Discover Patiala
Accommodation in Patiala
Patiala brings together palace history and gardens with religious sites, classical music and distinctive handicrafts. Mirror-adorned rooms, a marble sculpture in the Baradari Gardens and the Patiala Gharana tradition reveal very different sides of the city. Aloo Tikki and Jalebi are also part of its culinary scene. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can start by asking yourself which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.
Palaces, mirror rooms and different eras
Sheesh Mahal was built behind the main palace, Moti Bagh, as a pleasure palace. Its mirror-adorned rooms are decorated with paintings in the Kangra and Rajasthani Qalam styles. The paintings depict poetic visions of Keshav, Surdas and Bihari. Sheesh Mahal is now home to a museum, an art gallery, a medal gallery and the North Zone Cultural Centre. The museum is said to house a collection of around 3,200 orders, medals and awards assembled by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh from various parts of the world.
Moti Bagh Palace also tells the story of several periods of rule: construction began under Maharaja Narinder Singh and was completed under Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in the early 20th century. Its Rajasthan-style façade features include jharokhas and chhatris. The palace stands in a garden with terraces, water channels and a Sheesh Mahal. The Old Moti Bagh Palace is now home to the National Institute for Sports.
Gardens and distinctive buildings
In the north of the old city, the Baradari Gardens surround Baradari Palace, just outside Sheranwala Gate. Rare trees and shrubs stand alongside colonial buildings. The garden also features a marble sculpture of Maharaja Rajindera Singh and Fern House. The 19th-century building is a replica of the Fern House in Calcutta and, together with Rink Hall, makes for a distinctive sight.
Another historical thread leads to Qila Bahadurgarh. The fort was originally known as Saifabad. Maharaja Amar Singh gave it the name Bahadurgarh and had it reinforced and renovated; the present-day fort dates back to Maharaja Karam Singh. Patiala thus brings together different chapters of architectural and dynastic history rather than focusing on a single palace. Parts of Bir Moti Bagh are also home to a zoo and a wildlife park.
Religious traditions and local culture
The Kali Temple complex draws Hindu and Sikh devotees from faraway places. At its centre stands the much older temple of Raj Rajeshwari. At Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib, local history meets traditional lore: it was built on land donated by villagers from Lehal, and Guru Tegh Bahadur is said to have visited. According to local legend, anyone who prays there is freed from their suffering.
Patiala is also associated with the Patiala Gharana, a distinctive style of North Indian classical Hindustani music. Its hallmarks include rhythmic complexity, pentatonic ragas and energetic taans. Patialvi handicrafts offer further insight into local traditions: the embroidery techniques Gota, Kinari, Zari and Sitara are used for waist cords and parandas. Street vendors in Patiala sell Aloo Tikki and Jalebi—two dishes that add a culinary dimension to exploring the city.
Find the right focus for your stay
Whether you are especially interested in palace architecture, religious sites, music, handicrafts or local food, Patiala offers a range of themes to guide your travel plans. If you are travelling with varied interests, this selection can help you decide what kind of stay you are looking for. Your search for a holiday rental in Patiala can then begin with what you would like to discover while you are there.
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