Have you been to India’s first heritage village?

Nestled in the picturesque Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Pragpur Heritage Village stands as a living testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Established in the late 16th century, Pragpur, along with its neighbouring village Garli, was officially designated as a "Heritage Village" by the Himachal Pradesh State Government in 1997, making it India’s first heritage village.

In the late 16th century, Pragpur was founded by the Patials in honour of Princess Parag Dei from the Jaswan Royal family. Pragpur was created as an ornamental village with a history steeped in royal legacy.


Today, taking a walk around the village feels like we have stepped into a bygone era. Walking on the cobblestone paths, past those old shops, houses with slate roofs and mud-plastered walls, and several havelis, one can see that time stood still in this village.



Speaking of the architectural charms of this village, there are some buildings in the village like the Judges Court Pragpur, which showcases European style of architecture. Several other centuries-old restored homes share a similar type of architecture. One quick look and they remind us of old European villages. Take Chateau Garli in the neighbouring village of Garli for instance.


Now a restored hotel, this structure was built keeping European chateaus in mind. The look and feel of this building will transport you to old villages in France or Switzerland.

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Visitors visiting Pragpur have a chance to also explore the neighbouring village of Garli (also comes under the Heritage Zone) and experience the architectural wonders of the region. These villages are simply visual delights. Within Pragpur, however, one must pay a visit to the Lala Rerumal Haveli, Butail Mandir, Chaujjar Mansion, courtyards of the Sood Clans, and see what the atiyalas or public platforms are all about.



It is important to note that Pragpur is not an ornamental village now. It is a proper village where people are residing and engaging in traditional arts and crafts. What you see is a true village, so don’t go there expecting to see everything tailor-made for tourists. The inhabitants of Pragpur are skilled craftspeople, weavers, basket makers, silversmiths, painters, musicians, and tailors. Expect to see the local markets full of traditional items. It’s a haven for souvenir collectors. What you purchase is going to contribute to the sustainability of the local cottage industry.

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Pragpur Heritage Village invites travellers to unravel the layers of its history and heritage. As the first Heritage Village in India, Pragpur continues to stand as a living testament to the enduring legacy of the region.