Patiala’s Palace Hotel Is A Meeting Point Of Cultures

Neemrana Baradari Palace Hotel, Patiala

There is nothing quite exciting like having a Patiala Peg in the city where it was invented, or rather in a ‘palace’ where it’s legacy still thrives. As my father and I gulp down the glass of whisky while sitting at the posh bar of Patiala’s Baradari Palace Hotel, the waiter stares back at us with a blank face. His expression is quite contrary to that of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s, (the erstwhile ruler of the Patiala Presidency and the inventor of Patiala Peg) portrait behind him, who poses graciously and unapologetically in a sepia-tinted picture.

The small town in Punjab has had a turbulent history that remains frozen in time at its many palaces, relics and heritage sites, the most ostentatious one being the Qila Mubarak, once Asia’s largest residence that housed the royal family of Patiala and today, a museum of their memorabilia. However the more modest is the Baradari Palace that was designed in 1876 by Kaur Sahib Ranbir Singh, the younger brother of the Maharaja Rajinder Singh who commissioned this palace for the royal family. It also housed the Shahi Mehmandari (the state guest house), the Punjabi University and the Punjab State Archives from 1972 to 2006.

The unique aspect of the Baradari Palace Hotel is that it does not conform to any one architectural style. With influences from Sikh, Mughal and Colonial designs, it’s engineering is quite rebellious for its time, very much like its ruler Maharaja Rajinder Singh who defied taboos by marrying an Irish woman, tolerated multi-culturalism and championed women rights. Restored by Neemrana Hotels a few years ago, its white gleaming walls, twelve door pavilion or baradari, a sprawling, well-manicured garden and hidden sets of staircases take one back to the yesteryear of the Patiala Presidency. Meandering through the labyrinth of corridors, admiring the antique paintings on cream coloured walls, one may never know when the old heavy wooden doors would creak open and Maharaja Rajinder Singh would stroll out in all his glory.

The Rooms at Baradari Palace Hotel. Image Source: Neemrana Baradari Palace Hotel

Every bit of space at this palace hotel is bespoke of luxury. Their rooms have a rustic charm but are equipped will all mod-cons. Named after various rulers of the Sikh empire, they are well lit, extremely spacious and have 2 four poster queen size beds, vintage lamps, exquisite jharokas and a decent study. The Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Suite situated on the second-floor level is the largest and has access to 2 terraces. There is a bar you can gulp down Patiala pegs at and a conference room where you can regret it the next day, but what you won’t regret are the meals at the palace’s restaurant Durbar Hall, which are as grand as the lineage of the Singh family, and perhaps as fiery as them too.

The Baradari Palace sure gives one a taste of the royal life, but do not forget to venture out to the town to explore more stories from the bygone Sikh era. The hotel arranges tours to the Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Quila Mubarak and other interesting sites that are all part of Patiala’s rich history and cultural legacy.

Cost: Rs. 4, 500 upwards, inclusive of breakfast. You can visit their website here.