Pragpur is at an altitude of 1800 feet in the Kangra Valley, this picturesque town has a small population. Lying below the majestic Dhauladhars – The White Ranges, the view from Pragpur is splendid. The town has as aura of the past era which reflects in the still existing cobbled pathways, ornamental village tank and shops. The town was founded as early as 17th century to commemorate Princess Prag Rani, Pragpur. It is on 9th December 1997 that the State Government had distinguished Pragpur as a "Heritage Zone." The core area of Pragpur is notified as a "Heritage Village", and, along with the nearby village of Garli, the surrounding area is a Hertitage Zone. Famous for the ‘Haveli’, palace of the royal family of the Jaswan, it is a major tourist attraction. Prag in Sanskrit translates to pollen. In a way it aptly describes the area of Pragpur which in blooms with blossoms wrapping the valleys in hues unleashing nature’s marvels. The Kangra Valley, where Heritage Village Pragpur is located is also home of the famous Kangra school of painting and probably the world's oldest ruling lineage comes from here.
Best For:
Exursions: From Pragpur, one can plan a lot of trekking excursions. Dharamshala is just 60 km away, while Mcleodganj, where the Dalai Lama resides, is around 68 km, Palampur is 95 km from Pragpur. One can also plan a trek to the Kangra Fort which is only 40 km away.
Cycling
Nature walks
Bird watching
Fishing
Ruled by the aristocratic rulers of the Kangra lineage, the then scenic kingdom of Pragpur is today the first certified Heritage Village of India. Founded in the 17th century , there have been myths and tales about the times when the Pandavas in exile came here. Pragpur was a part of the Principality of Jaswan. In the late 17th century it’s chief, charged a band of learned men, led by a Kuthiala Sood, to look for a place suitable to commemorate Princess 'Prag' of his royal lineage.
The temperature during summer is pleasant with a min of 20°C and a max of 32°C. During winter, which spans from October to Mid April, the min temperature drops to around 16°C and max temperature is 25°C. The ideal time to plan a holiday to Pragpur could be all year round, however, to taste the festivity of the state one can plan a visit during the month of January to see Lohri and during September one can see the local wrestling festivals.
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of Pragpur. Currency can be converted at the currency exchange counters at the Airport. Credit and debit cards are accepted in only big shops and major hotels.
Domestic Flights
The closest large airport is at Chandigarh, 175 km from Pragpur. The Kangra airport at Gaggal is 45 km from Pargpur. The Pathantok Airport is 112 kms and is open to Private Planes. Amritsar International Airport is 170 Km from Pragpur
Road Travel
Pragpur is well connected by road to cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali and Amritsar.Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Pragpur by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town. Distance from Pragpur to Delhi is 425 kms, Pragpur to Chandigarh is 175 kms, Pragpur to Pathankot 110 kms, Pragpur to Jalandar is 95 kms and Pragpur to Hoshiarpur is 60 kms.
Train
The nearest railway station to Pragpur is at Una - around 60 kms away from Pragpur. The station is well-connected to Pragpur as well as the other railway stations of India. Delhi – Chandigarh, Delhi – Jalandhar, Delhi – Pathankot then by a car. There is an overnight trains from Una, The Himachal Express. There are trains at regular intervals from Pathankot. One can also take the Shatabdi Express from New Delhi which reaches Jallandar. The distance from Jallandar to Pragpur is 104 kms away.
Haveli: This palace of the royal family of Jaswan, the ‘Haveli’ is one of the major tourist attractions in Pragpur. This is one of the architectural splendors like many other in Pragpur.
River Beas: The sparkling river with its unspoilt beaches are around 6 kms from Pragpur. One can enjoy swimming and angling during the summers on the banks of this river.
The Taal: The pond or Taal built before 1868 forms the core of Pragpur village and serves as a recreational space for young and aged alike
Butail Niwas : Built by Lala Buta Mal, a scion of the Chaujjar Sood clan this is a century old building.
The Judge’s Court :Now run as a heritage hotel by the ruling family of Justice Sir Jai Lal, who was the visionary behind this structure. Built in 1918, this is a splendid country manor designed in Indo- European tradition.
Dada Siba Temple : The temple houses some unique and beautiful wall paintings. It is at a distance of 22 km km from Pragpur.
Masroor : Located 57 kms from Pragpur, Masroor is famous for the Ellora styled rock-cut temples.
Pong Dam : The Pong Dam is Known for its bird life. The dam is 8 kms from Pragpur.
Shopping:
While in Pragpur, one can shop for traditional wooden handicrafts and artifacts made from silver worked on by some of the most skilled silversmiths in the country.
Most of the restaurants here serve traditional Indian and Chinese cuisine. There are few good restaurants in the main market area and you can also try the restaurants of the luxury hotels
Few options for accommodation is at Radha Krishna Thakurdwara Temple Serai, The Judge's Court, Heritage Inn, PWD Guest House and there are other guest houses in the main market area.
The first heritage village, Pragpur is a tourist destination which has not been explored much. This is one town which retains the pastoral essence till date.
