Sunday, September 4, 2011

Pragpur

Located at an elevation of 2000 feet above sea level, heritage village Pragpur is ideally suited to explore the Kangra valley. The area has several streams that drain into the river Beas. Many places of historic, religious and cultural importance are with in easy reach. With its equitable climate, easy access, safe passage and rich flora and fauna, Pragpur and its surroundings offers an ideal location for village tourism. The ambience of the heritage zone of Garli-Pragpur is zealously protected by the local residents. In their endeavour that Garli-Pragpur retains its unique character, panchayats preserve their heritage buildings. Several heritage structures are now being restored using original techniques but with modern facilities to facilitate tourist.

The Taal: Dating before 1868, the Taal or pond forms the core of Pragpur village and serves as a recreational space for young and aged alike. The Taal is surrounded by heritage structures.

The Judge's Court: Completed in 1918, this is a splended country manor designed in Indo-European tradition. The visionary behind this bold structure was Justice Sir Jai Lal. It stands in 12 acres of greens, and is just a short walk from the village core and the Taal. It is now run by the owning family as a heritage hotel. The residents of Garli-Pragpur are hospitable. There is always a warm welcome for tourists and the area provides a safe passage. The area is round the year visitable.

Sixty five km from Dharmshala, this small village seems to hold the kernel of much of Kangra’s rural beauty. Pragpur has been notified as a Heritage Village by Himachal Pradesh Govt. in December 1997. Pragpur is 175 km from Chandigarh & 25 km from Jwalaji.