The North Indian city of Patiala is famous around the rest of India and other parts of the globe for its fifer that includes Patiala Peg, Paranda, Patiala Jutti, Patiala Shahi Pag, and Patiala Salwar. Tourists might also find a vibrant trend of classical music being practiced across the city thanks to the exceptional efforts of the authorities at Patiala Gharana of Hindustani Music. Visitors who wish to taste mouth-watering Punjabi food can also make a trip to the old-world side of town. Tourists can witness architectural brilliance in every structure that prevails across Patiala's expanse, reliving the folk tales from the Rajput and Mughal times. Get ready to be blown away by masterpieces such as Sheesh Mahal or the Gurdwara Moti Bagh Sahib. Let us skim through this travel guide to know how Patiala attracts tourism prospects.

By Air:

Since Patiala remains bereft of its airport, tourists coming into the city have to ply to the Chandigarh Domestic Airport first. The domestic airport at Patiala lies at a distance of 63 km from Patiala's central area. The closest international air station to town is Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, situated approximately 243 km away from Patiala.

By Rail:

Patiala Railway Station is located around 3 km away from the heart of Patiala. Ambala Railway Station also caters to prime express trains such as Delhi-Fazilka Intercity Express, Mumbai CST- Bhatinda Express, Varanasi- Bhatinda Express, Shri Ganga Nagar- Haridwar Intercity Express, and Jammu Tawi -Bhatinda Express.

By Road:

Patiala enjoys excellent connectivity to other Punjabi towns such as Delhi, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and Ambala. The Punjab Road Transport Corporation runs frequent buses across Patiala's expanse, with tourists having the luxury to pick between AC Volvo or Deluxe buses. Patiala Bus Stand forms a major hub for all these incoming and outgoing local buses.

Patiala experiences a humid and dry climate for most parts of the year on account of its closeness to the sea waters. The best time to venture into the beautiful tourist spots of Patiala falls during the winter season, with temperatures falling low and the climate turning pleasant. Let us look at the different seasons of Patiala.

Summer (March to May):

Patiala's summer season offers tourists with an unrelenting hot climate, with temperatures hovering between 30°C to 43°C. May experiences the aridest weather during the summer season. Visitors who dare to beat the heat and make it to Patiala's grasslands can find exciting options to trek or stroll through some picturesque surroundings.

Monsoon (June to September):

Patiala's monsoon season witnesses a considerable downpour of rainfall, with June and July receiving the brunt of this precipitation. The climate around town turns humid yet pleasant thanks to the flourishing grasslands that come to life across the city. The temperatures usually range between 23°C and 33°C during the monsoon season of Patiala.

Winter (October to February):

The best time to pay a visit to the beautiful tourist spots of Patiala is during the pleasing winter season. With the climate continually alternating between 5°C and 25°C, visitors find conditions favorable for indulging in outdoor activities and partaking in the cultural celebrations of festivals such as the Patiala Heritage Festival, Basant Panchami, and Lohri. Tourists can also get intrigued by the incredible artwork put up on exhibition at the annual Craft Mela.

Majestic Forts of Yore:

With architecturally skilled communities such as the Rajputs and Mughals exchanging control over Patiala over the centuries, the city has several structural masterpieces spread across its expanse. Some of the architectural wonders of Patiala include Dhruv Pandove Stadium, Sheesh Mahal, Bahadurgarh Fort, and the Quila Mubarak Complex. With interiors that can amaze through their intricate carvings and wall paintings, Patiala's grandeur of royal houses and ancient buildings is one the best in North India.

Diverse Shrines:

Patiala caters to the religious devotion of both Hinduism as well as Sikhism and many other religions. Owing to this unique mix of Punjabi and different cultural flavors, the city boasts of some renowned holy shrines such as Kali Devi Mandir and Dukh Niwaran Gurdwara. These religious centers lure in devotees from all over India and the globe every day, sometimes miraculously healing the faithful of their sickness and suffering.

Revitalizing Nature Parks:

Patiala's proximity to hilly regions means that it is blessed with some enthralling wildlife reserves and beautiful high rise cliff points. Some of these picturesque tourist spots include Baradari Garden, Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Lachman Jhoola. Tourists who prefer spending time in the presence of Mother Nature can either get to Lachman Jhoola or roam across the lush green Baradari Gardens.

Patiala has sparkling hotels and dhabas spread all over its territory with mouth-watering Punjabi food items on offer. A trip to Patiala would be incomplete without tasting the famed Mutton and Chicken delectables such as Makai ki Roti and Sarson ka Saag. As is pretty much evident with most Indian delicacies, they tend to exuberate a spicy flavor and have a rich taste to them. Tourists must get their hands on delicious cuisines like Punjabi Kadhi, Shahi Paneer, Tandoori Chicken, Rajma Chawal, Chole Bhature, and Parathas. Along with these food items, locals, as well as other Indian tourists, would be familiar with the popular alcoholic variant called Patiala Peg. Tourists who wish to beat the heat can surely satiate their thirst by sipping on some tempting traditional lassi.

Patiala is blessed with several shopping hubs around its domain, with exciting apparel and handmade artwork on offer. Some of the markets in the vicinity include Dharampura Market, Adalat Bazar, Arna Barna Chowk, Chandni Chowk Market, Old Quila Mubarak Market, Phulkari Punjab Government Emporium, and Easy Day. One of the must-buys when in Patiala is the traditional Punjabi suits designed in the famed Phulkari style of embroidery. Owing to its intricate flowery patterns, Phulkari tends to provide a cutting edge to the Indian salwar that the ladies wear. Some of the fashionable apparel that tourists would love to take away on their way back home from Patiala include Punjabi Juttis, Parandas, Nalas, Colorful Bangles, and intricately carved out traditional handicrafts.