While speaking about the top cities to visit in Punjab, you definitely can’t afford to miss touring around Patiala. Over the years, the city of Patiala which once was a princely state has been known for its cultural and historical significance. The city has a rich artistic background and across the city, you will encounter various historic palaces and forts. In case you are tired of your monotonous daily life and planning for a holiday soon, here below we have tried to present some of the best places to visit in Patiala.
10. Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib
To start a tour in Patiala, it would be great to visit the Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib located in the Lehal village first. The spiritual place is known famously for spreading calmness among the pilgrims. As the name suggests ‘Dukhniwaran’ the end of all miseries, the Gurudwara brings happiness to the sufferer’s life. The lake near the Gurudwara is clean and the water is considered pious to drink which will eliminate all your diseases.
- The story behind Dukhniwaran Sahib Gurudwara.
Within the main building, there is a small shrine made up of marble where the devotees believe Guru Tegh Bahadur has sat under a banyan tree and meditated to relieve the village from ailments. An old handwritten document is there in the building that backs the authenticity of the legend.
9. Sheesh Mahal
A three-story high, Sheesh Mahal is an incredible structure originally constructed under the reign of Maharaja Narendra Singh (1846-58). The sprawling structure is located a few arm’s distances from the Old Moti Bagh Palace. Sheesh Mahal originally was built to encourage poets, artists, and scholars’ discourses in the court area. But at present, the grandeur establishment has been converted into a museum, where visitors will find an assemblage of art and sculptures.
- Piece of art in Sheesh Mahal.
Undoubtedly, Sheesh Mahal remains among the top places to visit in Patiala mainly because of the treasury of artworks it holds today. You will find miniature paintings, and metal and ivory work from Kashmir, Punjab, and Tibet here. Manuscripts like the Sufi classic Gulistan Boston once owned by Shah Jahan are also there for tourists to view.
8. Sarai Mughal
While running over the history textbook you definitely must have heard about the Sarai Mughal built by Sher Shah Suri in Shambu Village. The huge establishment acted as a rest house then along the Grand Trunk Road, a busy trade route. Two giant gates open the building and a two-storeyed mosque is there within the compound of the Sarai. Outside the Mughal Sarai, there’s a deep well and baradari for the passerby. The popular attraction of the visitors remains in the well-laid gardens warm and comfortable enough to relax.
7. Quila Mubarak
The modern-day Patiala is situated around Qila Mubarak, one of the main fortresses of the Punjab state. In 1763 it was built by Baba Ala Singh and was known as a mud fort. But the fortress was reconstructed with mud bricks later. The intricately detailed craftsmanship of the fortress walls tells much about the architectural beauty of this region. Today Quila Mubarak is depicted as proof of the magnificent Sikh palace architecture across India. Inside the Qila Mubarak complex, you will notice the Darbar Hall or the Diwan Khana; the palace Khila Androon, and the Ran Bas.
6. Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary
Enough of palaces and forts, here’s another of the best places to visit in Patiala. If you are a nature wooer then you will enjoy touring the Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary. While situated on the outskirts of Patiala, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1972.
- Flora’s and Faunas
A wide diversity of flora and rare species of fauna are discovered in the sanctuary. Wild animals like sambar, Blackbuck, blue bull, jungle cats, dove, and porcupine have embraced this green place as their natural habitat. The area spanned over 661 hectares and rich deciduous trees like Jamun, Shisham, and Kikar provide shelter to the wildlife.
5. Moti Bagh Palace
If you are someone who gets fascinated witnessing the royalty of the grand palaces then don’t miss Moti Bagh Palace. The construction of the palace started during Maharaja Narinder Singh’s era. However, it was finished in the early 20th century under the reign of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. Moti Bagh Palace also known as the green pearl palace can be distinguished for its Rajasthani style Chhatris and Jharokha (balcony). The palace is surrounded by green gardens, Sheesh Mahal, and water channels. In the present day, the old Moti Bagh Palace hosts the National Institute for Sports.
4. Bahadurgarh Fort
Bahadurgarh fort can be named one of the historic places to visit in Patiala. Technically, the first is positioned on the Patiala-Chandigarh Road nexus. At first, it was renovated in 1837 by Maharaja Karam Singh, who also named the fort after Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur.
- Bahadurgarh Fort inner complex.
The inner complex of the fort has the Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Nauvin, a Sikh temple. Every year during the Baisakhi festival (April 13), pilgrims around the corner of the country visit the spiritual gurudwara.
The fort also consists of a mosque founded by Saif Khan in 1668. If you walk three hundred yards away from the fort, then you can also locate the tomb of Saif Khan. Every year between January and June, Mela Roza Sharit Nawab Saif Ali is organized to pay tribute to Saif Khan.
3. Baradari Garden
If you again want to explore some greenery before you complete the Patiala tour, then roam around the Baradari garden. As the name suggests ‘Bara’ twelve and ‘Dari’ gates, the garden comprises twelve entrance gates. Originally established by Rajinder Singh in 1876, the large green tract of land nurtures rare trees and floral species. Giant fruit and blooming trees with rock gardens and Fern houses ascertain the king’s admiration and dedication to nature.
2. Omaxe Mall
Especially for the shopaholics, Omaxe mall has remained the main shopping center in Patiala. The mall consists of many inner stores where rare and luxurious Indian and international brands are found. Not only for shopping, but the mall has remained the center for wholesome entertainment like computer gaming, arcade, and exploring great dishes for the foodies. Top collections from brands like Biba, Levi’s, Adidas, Mufti, Woodlands, etc are stored within the mall. So, if you are someone who liked to catch up with the current fashion trend then, Omaxe mall won’t disappoint you.
1. Shri Kali Devi Ji Mandir, Patiala
The temple committed to the Hindu goddess Kali was designed in 1936 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. The six-foot-tall Kala Mata shrine and Pawan Jyot have taken ideas from the sculptures in Bengal. Devotees across the country find the holy complex attractive for pilgrim purposes. The center of the complex houses the older Shri Raja Rajeswari Ji temple. Due to the incredible temple infrastructure, the temple is declared a national monument. From lentils (daal), nuts, and mustard oil to the sacrifices of goats and hens are offered to goddess Kali.
Stop thinking, start packing!
We hope that you must have been overwhelmed after knowing about these ten best places to visit in Patiala. The city is not only known for its artistic value but you can also seek blessings from gurudwaras, temples, and mosques there. So, plan your tour to Patiala today and explore the cultural, architectural, and historical grandeur of the city.
Read More: Places to Visit in Hoshiarpur
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