Posted in Travel / Globetrotting

Skip Rajasthan for Punjab: a luxurious stay at Ran Baas, The Palace in the former royal city of Patiala

 24/06/2026 2 Views
Skip Rajasthan for Punjab: a luxurious stay at Ran Baas, The Palace in the former royal city of Patiala


With its grand palaces and majestic forts, Rajasthan is the go-to destination for international travellers. Unfortunately, its popularity has resulted in overtourism, making the experience far less authentic for travellers looking to experience a taste of India’s royal past.

For this reason, those in the know are turning to new destinations including the lesser-frequented state of Punjab, which has been on a mission to revitalise its historical forts and palaces to boost heritage tourism. At the heart of this vision is Ran Baas, The Palace, which opened its doors in 2025 in the former royal city of Patiala.

The Ran Baas courtyard at night. Photo: Handout
The Ran Baas courtyard at night. Photo: Handout
Patiala is famed for many things including its generous peg, an oversized serving of liquor that symbolises Punjabi hospitality, and for one of its maharajas (great ruler): Bhupinder Singh, who was known for his extravagant lifestyle, and for whom French luxury maison Cartier created the iconic Patiala necklace featuring 2,930 diamonds in 1928.
The luxurious spa and pool at Lassi Khana inside Ran Baas. Photo: Handout
The luxurious spa and pool at Lassi Khana inside Ran Baas. Photo: Handout
It was his ancestor, Baba Ala Singh, who built the 18th century Qila Mubarak complex in the heart of the city, featuring a main palace and private guest house for female royals. The latter has undergone a major conservation project and restoration to become Ran Baas – which literally means queen’s abode – a luxury heritage hotel that has already attracted high-profile fashion designers and Bollywood actors.

At its heart is a stunning central courtyard featuring a mix of Mughal, Sikh and Rajput architecture. It features two restaurants, Neel and Ath, and The Patiala, a sexy pink bar that serves up the famous Patiala peg and other cocktails. A series of hallways connect guests to facilities like the gym, an outdoor garden featuring a table tennis and basketball area, and a spa and gorgeous pool in the Lassi Khana, the former royal pantry that once fed 35,000 people.

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