Patiala

Patiala is a city in Punjab, India. Patiala is a lively city known for its production of handcrafted goods. The juttis, traditional embroidered shoes for women and men alike, are exported all over the world to the Punjabi diaspora.

Understand
Patiala is a nice city, rich in cultural heritage. Its history dates back to the middle of the 18th century, when Baba Ala Singh established a princely state in the Malwa region of Punjab. In 1763 Ala Singh built the fort known as Qila Mubaraka which was his permanent seat until his death two years later. Under his successors, the kingdom expanded and the fort continued to be a residence of the royal family. During the Anglo-Sikh wars, the rulers of Patiala were an ally of the British. As a result of their "meritorious services", the British granted them the title of Maharajas. In the aftermath of the Indian Independence Act, Patiala's last ruler signed an accession to the Indian Union. The city is also called a CM City (CM means Chief Minister). Patiala was a part of PEPSU (PEPSU means Patiala and East Punjab States Union), and many Government of Punjab offices, as well as head corporate offices, are in Patiala rather than Punjab's capital Chandigarh. So, you can also say Patiala is a mini-capital of Punjab State.

As elsewhere in Punjab, November marks the disappearance of the monsoon. Sunny skies prevail till mid February. Daytime temperatures are comfortable. This is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit.

By plane
The nearest airport is Chandigarh from where you can either take bus or taxi. Taxi may charge around ₹800 to ₹1000. You have to bargain really hard to get the right price.

By train
Although there is a at Patiala, but the city is not very well connected by rail because it doesn't fall on the main line. Delhi Bathinda intercity is the best train for Patiala. However there is "Dadar Amritsar express" coming from Mumbai and a few intercity trains.

The nearest well connected Railway station is Ambala (UMB). There are many trains coming from all parts of India up to Ambala. From Ambala you can hire a taxi or come by bus. Distance is 60 km. The taxi driver may charge around ₹800 to ₹1000.

By bus
If you are coming from Delhi it is 260 km distance, and you can find direct buses from ISBT after every hour. There are also deluxe buses available, charging ₹240 per head. The bus journey from Delhi takes 6 hrs. You can also take a taxi, but charges will be really high, to the tune of ₹3500-4500.

There are regular buses from Chandigarh every hour direct to Patiala.

See




Eat