Palace town
Kapurthala
Punjab, India
About Kapurthala
Kapurthala was the capital of a princely state whose ruler, Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, was famous for his love of France. His Jagatjit Palace, modelled on Versailles, now houses Sainik School and is best admired from outside. The Moorish Mosque was built in the style of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh, and Pushpa Gujral Science City on the Jalandhar road is one of North India's largest science parks — a good stop with children. Kanjli Wetland, a Ramsar site on the Kali Bein, is close to town.
Highlights
French palace
Jagatjit Palace, modelled on Versailles.
Moroccan mosque
The Moorish Mosque, inspired by Marrakesh.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
October to March
How to Reach
By road: about 120 km from Pathankot via Jalandhar on NH-44. Kapurthala railway station is on the Jalandhar–Firozpur line; Jalandhar City station (≈ 20 km) has more trains.
Top Attractions
Jagatjit Palace
Town centre
Early-1900s palace inspired by Versailles; now Sainik School, viewed from outside.
Moorish Mosque
Town centre
Mosque built for Maharaja Jagatjit Singh in the style of Marrakesh's Koutoubia.
Pushpa Gujral Science City
≈ 8 km on the Jalandhar road
Large science park with a space theatre, dinosaur park and exhibits.
Kanjli Wetland
≈ 4 km from town
Ramsar wetland on the Kali Bein with boating and birds.
Things To Do
Spend half a day at Science City
Check show timings for the dome theatre.
Photograph the palace and mosque
Both are striking from the outside.
Suggested Itinerary
- 1
Morning
Drive via Jalandhar; Pushpa Gujral Science City.
- 2
Afternoon
Moorish Mosque and Jagatjit Palace exteriors.
- 3
Evening
Kanjli Wetland, then return.
Photo Gallery
Travel Tips
Jagatjit Palace is a working school — do not enter without permission.
Science City is closed on some public holidays; check timings online.
Combine with Jalandhar's Devi Talab Mandir.
