Known around the world for its traditional clothing, Patiala is a culturally and historically rich city blessed with centuries-old palaces, ancient Hindu temples and a sprawling fort. However, it also boasts modern entertainment with its water park, golf club and Bollywood theatres.
Things to do in Patiāla
Discover a significant part of India’s history at Patiala’s numerous historic attractions, including the circa-1763 Qila Mubarak, which was once a fortress and palace, but now houses a public collection of antique weapons. Afterwards, head to the nearby Moti Bagh Palace, which dates back to the 1840s and now houses a cultural centre with paintings and taxidermy.
Interested in India’s Hindu roots? Visit the revered Kali Mata Mandir temple, which was built in 1936 and houses priceless religious reliefs. If you’re fascinated by India’s war history, don’t miss visiting the 19th-century Bahadurgarh Fort, which is surrounded by a moat and features a sacred mosque.
Dive deep into India’s rich culture at the North Zone Cultural Centre, which showcases the country’s arts, crafts, traditions and cultural heritage through exhibits, traditional clothing and performances. If you’ve got the kids with you, venture out to Dhillon's Fun World, a popular amusement park with water slides, bumper cars and a fun house.
Get some retail therapy at the City Centre mall or shop with locals at Gurdwara Khel Saheb Market and New Leela Bhawan Market. You can admire a wealth of old-world plates, lanterns and other tools at the Antiques Museum before watching a game of local cricket at the Dhruve Pandove Cricket Stadium.
Getting around Patiāla
Patiala is serviced by Chandigarh International Airport, about 65 kilometres away, along with regular trains from the Patiala railway station. You can get around the city by using taxis, a hire car or auto-rickshaws.