Once a private manor of a Punjab High Court Judge, it is now a restored heritage hideaway in a small hamlet of Himachal Pradesh.
Welcome to Judges Court Pragpur- a heritage retreat reading tales of old-world luxury and slow country life.
From farm-to-table dining to heritage village walks, Judges Court Pragpur is an exclusive experience waiting to be lived. Let’s learn all about this, shall we?
Let’s Learn About the History and Heritage of Judges Court Pragpur!
Mr Lal
Tucked away in the quiet folds of Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, Judges Court is no less than a time machine!
Built between 1914 and 1918 as the private country manor of Justice Sir Jai Lal, you’d still hear whispers of its golden past in the nooks and corners.
Close your eyes and picture this!
Wide sunlit verandas. Antique four-poster beds. Vintage checkerboard floors. Sweeping archways. Intricately carved wooden doors. Surrounded by a big orchard featuring exotic trees.
And you’re lucky- the manor stands restored for tourists looking for a taste of history wrapped in luxury!
A fun fact about Pragpur!
If you Google up- India’s first heritage village- you’ll find the name of Pragpur.
Staying true to its name even in 2025, every cobbled street, arched doorway, and mud-plastered home (basically, its colonial architecture and Himachali cultural legacy!) is protected from modern intrusions.
We’ll get to Pragpur in a minute- now, back to this marvel.
The grandeur of the early 20th-century architecture blends colonial elegance with local artisanship. Each room is adorned with period decor, transporting guests to a forgotten page in history. But don’t worry, modern travellers; you’ll enjoy modern amenities and comfort too.
Immersive Experiences to Make Your Stay Unforgettable!
Mr Lal
Pragpur is your Himachali treasure chest filled with fun-filled experiences. Judges Court offers a few cherry-picked immersive experiences to make your stay fulfilled. Shall we take a look at what they are?
- Heritage Stay with Modern Comforts: Heritage stays like Judges Court Pragpur are rare!
A grand Indo-European manor which is more than just a hotel- a slice of history, beautifully preserved and waiting for you to explore.
Of their 30 rooms, 13 are luxurious suites. Each space in the heritage property is unique and special. From Kipling to Hardinge, the rooms are named after notable figures and local landmarks.
The charm!
- Farm-to-Table Dining: Fresh, local, and straight from the source!
Dining at Judges Court Pragpur is a journey into the heart of nature’s bounty!
The in-house kitchen is stocked with fresh produce from the 12-acre orchard on the premises- a flavour trove, if you will!
It’s home to trees laden with litchis, mangoes, figs, mulberries, and camphor. They guarantee that each meal is a celebration of seasonal delights!
The culinary offerings are traditional as they are innovative. You can enjoy the rich flavours of North Indian dishes, along with continental favourites.
The dining settings further enhance this immersive experience. You can dine in the charming dining area in the old-world reminiscence or opt for the open courtyard under the canopy of stars.
Each meal tells a special story of the land, its culture, and its traditions!
- Pragpur Heritage Village Walk: Do you know what’s special about this heritage walk?
Mr Lal
Time slows down and you walk your way into a living museum!
Judges Court Pragpur offers this exclusive activity to their guests because, let’s be honest, you didn’t come to Himachal to stay indoors. Wander through the cobbled streets, lined with centuries-old homes. The houses, with their slate roofs and mud-plastered walls, are sheerly graceful.
You know what you’ll feel like? Like you’ve walked straight into a living postcard of Himachal!
Along the way, stop by the silversmiths, weavers, and tailors. Meet the artists who have been keeping their crafts alive for generations. Watch them at work and learn a thing or two about their skills.
The village water tank is a centrepiece of local life- don’t miss out on it. Cap your day off in the nearby bazaar. Browse through handmade shawls, woven blankets, and traditional jewellery.
And the local folks?
Warm, welcoming, and ready to share stories of their traditions and daily life.
In this Judges Court Pragpur heritage village walk, you will feel, experience, and genuinely connect with a place that is hidden away on the map.
- Hands-on Cultural Experiences: Here, not only do you forge a deep connection with the local culture but also take care of your well-being.
Mr Lal
First, how about a yoga and meditation session in the serene greenery of the property?
