📍 Location: Pragpur, ~18 km from Kangra Town, Himachal Pradesh
📅 Season: March–May & September–November for heritage walks and cultural immersion
A village that doesn’t perform its past—it lives it, in every slate roof, carved balcony, and whispered Kangri phrase
🕰️ A Village Born of Royal Tribute
Founded in the late 16th century by the Patialas to honor Princess Prag Dei of the Jaswan royal family, Pragpur was designed with Vastu principles, featuring narrow alleys, mud-plastered walls, and fort-like havelis. It was declared a heritage village in 1997, making it the first of its kind in India.
🏛️ The village’s name derives from Prag (pollen) and Pur (settlement)—a poetic nod to its springtime bloom and cultural fertility.
🏯 Architectural Highlights & Cobblestone Grace
- Judge’s Court: A 1918 colonial manor turned heritage hotel, surrounded by 12 acres of gardens
- Lala Rerumal Haveli: Built in 1931, with Mughal-style gardens and a private reservoir
- Butail Mandir & Shakti Mandir: Spiritual centers with Kangra-style carvings
- Chaujjar Mansion & Sood Clan Courtyards: Fortified homes with Indo-Portuguese and Rajput influences
- Atiayalas (Public Platforms): Community spaces for gatherings and rituals
🪵 The village features slate-roofed homes, brick jaali work, and carved wooden balconies—a blend of Kangra, Mughal, Portuguese, and British styles.
🎨 Kangra Art & Living Craft
Pragpur is a hub of traditional craftsmanship:
- Silversmiths: Custom trinkets and Kangra-style jewelry
- Weavers & Tailors: Handmade shawls, blankets, and overnight tailoring
- Pottery & Basketry: Practiced in open courtyards and family-run workshops
- Kangra Miniature Art: Reflected in frescoes and local galleries
🎭 The village speaks Kangri dialect, and its artisans still follow ancestral techniques passed down through generations.
🚶 Heritage Walks & Riverside Serenity
- Guided walks through cobbled lanes, havelis, and temples
- Chamba Pattan: A riverside stroll to the Beas, ideal for picnics and photography
- Nearby Garli Village: Twin heritage hamlet with restored mansions and Chateau Garli hotel
- Festivals: Lohri, local wrestling events, and temple fairs add seasonal vibrance
🧭 Plan Your Visit
| 🗺️ Travel Tips | 🏡 Stay Options |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport: Gaggal (Kangra, ~45 km) | Judge’s Court, Chateau Garli, or village homestays |
| Nearest railhead: Amb Andaura (~30 km) or Pathankot (~100 km) | Combine with Kangra Fort, Masroor Rock Temples, or Chintpurni Temple |
| Best time: Spring & Autumn | Heritage walks best done in morning light |
✨ Why It Belongs in Your Guide
Pragpur reflects:
- India’s first official heritage village
- A living archive of Kangra’s architectural and artistic legacy
- A cultural retreat where history isn’t curated—it’s inhabited
It’s not just a village—it’s a cobblestone poem written in slate, silence, and soul.
