Pragpur Heritage Village

Pragpur Heritage Village in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, was declared India's first Heritage Village by the state government in December 1997. Founded in the late 16th century, the village is renowned for its preserved architecture featuring cobblestone streets, mud-plastered walls, slate-roofed houses, and historic havelis. It offers visitors a glimpse into traditional rural life and the cultural heritage of the Kangra region.

Visitors can explore narrow cobbled lanes lined with fort-like houses, historic havelis, old water tanks, and traditional shops. The village features structures such as Lala Rerumal Haveli with Mughal-style gardens, Butail Mandir, and ancient Shakti temples. Visitors can observe local craftspeople including silversmiths, weavers, and basket makers, and purchase hand-woven blankets and shawls. The atmosphere is peaceful and rural, offering a slow-paced heritage experience distinct from typical hill stations.

Pragpur was founded in the late 16th century by the Patials in memory of Princess Prag Dei of the Jaswan Royal family. The village name derives from its location at the confluence of two seasonal water channels (khads). It was officially declared India's first Heritage Village by the Himachal Pradesh State Government in December 1997 due to its unique preserved architecture.

Pragpur is home to the famous Kangra School of Painting and represents a living heritage village where traditional crafts continue. The inhabitants include craftspeople, weavers, basket makers, silversmiths, painters, musicians, and tailors. The village showcases traditional Kangra architecture with colonial-era influences and maintains its cultural identity through cottage industries producing hand-woven blankets, shawls, and hand-block printed clothes.