November 19, 2007
Interesting Places to See in Patiala
Below are some places of interest in Patiala.
Moti Bagh Palace
: The palace was founded in the early 20th century,Its construction was started during the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh and it was completed under Maharaja Bhupinder Singh . The Old Moti Bagh Palace now encompasses the National Institute for Sports. The facade is adorned using Rajasthan-style jharokas and chhatris.The palace is located admist a beautiful garden with terraces, water channels and a Sheesh Mahal.
Sheesh Mahal : 
The Sheesh Mahal was located behind the Moti Bagh Palace to serve as a pleasure complex. The paintings in two of its well maintained , mirror-worked chambers are of Kangra and Rajasthani qalam.The paintings depict the poetic visions of Keshav, Surdas and Bihari.The Sheesh Mahal also encompasses a museum, an art gallery, and also the North Zone Cultural Centre set up by a society to preserve art.
Qila Androon : Androon is a single interconnected building,however it is considered as a series of palaces.The series of rooms form a cluster around the courtyard and each holds a name:Sheesh Mahal, Toshakhana, Jalau Khana, Chand Mahal, Rang Mahal, Treasury and Prison.In a tiny portion of the complex is a little British construction which displays Gothic arches and fire places carved out of marble.The entrance is through an imposing gate. The architectural style of this palace is a synthesis of late Mughal and Rajasthani.Burj Baba Ala Singh even today has a fire smoldering ever since the time of Baba Ala Singh, along with a flame brought by him from Jwalaji.
Lakshman Jhoola : Lakshman J
hoola is located across the small Lake in front of Sheesh Mahal.It is a magnificent suspension bridge.It forms a replica of the famous Lakshman Jhoola at Rishikesh and therefore is also named as Lachman Jhoola.It links the Sheesh Mahal with the Banasar Ghar on the other side of the lake. The Banasar Ghar now houses the North Zone Cultural Center.
Diwan Khana : This hall is used for holding important public occasions. The Darbar has been transformed into a museum exhibiting dazzling chandeliers and armor, including the sword and dagger of Guru Gobind Singh.It also displays Nadir Shah’s sword. The hall was built on a high platform over a network of tunnels . The delicately worked wood-and-glass doors open into a huge 15m-high chamber.The ceiling is hung with a fabled collection of chandeliers.At the far end of the chamber is a raised platform, where the Maharaja used to sit.
