The Baradari Palace

Baradari Palace is one of the many regal residences in Patiala, ravaged by time over the decades. It was acquired and meticulously brought back to life by the Neemrana Hotels group, a brand known for restoring India's heritage properties and repurposing them for today's generation of world travelers.

The palace was first built in 1876 by Kaur Sahib Ranbir Singh, the younger brother of Maharaja Rajinder Singh. Its name is taken from the baradari, a grand hall or pavilion with twelve doors, meant to symbolize influence and opulence. Despite its more subdued design, it also expressed the Patiala royal family's cosmopolitan views, embracing Western elements such as a cricket field, a skating rink, and even a mono-rail system, all of which were built around the palace grounds.

Between the time the palace was used as a royal residence and opened as a hotel, it served multiple roles. It was a Shahi Mehmandari (State Guest House), became a part of the Punjabi University, and was the main office of the Punjab State Archives.

Built during the British Colonial Period, Baradari Palace boasts a harmonious blend of Sikh, Mughal, and European Colonial architectural styles that represented Patiala's embrace of cosmopolitan ideas.

The structure and layout of the palace adhere to tradition, using a baradari pavilion as the central point and surrounding it with colonnaded verandahs and walkways. The whitewashed facade and pillars create an Indo-Greco ambiance, invoking a sense of the Neoclassical. Complementing these are spaces and accommodations adorned with natively crafted fixtures and antique period furniture.

During the restoration project, artisans from all over India had to be brought in. They then painstakingly recreated and rebuilt the palace's heritage aspects. Of particular note are the floors lined with Minton clay tiles and mosaic chips, as they were not easily reproduced and involved the expertise of one of the last living craftsmen who still made them traditionally. Other heritage elements that were carefully redone include the Burma teak floors of the main hall, and the gilded and carved plaster of Paris ceiling in the dining hall.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

As the City of Palaces, Patiala is filled with historic landmarks and opportunities for enriching experiences. Qila Mubarak is a fortress built in 1763 by Maharaja Amar Singh, and later expanded into a royal palace by his descendants. The Moti Bagh Palace, started by Maharaja Narinder Singh and completed by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, is a royal complex and former residence of Patiala's maharajas, complete with the city's own Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors).

Aside from visiting historic palaces, travelers are also encouraged to explore Patiala's historic neighborhoods. Many of the old streets are lined with workshops and storefronts selling local delicacies, handicrafts, and traditional goods that would make for fine souvenirs and gifts.

Treat your company to a different kind of corporate retreat at the Baradari Palace. Situated in Patiala, participants can enjoy plenty of fun activities and excursions together with their teams. For meetings and conferences, the management can arrange indoor and outdoor venues that may also be equipped with audio-visual equipment for an extra charge.