grew as a major educational centre in Punjab. Being a princely state, Patiala is home to palaces like the Moti Bagh Palace built in 1847, Quila Androon, Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal, all known for their architectural marvel. Patiala is also famous for its colorful clothes and dresses.