Things To Do
in Patiāla
Patiāla is a historic city in southeastern Punjab known for its royal heritage, large forts, and vibrant Punjabi culture. The city blends grand colonial-era palaces and Sikh landmarks with bustling bazaars and hearty local cuisine. Patiala is famous for its distinctive turban style, the Patiala peg (a large measure of whisky), and classical music patronage from its royal past.
Surrounded by agricultural plains with the Shivalik foothills visible to the east, it makes a convenient base for short hill escapes and cultural day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the grand Qila Mubarak, a stunning example of Mughal architecture. As the sun rises, stroll through its sprawling grounds, soaking in the rich history that surrounds you. Don’t forget to capture some photographs of the intricate carvings and impressive structures.
After a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, head to the Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, a serene place of worship known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance. Spend some time learning about the significance of this sacred site and participate in the community kitchen if you wish. The afternoon is also perfect for exploring the nearby markets, where you can shop for traditional Punjabi handicrafts.
As day turns to night, make your way to the Patiala Heritage District, where you can enjoy a traditional Punjabi dinner at a local dhaba. The vibrant atmosphere and traditional music will enhance your dining experience. Cap off the evening with a stroll around the illuminated streets, taking in the local culture and hospitality.
Start your morning at the Sheesh Mahal, admiring the intricate glass work and stunning frescoes that adorn its walls. Take a guided tour to learn about the palace’s fascinating history and the royal family of Patiala. The tranquil gardens surrounding the palace provide a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.
After enjoying lunch at a nearby restaurant, visit the Bahadurgarh Fort, where you can explore its ruins and learn about its storied past. Engage with local historians or guides to gain deeper insights into the fort's significance in Punjab's history. The afternoon sun creates a beautiful backdrop for photography as you wander the fort’s expansive grounds.
In the evening, head to the local market to experience the vibrant street food scene of Patiala. Try local specialties like chole bhature and lassi while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. As night falls, the bustling energy of the market creates a lively atmosphere perfect for soaking in the culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short autorickshaw or taxi ride | $0.5-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (night) | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich royal heritage, palaces and history to explore
- Strong Punjabi food culture and warm hospitality
- Good base for short hill trips (Kasauli, Morni Hills)
- Less crowded and more affordable than major metros
- Hot summers and seasonal fog in winter can limit sightseeing
- Limited late-night entertainment and fewer tourist facilities than bigger cities
- English signage and tourist infrastructure can be sparse in some areas
- Public transport inside the city can be inconsistent; you may need taxis
- "Sat Sri Akal" - A Sikh greeting, similar to 'hello' (use with Sikhs)
- "Namaste" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Shukriya / Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Kitne ka / Kitna hua?" - How much is it?
- "Kahaan hai...?" - Where is...?
- "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
- "Main shakahari hoon" - I am vegetarian
- "Maaf kijiye" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Kripya" - Please
- "Alvida / Phir milenge" - Goodbye / See you again
Places to Visit in Patiāla
Visit one of these nice places.
Grand fort architecture, courtyards, and ornate halls provide dramatic heritage shots at different times of day.
Palatial facades, old royal collections and gardens — good for architectural and cultural photography.
Colorful street scenes, textiles, food vendors and everyday life; best early morning or late afternoon for light and activity.
Green spaces with fountains and pathways, ideal for relaxed portraits and golden-hour landscape shots.
In winter (Oct–Feb) the bright yellow mustard fields around Patiala make iconic Punjabi countryside images.
Sikh architecture, community kitchen activity (langar) and devotional scenes — respectful photography is appreciated here.
Food in Patiāla
Patiāla Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, creamy, often sweet or lightly salted yogurt drink served in a tall glass (or earthenware). Best found at old-style lassi shops near the fort and local bazaars.
Must-Try!
A seasonal Punjabi classic (mustard greens with corn flatbread), most popular in winter and widely available in dhabas and traditional restaurants.
Spicy chickpea curry served with fried bread or stuffed kulcha — ubiquitous breakfast or lunch street food in Patiala markets.
