Patiala

Patiala is a city in Patiala district, Punjab, India, serving as a former princely state that played a central role in the region. The layout includes wide tree-lined avenues, red-brick residential quarters, and public buildings grouped around large courtyards.

Baba Ala Singh founded the settlement in the early 18th century and made it the center of his kingdom. Later rulers expanded the territory and supported craft and arts, shaping the appearance the city has today.

The name comes from Ala Singh, who founded the settlement as the heart of his kingdom and shaped its cultural foundation. Today, many residential neighborhoods show the architectural style from the Maharaja era, while locals gather in parks and town squares throughout the day.

Visitors who want to move around can use auto-rickshaws and buses that run between main roads. Most major sights are located close to each other, making it easy to reach many places on foot.

Inside the old palace complex, a collection of around 3,000 awards and medals spans multiple generations of the royal family. This gallery displays honors from different periods and offers insight into the diplomatic relationships of the rulers.