Begin your day early, with great rejuvenation in the lush orchards, guided by experienced instructors.
Second, do you desire a firsthand cooking lesson?
Learn about the rich flavours of Himachali cuisine through hands-on cooking lessons from seasoned chefs, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Third, have you heard of henna art?
Apply traditional henna art with minute designs on your hands. This temporary cultural ornament leaves you with a personal keepsake.
These activities are offered upon request. So, don’t just stay; enrich your stay with these guest-favourite activities.
- Outdoor Nature Activities: Hey, are you an adventure lover?
Yes?
Well, this is totally your treat!
Mr Lal
First, leisurely treks and walks. Take a slow, scenic stroll through the rolling countryside. The trails around Pragpur are perfect for exploring at your own pace. Soak in the non-polluted mountain air and admire the rustic beauty of the heritage hermit. Pure magic, we swear!
Second, nature study and bird watching. Have you ever spotted a kingfisher dive into a pond? The lush landscapes of Judges Court Pragpur make it a heaven for bird watchers and photographers. Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant local bird species and learn about the unique flora thriving in this region. A meditative experience for guests who love the quieter joys of nature!
Third, angling in the Beas River. Around 6 km away, the Beas River is a serene retreat for fishing lovers. Try your hand at angling and make the best set of memories with your loved ones.
That’s not all, though. No matter how seasoned you are, they offer other adventurous activities for everyone, including swimming, kayaking, and so on.
- Festival Celebrations: If you desire a comprehensive cultural experience, plan your visit around a festival. Here are our recommendations:
Mr Lal
First, there is the Lohri festival (13 January 26). This festival marks the end of the winter solstice and the harvesting of the rabi crops. You can join locals in singing traditional songs, dancing to lively beats, and savouring festive delicacies. This event brings the community together around roaring bonfires, and you get to experience the warmth and camaraderie that define this festival.
Second, Basant Panchami (23 January ‘26). Heralding the arrival of spring, Basant Panchami is celebrated by wearing yellow and flying kites.
Third, Baisakhi (13 April ‘25). Baisakhi marks the harvest season and so it’s celebrated as one of the most joyous festivals in North India. In Pragpur, the festivities include colourful processions, folk music, and energetic Bhangra and Gidda performances. You will be attracted to the infectious celebrations and feast on traditional delicacies.
You can also plan your visit around the September Wrestling Festival, a special festival of Pragpur where wrestlers from far and beyond display their talents and are accompanied by much fanfare.
Places to Visit Near Pragpur!
Mr Lal
Just a quick drive from Judges Court Pragpur, you’ll discover scenic hill towns, ancient forts, and spiritual retreats like:-
- Kangra Fort (roughly 45 km away): Rising from the rocky cliffs of the Kangra Valley, Kangra Fort is a timeworn sentinel of history, echoing tales of battles, sieges, and lost dynasties.
- Dharamshala (approximately 65 km away): Nestled in the foothills of the Dhauladhars, Dharamshala is a serene mountain retreat where Tibetan culture and colonial charm blend effortlessly.
- McLeod Ganj (around 70 km away): Known as the home of the Dalai Lama, McLeod Ganj is a hillside Tibetan town lined with colourful monasteries, buzzing cafes, and bustling markets.
Beyond these gems, you can explore the Masroor Rock Cut Temple, an ancient marvel carved out into sandstone cliffs. Seek your blessings at the sacred Jwalamukhi Temple, where eternal flames flicker mysteriously. Explore Dada Siba, an underrated royal estate famed for its intricate Kangra murals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges Court Pragpur!
Mr Lal
- How do I reach the Judges Court?
- By air: Kangra airport is 45 km away.
By rail: Una (60 km), Hoshiarpur (60 km) and Pathankot are the nearest stations.
By road: Pragpur is easily accessible from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar.
- What is the best time to visit Judges Court?
- The ideal time to visit is from March to May or September to November when the weather is pleasant.
- What type of travellers is the Judges Court best suited for?
- Perfect for history enthusiasts, honeymooners, luxury travellers, and cultural explorers looking for an offbeat retreat.
Well, Pragpur has its secrets, and Judges Court is one of its finest! So, experience the real magic firsthand.