Historical

The Shahi Samadhs (The Royal Cenotaphs) in the Shalimar Gardens, emphasise the traditions of its ruling Dynasty. Marble obelisks inside the red sandstone Chambers, are Memorials to the former Rulers and their families. Nearby, a grand structure built in 1880 and built on a marble plinth, houses the Samadhs of Maharajas Kharak Singh, Jagatjit Singh and Paramjit Singh, It is decorated with carved filigree work of great beauty. The Shalimar Gardens which house these magnificent pieces of art, today houses the offices of the Municipal Council of Kapurthala.

The stately Durbar Hall stands proudly at the very centre of the city. It was, at one time the Court of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, its creator. It was in this majestic building that he used to receive the people of his kingdom, listen to their woes and render justice. The Maharaja's annual birthday celebrations and other State rituals and ceremonies were also held here.
Most suitably, this complex today, is the District Courts Complex which houses the Court of the District and the Sessions Judge as well as the offices of the Deputy Commissioner.

Ghanta Ghar or he Clock Tower still stands majestically as a constant reminder of the city's Royal past. It was build in 1901. Ironically enough, the clock stopped chiming in 1949 when Maharaja Jagatjit Singh breathed his last. With the recent restoration undertaken by the ASI, the musical notes or the clock have started resonating again.

Villa Buona Vista, located on the banks of rivulet Bein, a few miles from Kapurthala) was once the residence of the maharajas. It is now a frequented picnic spot and people come here for boating and fishing expeditions. The Villa Buona Vista was built in 1899, the Villa Buona Vista is a delightful building which was once the hunting-lodge of the Maharaja, on the banks of the river Bein, designed by J.O.S. Elmore. It is now the private residence of Brigadier Sukhjit Singh MVC, grandson of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh.

The War memorial was commenced in 1923. It is a tribute to all uniformed men who made the supreme sacrifice while on duty. This is a red sandstone building built in Indo- Saracenic style, housing a life sized bronze statue of a Kapurthala solider.

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.

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.

The Elysee Palace was built by Kanwar Bikrama Singh in 1862. This magnificent building with its imposing and elegant facade has now been converted into MGN School of Kapurthala.

The Carriage house or the Bhuggi Khana one housed the motor cars of the ruler. It also served as stables for the Kapurthala Lancers where they use to tether their regimental horses. It is built on a scheme of two perfect concentric circles, within each other.

The Anglo Sikh War Memorial was made by the Punjab Govt. in remembrance to those Punjabis who lost their life fighting the British at Mudki Ferozeshah Sabhraon and Chellianwala. There is a museum close by that houses related items.