Are you looking for a unique and offbeat destination to explore in India? Do you want to experience the rich and diverse heritage and culture of Punjab? If yes, then you should definitely visit Kapurthala, a city that is often called the ‘Paris of Punjab’ for its stunning architecture and cosmopolitan legacy. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kapurthala, its attractions, culture, and travel tips. Read on to find out why Kapurthala should be your next travel destination.
Kapurthala’s Attractions
Kapurthala is a city that will surprise you with its historical and architectural wonders. The city was once the capital of a princely state ruled by the Ahluwalia dynasty, who were known for their patronage of arts, literature, and science. The rulers of Kapurthala were also influenced by the European culture and style, and they built many palaces and monuments that reflect their eclectic taste and vision. Here are some of the main attractions and landmarks of Kapurthala that you should not miss:
Jagatjit Palace: This is the most iconic and majestic attraction of Kapurthala, built by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh in the early 20th century. The palace is a replica of the Palace of Versailles in France, with a blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Indo-Saracenic styles. The palace has a grand facade, a beautiful garden, a marble fountain, and a circular hall with a dome. The palace also houses a museum that displays the royal collection of paintings, weapons, furniture, and other artifacts. The palace is now converted into a heritage hotel and a part of it is used by the Sainik School.
Moorish Mosque: This is another remarkable attraction of Kapurthala, built by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh in 1930. The mosque is a replica of the Grand Mosque of Morocco, designed by a French architect. The mosque has a stunning exterior with red sandstone and marble domes, minarets, arches, and carvings. The interior of the mosque is equally impressive, with intricate patterns, tiles, chandeliers, and stained glass windows. The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths and is considered one of the best examples of Indo-Islamic architecture in India.
The Moorish Mosque of Kapurthala: A Marvel of Architectural Splendour
Durbar Hall: This is a magnificent hall that was used for official ceremonies and receptions by the Maharaja of Kapurthala. The hall is located inside the Jagatjit Palace complex and has a splendid interior with paintings, chandeliers, mirrors, and furniture from Europe. The hall also has a large portrait of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh in his coronation robes, painted by a Hungarian artist. The hall is now used for cultural events and exhibitions.
Elysee Palace: This is another palace built by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh in 1862 as his private residence. The palace is inspired by the French style and has a symmetrical design with a central dome. The palace has a beautiful garden with a fountain and statues. The palace is now used as the official residence of the Deputy Commissioner of Kapurthala.
Kanjli Wetland: This is a scenic wetland located on the Beas river near Kapurthala. The wetland was created by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh as an irrigation project and later declared as a Ramsar site for its ecological importance. The wetland is home to many species of birds, fish, plants, and animals. The wetland also has a bird sanctuary where you can spot migratory birds such as cranes, geese, ducks, etc. The wetland is a perfect place to enjoy nature and wildlife in Kapurthala.
Sainik School: This is a prestigious school for boys that was established by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh in 1961 as one of the first Sainik Schools in India. The school aims to prepare students for the National Defence Academy and other careers in the armed forces. The school is located in the Jagatjit Palace complex and has a sprawling campus with modern facilities and amenities. The school also has a museum that showcases the history and achievements of the school.
Kapurthala’s Culture
Kapurthala is a city that will delight you with its diverse and vibrant culture that reflects its royal and cosmopolitan legacy. The city has been influenced by various cultures such as Sikhism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, as well as French, British, Persian, and Mughal. The city celebrates many festivals throughout the year that showcase its cultural richness and diversity. Here are some aspects of Kapurthala’s culture that you should experience:
Festivals: Kapurthala celebrates many festivals with zeal and enthusiasm, such as Baisakhi, Lohri, Basant Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Eid, Christmas, etc. These festivals are marked by religious rituals, cultural performances, fairs, fireworks, and food. Some of the unique festivals of Kapurthala are:
Jagatjit Singh Festival: This is a festival that commemorates the birth anniversary of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh on 25th October. The festival is celebrated with cultural events, exhibitions, and competitions in the Jagatjit Palace complex.
Kapurthala Heritage Festival: This is a festival that showcases the heritage and culture of Kapurthala in the month of February. The festival is organized by the Punjab Tourism Department and features musical concerts, dance shows, heritage walks, food stalls, etc.
World Music Festival: This is a festival that celebrates the musical traditions of Kapurthala and other parts of the world in the month of March. The festival is organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and features artists from various countries and genres.
