Moti Bagh Palace

Moti Bagh Palace is a 19th-century royal palace located in Patiala, Punjab. Built in 1847 by Maharaja Narinder Singh and later expanded by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, it is considered one of the largest palaces in Asia. Set within extensive gardens, the palace displays European-influenced architecture with Rajasthani and Mughal elements. Today it houses the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, India's premier sports training institute, and a sports museum.

Visitors can expect to see the grand exterior of the palace, its sprawling gardens and lawns, and the architectural blend of European, Mughal and Rajasthani styles. The complex now functions as the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, so interior access is restricted and generally requires permission. Visitors can view the outer facades, landscaped grounds, and the National Institute of Sports Museum which displays sports memorabilia. The surroundings are institutional and park-like within central Patiala.

Moti Bagh Palace was constructed in 1847 by Maharaja Narinder Singh, ruler of Patiala State, at a cost of about five lakhs. It was later expanded and renovated by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in the early 20th century with design inputs from architect Sir Ganga Ram. Built as the principal residence of the Patiala royal family, it served as the royal palace until after independence, when it was donated to the Government of India and converted in 1961 into the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports.

The palace is a prominent symbol of Patiala's royal heritage and Phulkian dynasty architecture. Its conversion into the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports gives it national importance as the cradle of Indian sports training and coaching. The palace and its museum reflect the transition from princely heritage to modern sporting culture in Punjab.