How to Reach Patiala

Air

Since there is no airport in Patiala. Chandigarh is located at a distance of only 56 km from Patiala. Hence, after reaching Chandigarh, you can hire taxi or bus and travel down to Patiala conveniently. Flights can be taken to Amritsar as well, which is situated at a distance of 206 km from Patiala. A number of domestic flights regularly operate to Chandigarh and Amritsar, from different parts of the country.

Rail

Patiala has a railway station of its own, connecting it with all the key destinations in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, etc. Apart from that, Chandigarh and Ambala present the two nearest rail links from the place.

Road

Patiala lies off the excellent National Highway No.1 (Delhi-Amritsar) and is just 250 km from Delhi. There are number of government and private buses running from Delhi to Patiala. You can also drive to Patiala from Chandigarh, via Zirakpur (on NH22) and Rajpura............
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Gurudwara Damdama Sahib

Damdama Sahib is one of the Five Takhts or Seat of Temporal Authority of Sikhism. It has been built at the site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures, called Sri Guru Granth Sahib, in 1705. Located in village of Talwandi Sabo, 28 km to the southeast of Bathinda, the gurdwara was officially recognized as the Fifth Takht of Sikkhism, on November 18, 1966. It was declared as the fifth Sikh Takht by the Government of India in April 1999, during tercentennial celebrations of the formation of the Khalsa. The gurdwara is also known as Talwandi Sabo and Guru Ki Kashi.

History

The legend goes that Guru Gobind Singh retired to the jungle of Malwa, after his fierce battle with the Mughals. He relaxed and took rest at Talwandi Sabo and hence, it came to be known as Damdama Sahib (the term 'damdama’ literally meaning the breathing place). The Guru stayed here for nine months and nine days. He made the place a centre for spreading his mission, which was to teach people about Sikhism. In fact, it was here that he re-dictated Adi-Granth and called the place Khalse Da Takhat. The Damdama Wali Bir, as the Guru Granth Sahib is sometimes called, was completed here, being dictated by the Guru to one of his disciples Bhai Mani Singh. With this, the gurdwara came to be known as Guru Ki Kashi as well.

Gurdwara Damdama Sahib is also the headquarters of Nihangs. There are ten gurdwaras within its premises, along with three tanks - Nanksar Sarovar, Akalsar Sarovar and Gurusar Sarovar. Nanaksar Sarovar is said to be associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who is said to have visited Talwandi Sabo village in 1510 A.D., during his second Pad Yatra to Rajputana. The Akalsar Sarovar is associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji and a sip of its water is believed to be a safeguard against any disease and scourge. The Gurusar Sarovar is said to have been dug up under the orders of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. Other holy attractions located near the Damdama Sahib are the Jand Sahib, Tibbi Sahib, Wada Darbar Sahib and Gurusar............
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How to Reach Bathinda

Air

Bathinda does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airports are located at Chandigarh and Amritsar, which are at a distance of 146 km and 177 km respectively. One can take a flight to either of the two destinations and then travel by bus or taxi to reach Bathinda.

Rail

Bathinda is a big railway junction of Northern Railway, situated on the Ambala-Bathinda branch line. A few trains, like New Delhi-Bathinda Intercity Express and Dadar-Amritsar Express, touch the Patiala Station. The New Delhi-Bathinda Intercity Express connects Bathinda with the capital city of India, Delhi. Besides, there are several passenger trains running between Ambala and Bathinda (which stop at Patiala) at regular intervals daily. There are also direct trains that run from Delhi to Bathinda via Patiala, Ambala, Hisar and Rohtak.

Road

A wide network of roads connects Bathinda to the main cities of India like Delhi, Ludhiana, Ferozpur, Faridkot, Kolkata etc. You can easily get buses as well as taxis for commuting the distance between these cities............
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Qila Mubarak, Bathinda, Punjab

Qila Mubarak, is a historical monument in the heart of the city of Bathinda, Punjab in India. It has been in existence for approximately 1400 years in its current place. It was here that Razia Sultan, the first woman to take charge of the Delhi throne was incarcerated on her defeat and dethroned. The bricks of the fort date back to the Kushana period when emperor Kanishka ruled over Northern India/Bactria. Raja Dab, along with emperor Kanishka, is believed to have built the fort............
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Sheesh Mahal, Patiala

