Royal city
Patiala
Punjab, India
About Patiala
Patiala was the seat of one of Punjab's richest princely states. The old city grew around Qila Mubarak, the 18th-century fort-palace, and the Maharajas later built the Moti Bagh Palace and the Sheesh Mahal, known for its mirror work and murals. Today Moti Bagh houses the National Institute of Sports, and the bazaars around the fort are famous for Patiala salwars, juttis and parandas. It's a long drive from Pathankot, so it works best as an overnight trip or combined with Chandigarh.
Highlights
Royal palaces
Qila Mubarak and Sheesh Mahal.
Shopping
Juttis, parandas and Patiala salwars.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
October to March
How to Reach
By road: about 250 km from Pathankot via Jalandhar and Ludhiana on NH-44, then towards Patiala. By train: Patiala railway station; Rajpura junction is nearby. Nearest airport: Chandigarh (≈ 70 km).
Top Attractions
Qila Mubarak
Old city
The 18th-century fort-palace at the heart of the old city.
Sheesh Mahal
≈ 2 km
Palace famous for mirror work and murals, with a lake and suspension bridge.
Moti Bagh Palace
≈ 3 km
Grand palace now home to the National Institute of Sports.
Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib
City centre
Major gurdwara linked to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Things To Do
Explore Qila Mubarak
Shop in Adalat Bazaar
Juttis and parandas.
Suggested Itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Drive via Jalandhar–Ludhiana; evening at Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib and the bazaars.
- 2
Day 2
Qila Mubarak, Sheesh Mahal and Moti Bagh exteriors; return or continue to Chandigarh.
Photo Gallery
Travel Tips
Some palace sections are under restoration — check what's open locally.
Leave early; the highway through Ludhiana can be slow.
Bargain in the bazaars.