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Food
Kapurthala is a city that will tantalize your taste buds with its delicious and diverse cuisine that reflects its multicultural influences. The city offers a variety of dishes that range from spicy to sweet, from vegetarian to non-vegetarian, from street food to fine dining. Some of the popular dishes of Kapurthala are:
Makki di roti and sarson da saag: This is a staple dish of Punjab that consists of flatbread made from corn flour and a curry made from mustard greens. The dish is served with butter, jaggery, and pickle.
Amritsari kulcha: This is a stuffed bread that is baked in a clay oven and filled with potatoes, onions, cheese, or other ingredients. The bread is served with chole (chickpea curry) and raita (yogurt dip).
Butter chicken: This is a famous dish that originated in Punjab and consists of chicken pieces cooked in a creamy and buttery gravy. The dish is served with naan (flatbread) or rice.
Jalebi: This is a sweet dish that consists of deep-fried spirals of flour dipped in sugar syrup. The dish is served hot and crispy.
Music
Kapurthala is a city that will enchant you with its musical traditions that reflect its royal and cosmopolitan legacy. The city has been a hub of classical music since the time of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, who was an avid patron and connoisseur of music. The city has produced many renowned musicians and singers who have contributed to the genres of classical music, folk music, qawwali, ghazal, etc. Some of the famous musicians and singers of Kapurthala are:
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan: He was one of the greatest vocalists of Hindustani classical music and belonged to the Patiala gharana. He was known for his mastery over khayal, thumri, dadra, and bhajan. He was also awarded the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.
Ustad Vilayat Khan: He was one of the greatest sitar players of Hindustani classical music and belonged to the Imdadkhani gharana. He was known for his innovation and improvisation in sitar playing. He was also awarded the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: He was one of the greatest qawwali singers of Pakistan and belonged to the Qawwal Bachchon ka Gharana. He was known for his powerful and soulful voice that transcended boundaries and genres. He was also awarded the UNESCO Music Prize and the Grand Prix des Amériques.
Art
Kapurthala is a city that will inspire you with its artistic expressions that reflect its royal and cosmopolitan legacy. The city has been a center of art since the time of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, who was an avid patron and collector of art. The city has produced many talented artists who have excelled in various forms of art such as paintings, sculptures, embroidery, etc. Some of the famous artists of Kapurthala are:
Amrita Sher-Gil: She was one of the greatest painters of India and belonged to the modernist movement. She was known for her bold and expressive style that depicted the life and culture of India. She was also awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.
Sobha Singh: He was one of the greatest painters of Punjab and belonged to the realistic movement. He was known for his portraits of Sikh gurus, religious figures, and historical personalities. He was also awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.
- Phulkari: This is a traditional embroidery art of Punjab that involves creating intricate patterns and designs with colorful threads on a plain cloth. The art is usually done by women and is passed on from generation to generation. The art is also used to make shawls, dupattas, and other garments.
Kapurthala’s Travel Tips
Kapurthala is a city that will welcome you with its hospitality and charm. The city is easy to reach and explore, and offers a range of accommodation and transport options for travelers. Here are some practical and useful tips for travelers who want to visit Kapurthala:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kapurthala is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool, and the city celebrates many festivals. The summer months from April to June are hot and dry, and the monsoon months from July to September are humid and rainy.
How to reach: Kapurthala is well-connected by road, rail, and air to other cities in India. The nearest airport is in Amritsar, which is about 75 km away from Kapurthala. The nearest railway station is in Kapurthala itself, which has trains from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, etc. The nearest bus stand is also in Kapurthala, which has buses from Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, etc.
Transport in Kapurthala: Kapurthala is a small city that can be easily explored by foot or by cycle rickshaw. You can also hire a taxi or an auto rickshaw for longer distances or convenience. The city also has a local bus service that covers the main areas of the city.
Accommodation: Kapurthala offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers, ranging from budget to luxury. You can choose to stay in the Jagatjit Palace Hotel, which is a heritage hotel that offers a royal experience and amenities. You can also opt for other hotels, guest houses, homestays, or campsites that suit your preference and budget.
Language: The official language of Kapurthala is Punjabi, which is spoken by most of the locals. Hindi and English are also widely spoken and understood by many people.
Conclusion
Kapurthala is a city that will captivate you with its beauty and diversity. The city offers a unique blend of heritage and culture that will enrich your travel experience. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, art, music, or nature, Kapurthala has something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Kapurthala today and discover the Paris of Punjab for yourself.
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