Sheesh Mahal in old Moti Bagh is designed on the pattern of Shalimar Garden of Lahore with terraces,fountains,channels and flower beds. It was built by Maharaja Narendera Singh in 1847 A.D. at a cost of 5 lacs. The Sheesh Mahal Museum at Patiala has great importance in the field of painting, sculptures, medals and decorative art objects............
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Raj Mahal, Faridkot

'Raj Mahal’ (royal Palace) was built during the reign of Maharaja Bikrama Singh during 1885-1889 under supervision of the, then Crown Prince (Later Maharaja) Balbir Singh, who incidentally was the first to move in and start living in it. Spread over nearly 15 acres (61,000 m2), it presented a magnificent look with French design, dominating grassy lawns a mid semi desert area of the State. Its entrance called “Raj Deori” – itself is a heritage building of a vintage and now houses Balbir Hospital at Faridkot............
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Qila Mubarak, Faridkot

The fort with its impressive architecture still adorns the city of Faridkot. Its foundation is believed to have been laid by Raja mokalsi, Raka Hamir Singh renovated it and got it extended. Later ruler like Raja Bikram Singh. Raja Balbir singh got constructed many new buildings. It housed the royal Palace. Tosha Khana, Modi Khana & Treasury Buildings. There is a garden within the four walls of the fort. All the buildings are very well build and well furnished. It's not open to public as repair is going on............
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Moti Bagh Palace, Patiala

Moti Bagh Palace, is a palace in Patiala, and was built as one of the largest residences in the world and served as principal residence for Patiala royal family till late 40' when it shifted to New Motibagh Palace which acts as permanent residence to Maharaja of Patiala and his family. 

The old quarters were built in 1840s by Maharaja of Patiala, and was expanded in 1920s during the reign of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. After independence Maharaja Yadavindra Singh donated it to Government of India which later converted a part of it into a museum, a taxidermy gallery, and North Zone Cultural Centre. 

National Institute of Sports, or NIS Patiala is situated in its East wing where the annual Patiala Heritage festival is celebrated............
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Bahadurgarh Fort, Patiala

6 kms. from Patiala town on Patiala-Chandigarh road, it was originally built by Nawab saif khan in 1658 A.D. and rebuilt in 1837A.D. by Maharaja Karam Singh. The constuction was completed in eight years and rupees ten lakhs were spent on it.The circumference of the fort is around 2 km.Maharaj Karam Singh gave the fort its present name to sacred memory of Guru Teg Bahadur who visited this place while on his way to Delhi during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb............
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Qila Androon, Patiala

The architectural style of this palace at Patiala is a synthesis of late Mughal and Rajasthani. The complex has 10 courtyards along the north - south axis and each courtyard is unique in size and character, some being broad, others very small and still others mere slits in the fabric of building.Though the Androon is a single interconnected building, it is spoken of as a series of palaces. Each set of rooms makes a cluster around a courtyard, and each carries a name: Sheesh Mahal, Toshakhana, Jalau Khana, Chand Mahal, Rang Mahal, Treasury and Prison. Ten of the rooms are painted with frescoes, or decorated intricately with mirror and gilt. In a tiny portion of the complex is a little British construction with Gothic arches, fire places made of marble and built-in toilets perched on the Mughal Rajasthani roof!. Burj Baba Ala Singh even today has a fire smoldering ever since the time of Baba Ala Singh, along with a flame brought by him from Jwalaji............
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Rajinder Kothi/Baradari Palace, Patiala

Rajinder Kothi was also known as Baradari Kothi because it was built around a grand Baradari (an open pavilion with 12 arches) also giving its name to the adjacent Baradari Garden. This sprawling garden-palace laid out around a Mughal-style baradari, was built in 1876 by the then ruler of Patiala Maharaja Rajinder Singh. Till then all the rulers of Patiala had lived at Qila Mubarak. The ruler wanted to move out of his residence and hence conceived the Baradari Kothi, the Baradari Gardens, the cricket ground, and the Patiala mono rail. The planning and construction of the gardens and the buildings were done by the ruler's younger brother Kaur Sahib Ranbir Singhji.

This late 19th century palace, built in colonial style, housed the Punjab States Archives till recently. After the death of Maharaja Rajinder Singh in 1900, the new ruler Maharaja Bhupinder Singh - who was only nine years old - and later the Yuvraj (later Maharaja Yadavindra Singh), and the Maharaj Kumar (later Raja Bhalinder Singh), and his eldest sister the Maharaj Kumari Surinder Kaur continued to live in the Baradari Kothi............
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Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar, Punjab

This fort at Amritsar occupied a unique place in the Indian military history. Built in 1760, it was called Bhangian Da Kila (Bhangis was one of the twelve Sikh misles). According to historians, during 1808, the fort was known as the fort of Gujjar Singh Bhangi. Later it was re-built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh with the help of Jodh Singh. The legendary Maharaja strengthened the fortification of the fort in order to keep his treasures and treaties in safety. The specially constructed Toshakhana, in the centre of the fort, also stored large amount of grains and provisions for the 12,000-strong army. 

