It lies in the south-eastern part of Punjab and is also the administrative capital of Patiala District and the fourth largest city in Punjab. A castle – Qila Mubarak is surrounded by Patiala which was made by Baba Ala Singh and Sardar Lakhna, the two militiamen in the year 1763.
The first ever astronaut from India named Rakesh Sharma was born in Patiala.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:-
Patiala is not having any international/domestic airport .The nearest international Airports are at Delhi and Amritsar. The Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi is at a distance of around 250 Km from Patiala. The International Airport Amritsar is around 235 Km from Patiala. The nearest domestic Airport is at Chandigarh which is around 70 Km from Patiala. The exact flight schedules should be checked from the official website of these airport or the Airline.
 By Rail:-
From New Delhi, take New Delhi-Bhatinda Inter City Express or the Shatabdi Express to Ambala, and then hire a taxi for the drive to Patiala.
By Road:-
Patiala lies just off the excellent National Highway #1 (Delhi-Amritsar) and is about 250 Km from Delhi. The journey via Ambala Cantt. takes about 5 hours. You can also drive to Patiala from Chandigarh, via Zirakpur (on NH 22), and Rajpura.
WHAT TO SEE
Qila Mubarak Complex:-
It is located in the heart of the city and stands amidst the 10 acre ground. There is a Shiv temple, a bazaar that runs around the Qila selling hand woven fabric and beautiful precious ornaments.
Sheesh Mahal:-
This palace was built in the 19th century that means the ‘Palace of Mirrors’. There are many frescos made under the guidance of His Highness Maharaja Narinder Singh.
Baradari Gardens:-
It is located in the north of the old Patiala City and is just outside the Sheranwala Gate. This garden was made during the reign of Maharaja Rajindera Singh. A skating rink, cricket stadium and a small palace in the middle named Rajindera Kothi was made as a royal residence. This is also now Punjab’s heritage hotel.
SHOPPING
Patiala is very famous for the handicrafts and handlooms and it is better to go for old city markets rather than those malls for all these things.
FOOD
The wholehearted strength lies in the tasty and mouthwatering cuisine of Punjab. Be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian, there is an equal share of treat for everyone. This place offers the famous paneers to dal makhani and not to forget to taste the huge glass of Lassi. Those who visit Punjab should opt for these core dishes that are very famous in Punjabi Cuisine. Also, aloo gobhi is a delicacy that is relished by most of the Punjabi’s as it is packed with desi flavours.