Tandoori chicken, kebabs and paneer dishes are widely served; look for local variations and smoky flavours at family-run restaurants and roadside tandoors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Busy lanes with street vendors selling chaat, kulchas, lassis, jalebi and local sweets; excellent for photography and sampling authentic street bites.
Markets with a mix of clothing, spices and food stalls; try fried snacks (samosas, pakoras) and seasonal sweets from nearby sweet shops.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes and cover your head at Sikh gurdwaras, observe quiet and respectful behavior during prayers and avoid taking photos where signs prohibit it.
While city life is modern, modest clothing is appreciated—especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas.
Use traditional greetings like 'Sat Sri Akal' for Sikhs or 'Namaste' for general use; addressing elders respectfully is customary.
Accepting food or tea when offered is polite—if you must decline, do so graciously. Using the right hand for giving/receiving is customary.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon in conservative areas; be mindful of local sensibilities.
Safety
Tipping in Patiāla
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, round up taxi fares, and give small change to porters and guides.
Cash (Indian Rupee) is widely used in markets and small shops; credit/debit cards and UPI/mobile payments are commonly accepted in larger restaurants, hotels and stores. ATMs are available in the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April–June bring hot weather with daytime temperatures often 35–45°C (95–113°F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and carry sunscreen and a hat.
July–September can have heavy, intermittent rain and higher humidity; some rural roads may be slippery but the countryside becomes greener and more comfortable than peak summer.
November–February are cool and pleasant in daytime (10–20°C / 50–68°F) with chilly mornings and nights sometimes dropping close to 5°C (41°F) and foggy conditions—pack warm layers.
February–April and October are the most pleasant times for travel — mild temperatures, clear skies and floral landscapes, ideal for sightseeing and photography.
Patiāla at Night
Hiking in Patiāla
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About 1.5–2 hours’ drive; offers short hikes, viewpoints, and a small lake (Tikkar Taal). Good for a half-day trip and cooler air than the plains.
Around 2–2.5 hours away by car; popular hill-station trails and viewpoints such as Gilbert Trail, easy to combine with a day or overnight trip.
Near Panchkula, these ridgeline and garden walks (including Pinjore Gardens) are accessible within 1.5–2 hours and offer wooded paths and heritage gardens.
Various small tracks and farm trails at the edge of the plains provide short walks and sunrise/sunset vantage points — ask local guides for safe routes.
Airports
How to reach Patiāla by plane.
The main airport serving the region, roughly 50–70 km from Patiala (about 1.5 hours by road depending on traffic). Frequent taxis, buses and private transfers connect Patiala and Chandigarh.
A smaller commercial airport near Ludhiana (approx. 70–90 km away), limited schedules—useful if flights align with your itinerary.
Major international airport for northwest Punjab (about 150–180 km away). Better choice for some international flights but farther by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population follows Sikhism—cultural identity is strongly Punjabi with visible religious practices and gurdwaras.
Hindu communities are also well represented, participating in local festivals, temples and markets.
Surrounding areas include farming communities producing wheat, rice and mustard; village life and agricultural seasons influence regional rhythms.
Presence of colleges and educational institutions contributes to a sizable youth population and growing small-business sector.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the city and country—local matches, street cricket and formal clubs are common.
Traditional Punjabi contact sport with strong local interest and organized competitions in the region.
Hockey has historical importance in Punjab; traditional wrestling akharas (training rings) are also part of the sporting culture.
Patiala had a royal polo tradition; you may encounter clubs or occasional events tied to that heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Patiāla.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian dining is easy—Punjab has many pure-vegetarian restaurants and ample options in dhabas and sweet shops. Ask for no ghee if avoiding dairy-based cooking methods is important.
Vegan options exist but are more limited because many dishes use ghee, butter and paneer; ask for plant-based preparations, choose dal, vegetable sabzis and rotis made without ghee.
Chicken and mutton are widely served; pork and beef are uncommon due to cultural and religious sensitivities. Ask at restaurants if you need halal-certified meat.
Gluten-free needs care—most breads contain wheat; rice-based dishes and many curries are safe but confirm if flours are used for thickening or frying.