Poets have penned odes on it, writers have spun stories around it while historians have filled page after page on its grand legacy. From the famous Patiala Shahi Turban, the Patiala-Peg to various other masterpieces in art, everything little detail of the princely state finds a grand mention here. That's the legacy of Baradari Gardens in Patiala. And courtesy the Neemrana Group, this once upon a time palace is now stands tall as the first heritage hotel of Punjab.

More than a year back, the Neemrana Group, known for their restoration activities, took up the palace of abrader. It's the stories of Maharajas, their indulgences and grand lives that attracted the hoteliers, who took upon the task of giving this lost in time palace a new identity. Once the Group decided to convert the the Rajendra Kothi, also known as the Baradari Kothi that once served as the residence for Maharaja Rajinder Singh, architects and the restoration team hired by the Neemrana Group made sure that the original glory remains intact. Hence, the original glass paneled wooden doors and bright yellow and blue floor titles are still there, and even the the staircase and rest of the the wood work has been just restored rather than recreated.

A walk inside the building, and one cannot miss the regal air about. From amazing art work, magnificent ceiling, exquisite chandeliers, lobby with 12 arches from which the place got its name the Baradari Gardens to fine Phulkari work, the palace truly is a heritage walk. The hotel has 17 rooms named after the famous kings and queens from Patiala, Punjab and Rajasthan and one is promised to be treated by the most humble staff at the hotel. Starting from Rs 3,000 for single occupancy, the tariff is Rs 5,000 for double occupancy. As for the cuisine, "While we have the Rajasthani special Lal Maas (red meat), we have chicken prepared in red wine in true French style", says head chef Dushyant, who has served at India's finest hotels. "We have our own bakery inside the hotel and the desserts we serve are exquisite and truly go with the royal palate," he says. Right from spacious rooms with antique furniture, unique roof designs and over a century-old artifacts, the Baradari Palace can now truly wear the plaque of a heritage hotel.