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Patiala, an erstwhile princely state, capital of PEPSU and a district headquarters of Punjab are situated in the Malwa region of Punjab. Malwa has the largest number of districts in the reorganised Punjab, and the antiquity of some of the cities goes back to the ancient and early medieval period. Patiala is relatively a young city, a few years more than two centuries old.
Brief History
• The early history of the founders of Patiala state is more of a myth mystery than reality.
• The rulers of the erstwhile states of Patiala, Nabha and Jind trace their ancestry to one Chaudhary Phul.
• Apparently the appellation of dynasty ‘Phulkian’ is derived from their common founder.
• A man with vision and courage, Ala Singh carved out an independent principality from a petty Zamindari of 30 villages.
• Under his successors, it expanded into a big State, touching the Shivaliks in north, Rajasthan in the south and upper courses of the Jamuna and the Sutlej.
• Though historians have tried to trace the origin of Patiala (as far as the name is concerned) to Rig Vedic literature yet the town as it stands today was founded by Ala Singh with the construction of the Qila Mubarak in the year 1763.
• One gets the impression as if the city was designed and developed according to a plan akin to that of temple architecture. In the heart of the city was the seat of the king similar to the house of the deity and the residential areas of communities developed almost status-wise.
State/District/Capital
Patiala district is one of the twenty-two districts in the state of Punjab in north-west India. The city lies about 30 miles (50 km) southwest of Chandigarh on a major rail line as well as on a branch of the Sirhind Canal, Patiala was founded in 1763 as the capital of the princely state of Patiala. It is now a trade and industrial centre; weaving, cotton ginning, distilling, and manufacturing are among its industries.
How to reach Patiala?
By Rail
From New Delhi, take New Delhi-Bhatinda Inter City Express or the Shatabdi Express to Ambala, and then hire a taxi for the drive to Patiala.
By Road
Patiala lies just off the excellent National Highway #1 (Delhi-Amritsar) and is about 250 Km from Delhi. The journey via Ambala Cantt. takes about 5 hours. You can also drive to Patiala from Chandigarh, via Zirakpur (on NH 22), and Rajpura.The PRTC Bus Stand Patiala enquiry no is 0175-2311718.
By Air
Patiala is not having any international/domestic airport .The nearest international Airports are at Delhi and Amritsar. The Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi is at a distance of around 250 Km from Patiala. The International Airport Amritsar is around 235 Km from Patiala. The nearest domestic Airport is at Chandigarh which is around 70 Km from Patiala.
When to visit Patiala?
The best season to visit Patiala is the winter season. The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for sightseeing. The best months to visit are October, November, December, January, and February.
Official Language
Patiala is a city in southeastern Punjab, northwestern India. Punjabi is the official state language. Along with Hindi, it is the most widely spoken. However, many people also speak English and Urdu.
Weather
- January- 19° / 7°2 C
- February- 23° / 9°3 C
- March 28° / 14°4 C
- April- 36° / 19°2 C
- May- 40° / 24°3 C
- June- 39° / 26°6 C
- July- 35° / 26°11 C
- August- 34° / 26°12 C
- September- 33° / 23°5 C
- October- 32° / 17° C
- November- 28° / 11° C
- December- 22° / 8° C
Fairs and festivals in Patiala
Patiala hosts a number of festivals. The festivals in Patiala are celebrated with great delight and religious sentiments. Some of the major festivals include:
Baisakhi
Punjab is well-known for its Baisakhi fair. This festival is celebrated at several places in the state and is organized from 13th to 15th April every year and lasts for three days from 1st to 3rd Baisakh, the month of Harvest. It is a cultural festival for the locals and is regarded as the most important Punjabi festival. Thousands of Sikh pilgrims arrive each year from all over the country to celebrate this festival.
Lohri
Lohri in Patiala is celebrated with great gusto just before the day of Makar Sankranti. Lohri is one of the most beautifully celebrated festivals of Punjab and is enjoyed with singing special Lohri songs and dancing merrily to the beats of Dhol.
Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami is a famous festival of Punjab. It celebrated with pomp and fervour in the month of January/February every year. The festival is celebrated to welcome the season of spring.
Holi
The “festival of colours” is indeed celebrated in a very colourful manner in Patiala and is one of the biggest festivals for the natives.” The atmosphere is really charged up during the celebrations.
Diwali
One of the most important festivals of Hindus, Diwali, is also well known by the name of “Festival of Lights” or Deepavali. It is celebrated in the month of October or November. Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and show. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped at this festival.
Transportation/stay to prefer
•Cabs: Mobile application-based services like Ola Cabs are available in Patiala. Other modes of transport available here include auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw and shared rickshaw for travelling to short distances within the city.
•Buses: The Patiala Municipal Corporation runs the local city buses within the city for the people to commute.
•Rentals: Getting around to the forts and gardens of this city can be very easily managed by hiring a car and going to the various tourist attractions.
One should pick the best places to stay in Patiala within easy reach of its historic attractions.
Places to visit in Patiala
Natural
Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in proximity to Moti Bagh Palace of Patiala. It is a major tourist attraction of the city and attracts a large number of people every year. It was a primary hunting reserve of the Maharajas during the regal era.
Baradari Garden dates back to the 19th-century. It derives its name from the word Bara and Dar meaning twelve doors. This garden with twelve entrances was built in Mughal style in 1876.
Spiritual
Gurudwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib is a holy Sikh shrine that was graced by the ninth Sikh Guru – Guru Teg Bahadur.
Kali Mata Mandir in Patiala is a prominent Hindu place of worship. It is dedicated to goddess Durga, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Situated on the Mall Road of Patiala, the magnificent temple lies in front of the Baradari Garden next to the Rajendra Tank.
Gurudwara Moti Baag is situated on the outskirts of Patiala City. When Shri Guru Teg Bahadur started his journey towards Delhi, he came here via Kiratpur Sahib, Bharatgarh Sahib, Roap Makar, Kabulpur etc.
Cuisines to taste in Patiala
- There is no better way to start your day than a Garma Garam Paratha along with the special Formula Chai.
- Chole Bhature at the historic Sherawalla gate are always a delight.
- A huge glass of Kanwal lassi will provide tranquillity to your senses. With myriad flavours to choose from, there is something for every taste bud. Mango, banana, strawberry, peach no one can have just one.
- Made with onions, mashed boiled potatoes and many other vegetables, Amritsari Kulcha is a tasty treat.
- Talking about Patiala and not talking about Tandoori Chicken would be so unfair. If there is one thing that Punjabis know best, it’s how to do their chicken. Tandoori Chicken is one of the most famous street food in Patiala and something you must feast upon.
- Some of the best street foods in Patiala are trying panipuri, Dahi puri, chole Bhature, Amritsari kulcha, papdi chaat, tandoori chicken, samosa, puri chole, Kathi roll, aloo Tikki, kachori, jalebi, pakora, chicken achari tikka, etc.
Things to do in Patiala
- Walk-in baradari garden.
- Go to Quila Androon.
- Explore Bir Moti Bagh Sanctuary.
- Explore darbar hall and museum.
- Jalau Khana is a mesmerizing building that is home to some unusual artefacts that are known to be related to the royal family of Patiala.
Souvenirs to buy in Patiala
- Phulkari Dupatta. Phulkari has long been a revered embroidery style in Punjab. …
- Punjabi Jutti’s as we all know are beautiful.
- Patiala Salwar Kameez are always exquisite to wear, hence are a must buy.
- Punjabi Pankhi.
- Dry Fruit Gur or Jaggery.
- Punjabi pickles are a must buy.
- Soot Ke Laddu are definitely supposed to be bought back home.
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