Kapurthala: Discover The Paris Of Punjab!

Kapurthala is a city in the state of Punjab, India, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and history. There are several tourist destinations in Kapurthala that one can visit. The place apart from tourism is also famous for its local agriculture which produces sugar, wheat, cotton, and several kinds of rice throughout the country and other parts of the globe.

Kapurthala is also called the Paris of Punjab due to the fact that Jagatjit Singh, the last ruler of the district was a known admirer of the French infrastructure which is seen in the architecture of its popular destinations. Kapurthala is a less crowded city and the least in India according to the census published last decade.

Jagatjit Palace

It is a historic palace located in Kapurthala. It was built in the early 20th century by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, the ruler of the Kapurthala State. The palace is known for its stunning architecture, which combines elements of both Indian and European styles. The palace was designed by French architect Monsieur Marcel and was completed in 1908. It features a central dome, flanked by smaller domes, and is surrounded by lush gardens and fountains. The interiors of the palace are equally impressive, with ornate ceilings, marble floors, and intricate woodwork.

Today, Jagatjit Palace is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace, explore the gardens, and learn about the history of the Kapurthala State. The palace also houses a museum, which showcases the Maharaja’s collection of weapons, artwork, and other artifacts. Overall, Jagatjit Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or culture. Its unique blend of Indian and European styles makes it a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Sultanpur Lodhi Places

A small town in the Kapurthala, it is known for its religious significance, as it is home to several important Sikh gurudwaras, including Gurudwara Ber Sahib and Gurdwara Sukhchainana Sahib.

These gurudwaras are visited by thousands of pilgrims each year, especially during important Sikh festivals such as Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Gurudwara Ber Sahib

Is a Sikh gurudwara located in Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab, It is known for its historical significance, as it is believed to be the site where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, attained enlightenment. The gurudwara is built around a Ber tree, which is said to have provided shade to Guru Nanak during his meditation.

This Gurudwara is also a site where Guru Nanak used to conduct his daily langar (community kitchen). It is said that he used to feed hundreds of people every day, regardless of their caste or religion

Gurdwara Sukhchainana Sahib

Gurdwara Sukhchainana Sahib is another important Sikh gurudwara located in Sultanpur Lodhi. It is also associated with Guru Nanak and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

The gurudwara is built on the banks of the Kali Bein River, which is believed to be the site where Guru Nanak used to take his daily bath. The river runs through Sultanpur and it is believed that he had a divine revelation while meditating on its banks. 

Elysée Palace

A grand palace and the official residence of the President of the French Republic, and is also used for state functions and receptions. The palace was originally built in the 18th century and has since been expanded and renovated several times. This architecture once again reflects the likings of the former ruler towards the French designs and culture.

Panch Mandir

Panch Mandir is a Hindu temple (meaning “five temples” in Hindi) and is a group of five Jain temples located in the city of Bhavnagar in the western Indian state of Gujarat. It is known for its unique architecture, which features five temples built on top of one another. Each temple is dedicated to a different deity, and visitors can climb to the top of the temple complex for a panoramic view of the city.

The complex is built in the North Indian style of architecture and is a popular pilgrimage site for the locals. The temples were built in the 19th century by a Jain merchant named Seth Hiralal Kasturchand and his family.

Shalimar Gardens

Features a Mughal-style Garden It was built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and is known for its beautiful fountains, pavilions, and intricate marble work. Today, the gardens are a popular tourist attraction and are also used for cultural events and festivals. The Shalimar Gardens cover an area of approximately 80 acres and are divided into three main sections: the outer garden, the middle garden, and the inner garden. The gardens are arranged in a rectangular shape with a water channel running through the middle.

The outer garden is the largest and is characterized by lush green lawns, flower beds, and fountains. The middle garden is slightly elevated and contains numerous pavilions and water features. The inner garden is the most private and is surrounded by high walls. It contains a marble pavilion that was once used by the Mughal emperor for his private gatherings.

The gardens are also famous for their intricate waterworks, which use gravity to transport water from a nearby canal into the various fountains and pools throughout the complex. The gardens were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 and continue to be a popular tourist destination in Pakistan.

Mansa Devi Mandir

A Hindu temple located in the city of Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region. Visitors can reach the temple by either climbing a steep hill or taking a cable car.

Kanjli Wetland Kapurthala

Kanjli Wetland Kapurthala is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Kapurthala district of Punjab, India. It is home to a variety of bird species, including migratory birds such as the Siberian crane. The wetland is also an important breeding ground for fish and is therefore a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Moorish Mosque

A famous mosque located in Kapurthala, Punjab, India. It was built in the early 20th century by the ruler of Kapurthala, Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, and is known for its unique architecture, which combines elements of Islamic and European styles.

Best time to visit Kapurthala

Kapurthala has a semi-arid climate with extreme temperatures. The best time to visit Kapurthala is during the winter season, which extends from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities, and the temperature ranges from 5°C to 20°C. The monsoon season in Kapurthala starts in July and lasts until September, and the city receives heavy rainfall during this time. Although the weather is cooler during the monsoon season, it can be challenging to explore the city due to the heavy rainfall and occasional flooding. The summer season in Kapurthala starts in April and lasts until June, with temperatures soaring as high as 45°C, making it difficult to explore the city during the day. Therefore, it is not recommended to visit Kapurthala during the summer season. In summary, the best time to visit Kapurthala is during the winter season from November to February.

How to reach Kapurthala?

Reaching Kapurthala is not a hectic chore as it sounds, there are options by road, rail, and air, and all we have to choose from is the convenient option for a safe and quick journey. Here are some ways to reach Kapurthala in your comfort:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Kapurthala is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, which is approximately 60 kilometers away from Kapurthala. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kapurthala.
2. By Train: Kapurthala has its railway station, which is well connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. You can take a train to Kapurthala from any of these cities.
3. By Road: Kapurthala is well connected by road to major cities in Punjab and other neighboring states. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Kapurthala from cities such as Delhi, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh.
4. By Car: If you have your vehicle, you can reach Kapurthala by driving on the National Highway 1 that connects Delhi to Amritsar. The distance between Delhi and Kapurthala is around 415 kilometers, and it takes approximately 8 hours to reach Kapurthala by car.

Overall Kapurthala is a perfect place for people who prefer history, tradition, and architecture especially Indian, French, and Indo-European with a pinch of nature and relaxation. Aside from its peak tourist season, it offers calm and less noise and hassles. The place is a great escape and relief for believers and people who are into different aspects of Hinduism as well as for people who are curious about the historical past of the cities which in fact is an inexplicable and worthy experience worth your time and good mood.

Read More:

Bathinda: Explore One Of The Oldest Towns In Punjab!

Top Tourist Destinations To Visit In Jalandhar, Punjab