The fort was constructed with brick and lime with numerous army bastions and iron gates with 25 cannons on the ramparts, now replaced with modern weaponry.

The fort was constructed on a square pattern with a parameter of 1500 sq mt with two strong gates, four large bastions and well-defined rampart. 

The majestic entrance has been named Nalwa Gate, after the great Sikh warrior. The other end of the gate is known as Keelar Gate and it is rumoured that in its close proximity existed an escape tunnel, connecting to Lahore tunnel. However, the army authorities said that they had not been able to locate any such tunnel so far.

The British Army had added Darbar Hall, Hawa Mehal and Phansi Ghar (hanging place) to the fort after the annexation of Punjab. After Partition, the fort provided a temporary shelter to a large number of refugees from Pakistan. In October 1948, the fort was handed over to the Indian Army. 

Dyer's sadism

This fort holds a special significance in the freedom struggle. It has been a witness to many nameless freedom fighters who kissed the gallows willingly. Gen O Dyer's office-cum-residence was located just opposite the Phansi Ghar. It is said that he got sadistic pleasure watching the hanging of the patriots in the Phansi Ghar.

Even the staunchest critics agree that the army had tried its best to keep the buildings in the fort intact. However, reservations are already being expressed whether the state government would be able to preserve (and restore) its original glory. 

A large number of city residents, who had lost their dear ones during summary trials under the British rule, have been trying to gather information about their relatives who were hanged to death in the Phansi Ghar. 

Some of the freedom fighters had sought the permission of the government to build a suitable memorial at the Phansi Ghar, which had stood out as a place of resistance against the atrocities of the British military general, General O Dyer, the perpetrator of the massacre of Jallianwala Bagh in 1919............
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Bhatinda/Bathinda punjab

Bathinda or Bhatinda, named after the Bhati Rajput kings, is one of the oldest cities in Punjab, India and the current administrative headquarters of Bathinda District. It is situated in north-western India in the Malwa (Punjab) Region, 225 km west of the capital city of Chandigarh. Bathinda is nicknamed the city of Lakes and was once known as Tabar-e-Hind(or Tabarhindh), meaning the Gateway to India. The first empress of India, Razia Sultan was imprisoned in the Qila Mubarak fort in Bathinda.

Bathinda is home to two modern thermal power plants, Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant in the city and the other one, Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant at Lehra Mohabbat. It is also home to a fertilizer plant, a large oil refinery, a Zoo, and the historic Qila Mubarak fort. Bathinda is one of the biggest food grain and cotton markets in northern India, and the area around Bathinda has become a large grape growing area. It is one of the leading cities in Punjab for education.

Bathinda has a rich religious and cultural heritage. There are a number places worth visiting in and around the city. Many of them are deeply associated with various religious beliefs.

Transport


Places to See:


Gurudwara Damdama Sahib

Damdama Sahib is one of the Five Takhts or Seat of Temporal Authority of Sikhism. It has been built at the site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures, called Sri Guru Granth Sahib, in 1705. Located in village of Talwandi Sabo, 28 km to the southeast of Bathinda, the gurdwara was officially recognized as the Fifth Takht of Sikkhism, on November 18, 1966.

Qila Mubarak

This is an oldest and highest small brick monument.3. Lakhi Jungle

Bahia Fort

This was built in 1930 in front of the main Fort by S. Balwant Singh Sidhu belong to a group of 22 villages, so called Bahia Sahib. It was as official residence of armed forces of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala State . Now it has been converted into a Four Star Hotel.

This is situated 15 km away from Bathinda and on the way to Mukatsar. A forest having old Gurudwara enjoyed the touches of Shri Guru Nanak Dev who recited one lakh holy Paths of Shri Japuji Sahib.Therefore it was called Lakhi Jungle. Tenth Sikh Guru , Guru Gobind Singh also visited this place.

Rose Garden

This garden boasts of large number of varieties of Roses. It is very near the city and is visited by large number of people on weekends. The 10-acre (40,000 m2) garden is located close to Thermal Plant. It has a vast variety of rose plants and is a good picnic spot.

