The beauty and the aesthetic appeal of the picturesque state of Punjab, with its lush and sprawling terrains, is accentuated by the majestic and ornate palaces that dot the city. The palaces of Punjab are resplendent in their imperial grandeur and speak of the state's glorious past.
Among the palaces of Punjab, the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh sited in Amritsar deserves special mention. The palace was built under the patronage of the late Maharaja Ranjit Singh and under the supervision of the dexterous Fakir Azeez-ud-din and Sardars Lehna Singh and Desa Singh Majithia, who happened to be former nobles of the Lahore Darbar. The total expenditure incurred to build the magnificent mansion with its sprawling estates was approximately Rs.1, 25,000 Nanak Shai.
Aficionados of Punjab's architecture cannot help raving about the regal splendor of the imposing Qila Mubarak Patiala, the erstwhile residence of the Patiala dynasty. The fort cum palace boasts of unrivalled interiors lavishly decorated and painted in vibrant hues; it was the first of its kind with an underground sewage system and a cool room that blew whiffs of refreshing cool breeze from the basement.
The Sheesh Mahal, Patiala is another grand estate built during Maharaja Narinder Singh's tenure, amidst a rambling green forest. The palace is replete with terraces, gardens, fountains and a sparkling artificial lake. The interiors of the palace are also exquisite with intricate mirror work and flaunt some artistic masterpieces as well as an enormous collection of medals, decorations and orders from several countries.
The Maharaja of Kapurthala's impressive palace has now been converted into a Sainik school.
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