Patiala is a city in Punjab, India. It is the fourth largest city in the state and is the administrative capital of the Patiala district. The city lies about 30 miles (50 km) southwest of Chandigarh on a major rail line as well as on a branch of the Sirhind Canal, Patiala is located around the Qila Mubarak fort constructed by the Sidhu Jat chieftain Ala Singh, who founded the royal dynasty of Patiala State in 1763, and after whom the city is named. The present city of Patiala was built after the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 in which the Marathas were defeated by Afghans, The writ of the Afghans prevailed throughout Punjab and they successfully countered it.
In 1808, the Raja of Patiala entered into a treaty with the British against Sikh ruler Maharaja RanjitSingh of Lahore, thus becoming collaborator in the grand empire-building process by the British in, the sub-continent of India. The city of Patiala was designed and developed according to a plan akin to that of temple architecture, the first settlers of Patiala were the Hindus of Sirhind, who opened their business establishments outside the Darshani Gate. The royal house is now headed by Captain Amarinder Singh who is also the current Chief Minister of Punjab. A major trade and industrial center; it is a hub for weaving, cotton ginning, distilling, manufacturing, and many other industries.
The city is well connected by road, rail, and air through Chandigarh and is home to numerous well-known educational institutions. The city is also a well known sports hub and is home to national sports center where athletes get training in a variety of sporting activities from hockey, wrestling, swimming cycling, boxing. running and many more. This city is also home to huge palaces like the Moti Bagh Palace constructed in 1847, Qila Androon, Rang Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. These palaces are the epitome of Indian architecture and showcase the evolution of a distinct style of architecture. Patiala is also famed for the Patiala suit dress for girls, Patiala shoes for boy/girl, and the ‘Patiala Peg’ a large peg of alcohol by measure.
The name originates from Patiala Patiala Peg and is about twice as large as a normal shot glass of alcool. The city is also well known for being a arts and cultural hub with its own musical style known as Patiala Gharana, a unique Hindustani classical music style. Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty are some of the greatest exponents of this type of singing. Patiala is a well-known tourist destination, with numerous places worth visiting including Kali Devi Mandir[, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, Gurdwara Moti Bagh, Bahadurgarh Fort[, Qila Mubarak complex, Sheesh Mahal, Baradari Gardens[ The city known for its pleasant climate is open to tourism throughout the year.
The city is very popular for its food, with a variety of street food to choose from. Also, worth visiting are Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib Ji, Ijlas-e Khas, Maiji Di Sarai, Mall Road Rajindera Kothi, Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal, and Shahi Samadhan. The city is a shoppers delight with numerous shopping malls selling a variety of local and branded products. The city has numerous hotels, resorts, lodges that provide luxurious, mid-range and budget accommodation. Restaurants serve delicious punjabi cuisine. The nightlife here is vibrant with numerous watering holes available. Visiting Patiala over the weekend is a nice experience
