PatialaHistory dates the birth of Patiala to 1756 when Baba Ala Singh founded it and built the Qila Mubarak or the Patiala Fort. The fort now houses an impressive armoury and some beautiful chandeliers. An erstwhile princely state, the city still retains much of its historical grandeur in its forts, palaces and extensive well-maintained gardens. The Motibagh Palace was built by Maharaja Narinder Singh around 1845, who styled it after the Shalimar Gardens of Lahore. The Palace is surrounded by magnificent lawns and fountains. Its walls are covered with beautifully sculpted and painted scenes from mythology, poems of some great poets, `bara masa' or the moods of the twelve months, and some excellent portraits of the Sikh gurus. This style became famous as the Patiala School of Painting. The Motibagh Palace now houses the National Institute of Sports and the Punjab Art Gallery. ACCESS Patiala is well connected with other cities and towns by both rail and road. PLACES OF INTEREST The Qila Mubarak, the Motibagh Palace, the Samadhi of Baba Ala Singh and the new Motibagh Palace. EXCURSIONS Nabha on the Patiala- Srinagar road is an old town with an old fort in the centre the Rani Mahal Palace; Roop Nagar or Ropar (70 km), an archaeologist's delight revealing ruins of an old Harappan city and an old fort. ACCOMMODATION Hotel Narain Continental (3-star), Patiala. Green's Hotel (2-star), The Mall, Patiala, Phones: 0175-213070, 213071. |