Weekend getaway from Chandigarh · #8 of 10
Patiala
Punjab's royal city, a 1.5 h drive away: the 1763 Qila Mubarak fort, the frescoed Sheesh Mahal, Baradari Gardens and bazaars famous for juttis, Patiala salwars and phulkari. Come hungry; leave with shopping bags.
A royal day trip just 70 km south, packing in the 1763 Qila Mubarak, mirror-frescoed Sheesh Mahal, sacred Dukh Nivaran gurdwara, lush Baradari Gardens, colorful phulkari and jutti hunts, and gloriously rich Punjabi food.
Getting there
A smooth 70 km divided highway run - just budget an extra 20 minutes to navigate Zirakpur's morning rush.
Day 1 - Saturday
Grand forts, mirror frescoes and buzzing bazaars- 18:00 AMDrive
Drive to Patiala
Cruise straight down NH7 via Rajpura right into the old city. Ditch your car near Qila Chowk - the historic walled core is best explored on foot.
- 29:30 AMFood
Lassi and parantha breakfast
Kick off like a local with piping-hot stuffed paranthas dripping in homemade white butter, washed down with a delightfully thick sweet lassi at an old-city joint.
📍 Patiala, Punjab
- 310:30 AMSight
Qila Mubarak complex
Step inside Baba Ala Singh's 10-acre 1763 fort, founder of Patiala state. Explore Qila Androon's painted palace, Ran Baas guesthouse, and the armory-filled Darbar Hall wrapped in lively bazaars.
📍 Qila Mubarak, Patiala
Tip · Restoration keeps a few wings closed, but the epic gates and Darbar Hall are worth the trip alone.
- 412:00 PMActivity
Adalat Bazaar shopping
Wander the vibrant alleys around the fort for Patiala's best treasures: embroidered juttis, flowy salwars, braided parandas, bright phulkari dupattas, and handcrafted tablas and harmoniums.
📍 Adalat Bazaar, Patiala
Tip · Handmade juttis tend to fit snug - try them on both feet and take a quick spin around the shop before buying.
- 51:30 PMFood
Punjabi lunch in the old city
Dig into a hearty feast of velvety butter chicken or towering chhole-bhature at a legendary old-town haunt - these generous portions are practically built for wrestlers.
📍 Patiala, Punjab
- 63:00 PMSight
Sheesh Mahal
Marvel at Maharaja Narinder Singh's 19th-century Palace of Mirrors, boasting ornate frescoed halls, the world's largest medal collection, a tranquil lake, and its iconic Lakshman Jhula bridge.
📍 Sheesh Mahal, Patiala
Tip · Check opening days in advance, as ongoing restoration work occasionally closes a few galleries.
- 74:30 PMSight
Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib
Find peaceful solace at Patiala's most revered shrine - meaning 'reliever of sorrows' - where soulful kirtan floats over a gleaming sarovar. Huge crowds gather here on Basant Panchami.
📍 Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib, Patiala
Tip · Cover your head and leave your shoes at the counter; definitely stop by the community langar, open to all.
- 85:30 PMActivity
Baradari Gardens stroll
Unwind among ancient trees and lush ferns in these colonial gardens flanking Rajindra Kothi (now a heritage hotel), joining locals for their beloved sunset promenade.
📍 Baradari Gardens, Patiala
- 96:30 PMDrive
Drive back to Chandigarh
Coast back home along NH7 in roughly 90 minutes. Don't leave without packing a box of Patiala's melt-in-your-mouth pinni or syrupy jalebis for the drive!
Where to eat
Served in massive steel glasses topped with a thick slab of fresh malai - this is Patiala in a cup.
Puffy, golden bhature straight from the kadhai paired with richly spiced, dark chhole in the lively Qila bazaars.
Ghee-soaked Punjabi sweets fresh from heritage halwais - grab a warm box to bring home.
When to go
Prime road-trip weather: crisp sunny days perfect for exploring bazaars and soaking up the lively wedding-season energy.
Summer temperatures easily cross 40 C; explore the fort early in the morning and retreat indoors during the afternoon heat.
Good to know
- All the walled-city highlights sit within an easy 1 km radius of Qila Chowk, so park once and wander freely on foot.
- Sheesh Mahal and its museum wings stay shut on select weekdays - always double-check timings before you hit the road.
