Faridkot
Former princely capital with a striking Raj Mahal, Baba Farid's shrines, and one of Punjab's better preserved forts.
Raj Mahal palace at Faridkot
Why people stay in Faridkot
Faridkot is named for the 13th-century Sufi Sheikh Farid, whose shrines dot the town, and was a small princely state until 1947. The Qila Mubarak fort here is smaller than Patiala's but more intact — you can actually enter most of it. The Raj Mahal palace is the standout, an early-20th-century pile that combines Indo-Saracenic and European elements. The Guru ki Dhab and Godri Sahib gurdwaras mark Sikh pilgrim stops. The town is small, walkable, and low-tourist — a genuine hidden corner if you have Punjab time.
By 9pm the market around Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) is closing but a few dhabas on the Kotkapura road stay open. Skip: expecting nightlife or restaurants beyond basic. Suits: heritage completists, Sufi-Sikh cross-cultural travelers, anyone assembling a slower Malwa itinerary. Skip if you have less than 5 days in Punjab — Faridkot is worth a day only if you already have Amritsar, Patiala, and Anandpur locked in.
Very limited — 3-4 mid-range hotels on the Kotkapura road and near the bus stand, $25-45. Nothing luxury. The heritage guesthouse at Faridkot House can occasionally be booked for $60-90 but availability is unpredictable. Most travelers day-trip from Bathinda (35km) or Ferozepur (65km). Budget lodges near the railway station from $12 but basic.
What to see
Hotels in Faridkot
Getting around Faridkot
No airport — Bathinda (35km, taxi $12) is closest, then onward flights. Faridkot railway station has connections to Delhi (9-11 hours ~$11), Ferozepur, and Amritsar. Buses from Bathinda and Ferozepur run every 20-30 minutes, $1-2. Inside town autos $1 for most trips and the fort/palace/dargah triangle is walkable. For the Raj Mahal outskirts, take an auto ($1.50).
Questions about Faridkot
Yes — the town is named after Sheikh Fariduddin Ganjshakar (Baba Farid), a 13th-century Sufi whose verses are also included in the Guru Granth Sahib. He is said to have meditated on the tilla here. The town has a rare cross-cultural weight: Sufi shrines, Sikh gurdwaras, and princely-era palaces all in one small place.
The palace is partly restored and partly private. For interior tours, contact Punjab Heritage & Tourism Promotion Board in advance — sometimes granted, sometimes not. The exterior and gardens can be viewed freely from the perimeter. During special events (occasional heritage weekends) the interior is opened; check the Punjab Tourism calendar.
