For the ones who prefer travelling off the beaten track, at 1800 ft above sea level, Kangra district of Himachal boasts of a tiny town known as Pragpur. While you would want to travel the world seeking Portuguese-style mansions or Italian buildings and architecture; explore the narrow cobbled streets of this lovely hamlet that sits silently in the lap of mountains which also is the first Heritage village of India.
Pragpur gets its name from spectacular spring blossoms of this area. ‘Prag’ means pollen in Sanskrit. As legend has it, the area has been blessed by three holy shrines that surround the village. Replete with panoramic views and charming simplicity, Pragpur lies in the Dhauladhar ranges of Kangra valley.
Declared as the first ever Heritage Village of India by Himachal Pradesh Government back in 1997, you can visit this place at any time of the year, however it is lovely in January when the festival of Lohri is celebrated with all its oomph across the state.
Pragpur’s gem, The Judge’s Court is a 300-year-old ancestral accommodation that has been revived to keep its style intact blended with a tinge of modern touche. This fantastic heritage hotel was India’s first classified Heritage Country Manor. A lovely ambience with reminisces of the 20th Century, you cannot miss to stop by this property when ever you visit Kangra.
Completed in 1918, this fascinating property is designed in Indo-European style. Justice Jai Lal spent many years to built this manor hence the name Judges Court. This 12 acre of greens consists of lychee, mango, plum tress as well as exotic trees of camphor, cardamom and clove. 
Consisting of ten super luxurious rooms, you can choose between an outdoor pool dining, an indoor or an alfresco dining; they have it all. More than that, the hospitality is worth a mention. Run by the owning family as a heritage property, the hotel also grows its own vegetables, wheat, maize and oil seeds. Enjoy the fresh produce as you relish the local delicacies popularly known as Madra.
Inhabited by many craft weavers, basket makers, silversmiths, painters and musicians; the residents of Pragpur also call their village Garli Pragpur. There is always a warm welcome for tourists. Stock up on souvenirs in the market, where you can choose from a range of local stuff.
Sipping on a cup of famous Kangra Chai, spend some time listening to anecdotes from the locals; something you might want to take away besides lovely memories of Pragpur.
