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Untrails
This is the travel newsletter of Untrails, a premium offbeat travel company. In this newsletter, I help you discover offbeat locations across India every week, forgotten cultures and offbeat travel hacks. So you can escape the crowds and create unforgettable experiences
Today’s offbeat trip
Kapurthala
So tired after the week’s hustle? How about travelling to a heritage, architecture, and culture destination this weekend?
Yes, I’m talking about Kapurthala.
Let’s talk about it in detail.
Check the place on the map
Why it offbeat
Kapurthala is offbeat because most travellers overlook it for bigger Punjab cities like Amritsar and Patiala, so it stays uncrowded. It has French and Indo-Saracenic architecture, yet very few people know about its royal past or European influence. The city isn’t commercialised, so you get an authentic experience. It’s full of photogenic palaces and untouched by mass tourism, which makes Kapurthala a hidden gem waiting.
Let’s plan now
How to plan the trip within 2 days
As usual, pack your bags the day before Friday, and once you’re done with your work on Friday, fly or take a train to Amritsar or Jalandhar.
From either city, Kapurthala is a short drive away.
Once you reach, settle in and grab a simple local dinner like tandoori chicken, rajma chawal, or a hot plate of parathas from a neighbourhood dhaba.
Saturday morning
On Saturday morning, start with the Jagatjit Palace, which introduces you to the European style of the city. After spending time around the palace lawns, walk to Shalimar Gardens, where the greenery and fountains give you a slow start to the day. As you explore, stop for breakfast at a local shop where you can try chole bhature, stuffed aloo paratha with white makhan, or a tall glass of lassi. Later, visit the Moorish Mosque and Panch Mandir, both are beautiful in very different ways.
Saturday Afternoon
On Saturday evening, head to the old heritage market. This area is perfect for slow walking and observing daily life in Kapurthala. Snack on chole kulche, aloo tikki, pakoras, and samosas from small stalls while you explore the narrow lanes. The vibe here is relaxed and gives you a true feel of the city.
Saturday Night
On Saturday night, have a comforting Punjabi dinner at a dhaba. Popular choices include kadai paneer, dal makhani, butter naan, and a simple chicken curry if you are non-vegetarian. Kapurthala is not commercial, so the food feels homely.
Sunday morning
On Sunday morning, begin with a visit to the State Gurudwara, which is peaceful and beautifully maintained. After that, walk around the city roads where you can spot old pastel coloured buildings and French-inspired structures. For breakfast, try items like paneer paratha, bread pakora, or a light poori sabzi from local eateries.
Sunday afternoon
On Sunday evening, visit the Jagatjit Club and the surrounding area, where the architecture is amazing for photos. Before leaving the city, sit for an early dinner or late lunch at a dhaba and enjoy dishes like kadhi chawal, rajma chawal, or a simple thali. After that, return to Amritsar or Jalandhar to catch your flight or train home.
Safety tips
Kapurthala is safe, but the city becomes very quiet after sunset, so finish your sightseeing before it gets too late.
Stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid walking alone in empty lanes.
Keep your phone charged and carry a power bank because finding transport late at night can be difficult.
Save your hotel address on maps, since auto rickshaws and cabs are less common after dark.
Pre-book your rides when possible, especially if you are arriving late from Amritsar or Jalandhar.
Eat at clean and busy dhabas to avoid food-related issues.
Keep your wallet, phone, and bags close in crowded areas or markets.
Inform your hotel if you are checking in very late, so they are ready to receive you.
Let’s talk about the budget
Travel
Flights to Amritsar from major Indian cities usually fall between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000 one way, depending on the city and timing. A return trip generally costs between ₹12,000 and ₹18,000. The cab ride from Amritsar airport to Kapurthala costs around ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 one way.
Local travel
Auto rickshaws and short cab rides inside Kapurthala cost around ₹500 to ₹1,000 per day. If you travel a bit more, keep a total estimate of ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 for the whole weekend.
Stay
Hotels and guesthouses in Kapurthala usually cost ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per night for a comfortable room. Two nights would come to around ₹6,000 to ₹10,000.
Food
Local food is affordable. Expect ₹700 to ₹1,000 per meal at decent dhabas. For two days, including Friday night and Sunday meals, the total food cost usually stays between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000.
Entry and activities
Most places in Kapurthala are free or have very small entry fees. A safe estimate is between ₹200 and ₹500 for the whole weekend.
Miscellaneous
Shopping, snacks, water, and small expenses can add another ₹500 to ₹1,000.
Total estimate
A realistic budget for the full trip comes to around ₹22,000 to ₹34,000 per person.
I want to hear from you
I hope I sorted out your plan for this weekend.
Thanks for reading.
Well, do let me know if you'd like me to find any particular state’s offbeat weekend travel spots.
I’ll see you on Sunday with another great spot.
See ya till then,
Anirban ‘helping you to cool down in Kapurthala’ Das.
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See you next week,
Anirban