Patiala

Patiala is relatively a young city of royal heritage and rich tradition. Founded in 1764 by Baba Ala Singh, a soldier par excellence on an ancient mound, "PRASTHALA", frequently referred to in the Mahabharta epic, Patiala has since then acquired a place of eminence in political, social, religious, music and fine arts, cultural, academic and military spheres. It was Maharaja Bhupinder Singh (1900-1938) who gave Patiala State a prominent place on the political map of India. Later at the time of Indian independence his son Yadvindera Singh took a patriotic lead by signing the instrument of accession facilitating the process of national integration.

There after Patiala has continued to occupy an important place in regional politics. The Capital of Princely state Patiala has magnificent Forts, Palaces, extensive gardens like Quilla Androo Sheesh Mahal, Moti Bagh Palace, Baradari Garden, Art Galleries and National Institute of Sports. Baradari Gardens, Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib, Temple Kali Devi, which on account of the rare murals on its walls, has been declared a national monument. Patiala is now one of the principle city of Punjab. National Institute of sports (NIS), Head quarters of State Bank of Patiala, Panjab State Electricity Board, Public Works Department, Public Service Commission, Punjab State Archives and Income Tax Department for this reason are also located here. The Northern Religion Centre is also located at Patiala. Patiala has long been a centre of trade and commerce but in recent years it is gradually developing into an industrial town by producing a wide range of goods. Escorts, Milk Food, Diesel Component Works (DCW) of the railways, Bakeman's Factory Area and Industrial Estate Sirhind Road are worth mentioning industrial units. Also, Patiala has the proud distinction of having one of the most prestigious army formation.

Culture
The fourth Maharaja Narinder Singh was a great patron of art, architecture and music. It was during his time that Moti Bagh Palace, Sheesh Mahal, Banasur Bagh were designed followed by Baradari Palace. Maharaja also encouraged classical music. Keeping the tradition alive his successors continued to patronise the music resulting the rich creation of Patiala Gharana; on which still thrives the whole of Pakistani Classical Music. Colorful Parandas, Nalas, Chunnies and Patiala Juttis embroidered in Gold Thread and Phulkari motifs are unique handicrafts of Patiala.

Sports
The city has rich tradition in promoting sports in the country dating back to Baba Ala Singh. He popularised sports like horsemanship, marksmanship and hunting. Later Cricket was introduced as the modern sport and highest cricket ground in the world was built at Chail (now in Himachal Pradesh). Other sports include Polo, Hockey and Wrestling in which Patiala has produced world fame players and Wrestlers. With the establishment of National Institute of Sports, Patiala has become sports capital of the Country.

Getting There

Distance From
Delhi : 315 kms
Ambala : 54 Km
Chandigarh : 67 Km
Patiala is well linked with other towns of Punjab through rail and bus service. It is situated nearly 4 km from Patiala Railway station/Bus Stand.

Excursion In Patiala
Qila Mubarak
Motibagh Palace
Kali Devi Temple
Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib
Bara Dari Garden

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