Once the capital of the princely state of Kapurthala during British rule, this city is situated just 169 km from Chandigarh and is often referred to as the ‘City of Palaces and Gardens: (Photo: Incredible India & Govt of Punjab)
Punjab, the wheat bowl of India and birthplace of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, is more than just a state, it is a living postcard of mustard fields swaying in the breeze, sun-drenched summers, and endless green horizons that define the soul of northern India.
Hence it is no surprise, then, that Punjab has become a favourite muse for Indian cinema. From the golden fields of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to the poignant love in Veer Zaara and the everyday warmth of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, the state has been romanticised on the big screen time and again. And beyond the romance, films like Sardar Udham pay tribute to its spirit of resistance, capturing Punjab as not just a place, but a symbol of pride, passion, and unwavering courage.
As a result, cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala have become household names, etched into public memory through stories, songs, and screens. Even those who have never set foot in Punjab feel a certain familiarity with its sights and spirit.
Nestled quietly away from the cinematic spotlight lies a gem often overlooked, Kapurthala. Once the capital of the princely state of Kapurthala during British rule, this city is situated just 169 km from Chandigarh and is often referred to as the ‘City of Palaces and Gardens’. What sets Kapurthala apart is its stunning blend of French and Indo-Saracenic architecture, a rare legacy of its former rulers’ fascination with European elegance. It is this unique aesthetic that has earned it the nickname “Paris of Punjab”, a place where royal grandeur meets serene charm, waiting to be rediscovered.
Kapurthala – North India’s Puducherry
Just like Puducherry, where French elegance thrives amidst the Dravidian culture of Tamil Nadu, Kapurthala too carries a distinct French influence, seamlessly woven into the vibrant traditions of Punjab.
At the heart of this influence stands the magnificent Jagatjit Palace, a grand structure built in the Indo-Saracenic style, which once served as the royal residence of the Maharaja of Kapurthala. Draped in opulence and history, the palace is a testament to a time when French flair found a home in the heart of northern India.
Built between 1900 and 1908, Jagatjit Palace captures the essence of French elegance in every detail. Its Mansard roof, inspired by the Beaux-Arts style, features signature elements like oeil-de-boeuf windows and graceful double slopes, echoing the architectural language of the Louvre. Inside and out, the palace is adorned with intricate marble work and gold leaf accents. For many, it evokes memories of the Palace of Versailles, transforming Kapurthala into a surprising echo of France, right in the heart of Punjab.
Spread across 200 acres, Jagatjit Palace is surrounded by expansive gardens adorned with fountains and statues, reflecting the grandeur of its former royal occupants. Since 1961, the palace has served a new purpose as the home of Sainik School Kapurthala, a military boarding school, preserving the legacy of the building while shaping future generations.
Not far from the palace lies another landmark of Kapurthala’s royal past, the Shalimar Gardens. Located in the heart of the city, the gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the urban pace, drawing both tourists and locals.
Modelled after the famed Shalimar Bagh in Jammu & Kashmir, this landscaped space features a serene pond, lush greenery, and the Shahi Samadhan, the intricately designed cenotaphs of the Kapurthala royal family in red sandstone and marble. At its centre stands the Baradari, where notable historical meetings, including one between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Maharaja Fateh Singh, once took place. Today, the garden also plays host to the annual Basant Panchi Mela, adding a cultural dimension to its historical and architectural significance.
In a quiet corner of the city stands a lesser-known gem, the Elysée Palace. Built in 1961 by Kanwar Bikram Singh, this striking structure reflects a fascinating chapter in Punjab’s history—when European influence extended beyond British colonialism. Inspired by the Élysée Palace in Paris, the residence once housed Kapurthala’s royal family and has now been transformed into a luxury heritage hotel.
With its ornate domes, intricate carvings, and beautifully manicured gardens, the Elysée Palace is a graceful nod to French architecture. Inside, luxurious furnishings and elegant décor echo the opulence of a bygone royal era, transporting visitors to a world where Punjabi royalty entertained European diplomats under crystal chandeliers.
Echoes of the East: The Saracenic legacy
But Kapurthala’s architectural identity doesn’t rest solely on its French connections. Equally captivating is its Saracenic soul, best represented by the stunning Moorish Mosque. Commissioned in 1930 and designed by M Manteaux, this marvel takes direct inspiration from Morocco’s Grand Mosque of Marrakesh.
With its horseshoe arches, intricate geometric patterns, and brickwork façade, the mosque stands out for its rare fusion of Moorish and Indo-Saracenic styles. A cuboidal minaret replaces the typical dome, while the interiors glisten with Belgian glass chandeliers and curated artwork—a vivid reminder of Kapurthala’s global imagination.
Faith in marble: The State Gurudwara Sahib
Another architectural crown jewel of the city is the State Gurudwara Sahib, a serene Sikh place of worship embodying Indo-Saracenic architecture. This white-marble structure is crowned with elegant domes and arched verandahs, surrounded by an air of peace and devotion.
More than just a visual delight, the Gurudwara is also a symbol of service and community, known for its Langar, a free kitchen serving meals to people from all walks of life. The blend of architecture, purpose, and inclusivity makes it a spiritual and social cornerstone of Kapurthala.
Kapurthala’s architectural landscape is a story of dreams drawn from different corners of the world, from the boulevards of Paris to the mosques of Marrakesh, interwoven with the spirit of Punjab. In a state better known for its farms and festivals, this city quietly preserves a cross-continental legacy, making it one of the most unique and visually compelling destinations in India. It is, quite truly, Punjab’s forgotten European postcard, waiting to be rediscovered.