Zoological garden

It is a plant nursery of the forest department located approximately 10 km away from the Cantonment and is a popular picnic spot. This place is a small zoo in the midst of a small forest.

Chetak Park

A beautiful garden built in Bathinda Cantonment is popular among children's and others. It has a lake and boating facility.

Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan

It is one of the most revered place of worship in the city.

Deer Park Bir Talab Bathinda

The Deer Park Bir Talab Bathinda is situated in a notified Protected Forests about 8 Km from the city of Bathinda. The total area of the Deer Park is 32 acres. There are 15 animal enclosures in this Deer Park. The zoo exhibits Sambar, Blue Bull, Hog Deer, Spotted Deer, Black Buck and various species of birds such as Parakeets, Cockteals, Partridges, Doves, Ducks etc. Since the Deer Park is located in Protected Forests, the visit to the zoo gives a thrilling experience to the visitors.

Muktsar

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Faridkot, Punjab

Faridkot is a small city in Faridkot district in the state of Punjab, India.It's a division with headquarter at Faridkot consists of three Districts Faridkot, Bathinda and Mansa. There are 8 Sub Divisions, 8 Tehsils and 9 Sub-Tehsils within these Districts. This town is about 20 km south of Ferozpur and 70 km north of Bathinda. It is connected by metalled roads with Ferozepur, Zira, Kotkapura and via Kotkapura with Moga, Muktsar, Jaitu and Bathinda. It is situated on Bathinda-Ferozepur railway section.

Faridkot is stated to have been founded by Faja Mokalsi some 700 years ago. He named it Mokal Har and built a fort here. Mukalsi was constructing or perhaps carrying out its repairs, when Baba Farid, the Saint was forced to work on its as a labourer. The story goes that it was noticed that the basket full of mud which the Saint was supposed to carry on his head did not rest on the head but kept about a feet higher, thereby giving no burden to the Saint. This miracle brought the Raja to his knees and he begged pardon of the Saint.

The people of Faridkot originally used to live in the fort, but in 1873, a town was laid out beyond its walls and the people were settled there. In 1885, bazars, were built on an improved plan and town assumed a fine look. The succeeding rulers made improvements and additions more or less in a planned way so that the town today presents the appearance of a planned town. The fort and the dera of Baba Farid located just near the fort are the main places of historical importance in the town. The Saint is held in high esteem by all residents and they pay respect at the dera every Thursday.

Places to See:

Qila Mubarak

The fort with its impressive architecture still adorns the city of Faridkot. Its foundation is believed to have been laid by Raja mokalsi, Raka Hamir Singh renovated it and got it extended. Later ruler like Raja Bikram Singh. Raja Balbir singh got constructed many new buildings. It housed the royal Palace. Tosha Khana, Modi Khana & Treasury Buildings. There is a garden within the four walls of the fort. All the buildings are very well build and well furnished. It's not open to public as repair is going on.

Raj Mahal

‘Raj Mahal’ (royal Palace) was built during the reign of Maharaja Bikrama Singh during 1885-1889 under supervision of the, then Crown Prince (Later Maharaja) Balbir Singh, who incidentally was the first to move in and start living in it. Spread over nearly 15 acres (61,000 m2), it presented a magnificent look with French design, dominating grassy lawns a mid semi desert area of the State. Its entrance called “Raj Deori” – itself is a heritage building of a vintage and now houses Balbir Hospital.

Darbar Ganj

This beautiful bungalow is a well laid out garden place. All the rooms are finished in the most modern style. The guests from the sisterly states used Darbar Ganj for stay. The building has now been converted into Circuit House.

Fairy Cottage

This cottage is situtated 7 K.M. from Faridkot on Chahal Road. This beautiful cottage is constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh in 1910-11.

Clock Tower 

This tower is made at the entrance of the Fairy cottage which is also constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh.

Sheikh Farid Agman Purab

Sheikh Farid Agam is celebrated from 15 September to 23 September. This festival starts with Live Theater competition, Qawali competition, other art and culture programs. This is followed up by Sports events such as National level wrestling, Hockey, Volleyball and football matches. Nagar kirtan is held on 23 September. More than 1,00,000 people attend this festival every year.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park

This park is situated in the heart of the city. Equipped with slides & swings, this park provides a beautiful scenery of the sunset in the evening.

