Day trip to Patiala from Punjab
The old royal capital sits 65km south of Chandigarh and delivers a palace complex, phulkari embroidery and the original Patiala peg all in one day.
Fortified gate of Qila Mubarak in Patiala old city
Getting there
From Chandigarh, drive 1 hour 30 minutes via the Chandigarh-Patiala highway or take an Ordinary bus from ISBT Sector 43 for $2. From Ludhiana, it's 2 hours by road or the 06:15 Ludhiana-Patiala passenger train at $1.50. Amritsar to Patiala is a full 5-hour drive so an overnight is smarter. Once in Patiala, cycle rickshaws around the old city cost $0.60 a hop; autos $1-2. Everything worth seeing sits within a 3km radius of Qila Mubarak.
Qila Mubarak and the old city
The Qila complex was the seat of the Patiala royals and now houses a jumble of ruined and restored wings. Entry $0.60. Ask specifically for the Qila Androon inner palace — the frescoes and Sheesh Mahal mirror hall are the highlight. From here, wander Adalat Bazaar for phulkari dupattas ($10-25), Patiala salwars and juttis (embroidered shoes, $8-15). The Baradari Gardens have Punjab's largest collection of rare trees planted by Maharaja Rajinder Singh in the 1880s — free entry, closes at sunset.
Eat, drink, drive back
Kake Da Dhaba on Lower Mall does an unbeatable kadhi chawal and paratha lunch for $2. For a heritage lunch, book Baradari Palace's restaurant in the former royal gardens — Punjabi thali around $16, and yes, you can order a proper 90ml Patiala peg of Indian single malt for $8. Late afternoon, visit the Sheesh Mahal museum in the Motibagh Palace (entry $0.30, closed Mondays). Drive back to Chandigarh before dark; the highway isn’t well lit.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
A double-large measure of spirits — about 90ml — supposedly poured by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh to give visiting British polo teams a competitive disadvantage. Every bar in Patiala serves them.
Yes for the Sheesh Mahal and Qila Androon murals, though large sections are unrestored. Allow 90 minutes and go with a local guide ($5) or you’ll miss the context.
Adalat Bazaar has the widest range but bargain hard. For guaranteed hand-embroidered pieces, visit the Punjabi University's phulkari centre or Kala Kendra on Mall Road.
Yes but skip the Sheesh Mahal museum, which is closed. Qila Mubarak, the bazaars and Baradari Gardens are open.
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