Sultanpur Lodhi
This picturesque township houses a number of smaller "Gurudwara" (Sikh Temples), all associated with aspects of the life of the First Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Two of these, apart from the main Gurudwara, Ber Sahib, are -
- Gurudwara Hat Sahib
- Gurudwara Watta Sahib
Kapurthala is also well connected by road, to what is hoped to be gradually developed as a Pilgrim Circuit. Namely, within a radius of some 50 kilometers from Kapurthala, lie the historic Sikh shrines of Gurudwaras Ber Sahib, Goindwal Sahib, Khadur Sahib, Taran Taran Sahib, Darbar Sahib and Durgiana Mandir at Amritsar. Hoshiarpur, a town some 40 kilometers by road from Kapurthala, is also renowned as being the repository of thousands of horoscopes, said to have been cast by a Rishi (Holy Man) many years ago. Many have indeed found that their horoscopes tally with this collection, and interpretations are avidly sought from all over the world.
Rail Coach Factory Complex
This complex is an interesting study of, and tribute to, the success of a high technological undertaking, succeeding in what is essentially a rural agricultural area, occasioned by the cross fertilization of traditional skills and abilities, adapting to modern training and methods.
The Sainik (Military) School
Formerly the Jagatjit Palace. This imposing edifice was built in 1906 by a French architect, Monsieur M Marcel. Inspired by the Palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau in France, its statuary and painted ceilings represents the finest features of French art and architecture. Expert Indian and European workmen carried out the interior decoration of this Palace. The great Durbar Hall, is one of the finest of its kind, done entirely in the Indian style, appropriate for the ceremonial occasions that were once held under its roof.
Artists had been imported to paint the ceilings of the principal rooms, while plaster mouldings and gold paint ran riot through the halls and corridors. In its time, it housed furniture which had been brought from France and the Grand Salon, or Reception Hall, was named after King Louis XIV of France, whose aesthetics in many ways, provided the inspiration for this building.
The Court Complex
The present District Courts are located in the once magnificent complex of what was the former Kapurthala State Durbar Hall. Completed in 1889 it is an impressive structure, constructed in red bricks with stylised domes and stone lattice work. The door and window frames are in the Islamic style.
The State Gurudwara
Inaugurated in 1915, and originally in red sandstone, this building is a scintillating epitome of a harmonious blend of the Saracenic style and Hindu temple architecture with its characteristic marble domes and interior.
The War Memorial
Commenced in 1923, this red sandstone building is a splendid example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, housing in its interior, a most remarkable bronze statue of a soldier of the Kapurthala State Forces.
The Moorish Mosque
This unique building, constructed in 1930, is one of its kind in South East Asia. Very stylized, it is typically Moroccan in form and substance. Considerable specialised assistance from bodies such as UNESCO or INTACH, would be required to restore it to its former glory. Limited conservation efforts are however being made.
Jubilee Hall
Constructed in 1916, this handsome building, made of red brick, was used for convocations and small Durbars. It is now part of the College complex.
Mausoleum of Peer Yau-udin Sahib (Peer Chaudhri)
This mausoleum stands testimony to the secularism and tolerance of the Punjabi people, specially the populace of Kapurthala. This Muslim Saint was reputedly the benefactor of the Royal House of Kapurthala. His "Dera" or residence used to be in the forecourt of the erstwhile city Palace (now defunct) of the then Rulers. When the Court moved to the new Palace, Peer Sahib was given this piece of land for his use by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala in 1902, not far from the new Palace. To this day, devotees of all persuasions, throng the mausoleum with offerings of oil and kind. This mausoleum is tended and cared for, by the local populace.
The Jagatjit Club
An interesting building situated on the main Mall road. It has high Grecian style columns and a bell tower. The building once housed a Church in the early nineteenth century. Later it was converted into a cinema hall in the 1940's and after the integration of Kapurthala State with the Dominion of India, in 1948, it became the location of the local Club.
The Bein Rivulet
This picturesque and fragile ecosystem is being progressively revived, so as to provide a unique water body for recreational and conservation purposes, in this part of the Doab. Its tree lined banks and calm water, provide many possibilities for imaginative and gainful development of ecological and aquatic conservation, and recreational activities. There is no other equivalent natural asset anywhere in the Doab.
Kachari (Courts)
Situated in the middle of the city, this historic building was built
by Maharaja Fateh Singh. Its sprawling edifice in red bricks with striking domes
and grills characterize east european structures. The doors and windows are Islamic
in construction. A bronze statue of Maharaja Fateh Singh has been put up inside the
premises of Courts. This historical monument today houses many government offices.
Shalimar
Garden
Shalimar Gardens is a breathtaking site of cenotaphs of the former rulers
of Kapurthala. Some of these cenotaphs embellished with exquisite Filigree work are
a visual treat. The gardens also locate "Baradari"-a historical building which was
the meeting point of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Maharaja Fateh Singh. The entrance
gate is splendid and the gardens have a pond, a park & a library. Every year, the
Basant Panchi Mela is organized here.
Sadar Bazar
Is the oldest and biggest market
of the city where all the items of daily use are sold. In the past, it used to be
a systematic market with identical buildings but today it hardly reflects the historic
image.
Nihal Palace
Built by His Highness Raja Nihal Singh in the year 1840, the palace
stood for architectural elegance. A beautiful Shish Mahal formed part of the palace
earlier. Now only the remains of the palace exist and are famous as Jallowkhana.
Mata Bhaderkali Temple, Sheikhupura
Built in 1885 by Sh. Thakur Dass Mehra, the temple
houses the idol of Mata Bhaderkali . Formerly a small temple, it has now become a
major pilgrim place for lakhs of devotees. Every year a Mela is celebrated here for
two days. On the first day a huge procession is taken out, starting from Shalimar
Garden (Kapurthala) to the temple at Sheikhpura. A "Night Vigil" or Jagrata is held
on the same night (Ekadasi night) and at the time of dawn next day (Nirjala Ekadasi),
a "Havan" is performed. A kavi Darbar (poet's meet) is also organized on the "Ekadasi"
night.
Kanjli Wetland
In the serene vicinity of rivulet of Bein is located, the Kanji
Lake. It is a beautiful home of migratory birds in the winter. The place has the
entire infrastructure for a great fishing and boating holiday for the tourists. The
wetland extends over an area of about 50 acres and is a habitat for about 40 bird
species. Kanjli was declared a wetland of national importance in 1992 for the rich
biodiversity it supported.
Randhir College
It is among Punjab's first education institutions
and was set up in 1856 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Kapurthala. It started as a leading
Sanskrit institute, to promote education in one of Punjab's richest state. In 1896
it achieved the status of an intermediate college and in 1945 it was made a degree
college. From time to time, various disciplines have been introduced in the college
curriculum. English was introduced in 1968, economics in 1976, B.Com. in 1986 and
B.Sc. in 1991. The Jublee Hall is the main attraction of college along with its lush
green ambience and a feel-good environment.