Gurdwara Tilla (Chilla) Baba Farid

This is as old as the town-self. This place is situated near the Qilla Mubarak. Baba Farid remained at this place in meditation for 40 days before proceeding to Pakpattan. Besides place of Tilla Baba Farid. A sacred piece of wood with which Baba ji wiped his hands littered with mud has been preserved to - date. Shabad-Kirtan is recited get daily and Langer is also served every day to the people visiting this place. The poor also get daily langer, larger number of people visit this holy place on every Thursday to pay their obeisance to the great Sufi Saint.

Gurdwara Godari Sahib

This place is situated on the out skirts about 4 K.M. on Faridkot-Kotkapura road. It is believed that Baba Sheikh Farid left his godari (Jacket) there before entering Faridkot town. A beautiful gurdwara was constructed in 1982 and a Sant Sarover was later constructed at this place. Large numbers of people visit this place every Thursday and also take bath in this Sarover.

Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib

Gurdwara Godavari sar Dhilwan Kalan

Gurdwara Guru Ki Dhab...........
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Patiala, Punjab

Patiala is a city in the Punjab state of India. Patiala district is one of the erstwhile princely cities of Punjab. Located in the south-eastern part of the state, 65 km from the state capital of Chandigarh.

Patiala means Pati (land) of Baba Ala Singh, who founded the State of Patiala.

It is the administrative headquarters of Patiala District, and was the capital of the premier princely state in the former Punjab Province of British India, headed by the Sidhu dynasty. Patiala is famous for being the home of Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music and for its turban (traditional headgear), paranda (tasselled tag for braiding hair), peg (Patiala Peg - a double or large peg of whiskey), and Jutti (traditional Punjabi footwear) and "patialashahi" salwaar.Famous Punjabi singer Pammi Bai has sung a song on the famous Patialashahi turban.PATIALA, a city of gardens and palaces, has a rich architectural and cultural heritage. The oldest part of Patiala is the walled city within which Quila Mubarak; the oldest fortified palace of the city, sits on a raised mound. Quila Mubarak forms the core around which the walled city developed.

Transport

Places to see:

QUILA MUBARAK-MUSEUM

Contains rare cannons, swords,shields and maces , daggers of Guru Gobind Singh Ji , Sword of Nadar Shah etc. and rich collection of chandeliers from Europe.

The Earstwhile Patiala State named after its founder Ala Singh as Patti of Ala or Ala Singh's land in local language has a relatively brief history of about 230 years but a rich tradition in the fields of education sports and music .

SHEESH MAHAL

Sheesh Mahal in old Moti Bagh is designed on the pattern of Shalimar Garden of Lahore with terraces,fountains,channels and flower beds. It was built by Maharaja Narendera Singh in 1847 A.D. at a cost of 5 lacs. The Sheesh Mahal Museum at Patiala has great importance in the field of painting, sculptures, medals and decorative art objects.

GURUDWARA DUKH NIVARAN SAHIB

Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib is located in Patiala City, less than a kilometer from the Patiala railway station. The Gurdwara's construction was started in the year 1930 and was completed twelve years later in the year 1942.

GURUDWARA MOTI BAGH

Gurdwara Moti Bagh is associated with the visit of Guru Gobind Singh ji to help Bahadur Shah Zafar succeed Aurangzeb when the latter suddenly died in the south as a desperate, disillusioned and frustrated man. Guru Gobind Singh ji along with an wonderful band of warriors had camped in a garden owned by an ardent follower of the Guru, Moti Ram. Hence this splendid Gurdwara is known as Gurdwara Moti Bagh.

BAHADURGARH FORT

6kms. from Patiala town on Patiala-Chandigarh road, it was originally built by Nawab saif khan in 1658 A.D. and rebuilt in 1837A.D. by Maharaja Karam Singh.The constuction was completed in eight years and rupees ten lakhs were spent on it.The circumference of the fort is around 2 km.Maharaj Karam Singh gave the fort its present name to sacred memory of Guru Teg Bahadur who visited this place while on his way to Delhi durin the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb.

QILA ANDROON

The architectural style of this palace is a synthesis of late Mughal and Rajasthani. 

DARBAR HALL

Used for large audiences and important public occasions, the Darbar has been converted into a museum displaying dazzling chandeliers and armor, including the sword and dagger of Guru Gobind Singh and Nadir Shah's sword.

OLD MOTI BAGH PALACE

BARADARI PALACE

NEW MOTI BAGH PALACE

Rolls Royce of Maharaja (Maharaja in Background)

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