Cobblestones And Old-World Charm: This Is India’s First Heritage Village

Nestled in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Valley, Pragpur holds the distinction of being India’s first designated heritage village; an honour it has worn with quiet dignity since 1997. Wandering through its cobbled lanes and past its slate-roofed homes, visitors often feel as though they’ve stepped into a living museum, where time has paused to preserve the charm of a bygone era.

The village derives its name from its geography. Originally called Prayagpur, from Prayag, meaning the confluence of two streams, it was renamed Pragpur over time. Situated at the junction of the Sehri and Lag-Baliana ravines, the village has long relied on these waters, particularly the Lag-Baliana, as its lifeline. The name change, however subtle, reflects the evolution of a community steeped in history.

On December 9, 1997, the Himachal Pradesh government formally declared Pragpur a heritage village, along with its neighbouring village, Garli, recognising its exceptional cultural and architectural legacy.

Pragpur’s architectural heritage is largely credited to the Kuthiala Sood community, a wealthy trading group that settled here in the early 19th century. Well-travelled and exposed to a variety of design styles, these traders returned with ideas that shaped Pragpur’s distinctive aesthetic. Homes, schools, and public buildings were built in a blend of Portuguese, Rajput, and British architectural styles, lending the village an air of eclectic elegance.

The village Post Office, still in operation today, was established by the Department of Post and Telegraph on February 18, 1931. According to local resident Vinayak Thakur, Pragpur offers more than scenic beauty, it is a place of warmth, heritage, and nostalgia. With the majestic Dhauladhar range as its backdrop and an atmosphere that echoes with stories of the past, Pragpur invites visitors not just to see, but to feel history.

Pragpur is easily accessible by road, with buses and taxis from Chandigarh and Delhi en route to Dharamshala passing through the village. The nearest railway station is Una, approximately 60 km away, making it an ideal stop for heritage enthusiasts and cultural travellers alike.