The sarai (Nur-sara) locally known as Nurmahal is located in the district of Jalandhar, Punjab. According to the Persian inscription on the eastern and western gateways, the Sarai (Nur-sara) was built by Nawab Zakariya Khan, Governor of the Doab under the order of NurJahan Begum.
The sarai has octagonal bastions at corners. The western gateway of the sarai is notable for excellence in conception and execution. This three-storeyed structure has a veneer of red sandstone with its surface dotted by relief panels covered with elephants, riders, fairies, peacocks, lion’s fight, camels, rhinos, human beings, etc. The sides of the gateway are embellished with foliated scrolls depicting birds on trees besides geometrical patterns. The eastern gateway has also similar decoration, besides an inscription. In the courtyard of the sarai, there is a well and a mosque covered with a single dome. The construction was started in A.D. 1618-19 and completed in CE 1620-21.
In view of its historical and architectural importance, it was declared protected as a monument of national importance vide notification no.4687 dated 18-02-1919.