Sometimes words just flow. Sometimes nature bestows the best colours around you. Sometimes it’s the aura of a place that makes you feel close to love. I am sitting at the foothills of Dhauladhar mountain range of Himalayas, in the heritage village of Garli.
Built by Lala Mela Ram Sud in 1921, this small hamlet is dotted with elegant havelis, mansions and Italianate buildings, interspersed amongst lovely mud plastered slate houses. One least expects to find houses in such varied architectural styles — Kangra, Rajput, colonial and even Portuguese — in an obscure part of Himachal Pradesh. So, who built these? We asked a group of locals enjoying a game of cards and sipping tea. According to locals, it was in the early 19th century that the prosperous Kuthiala Sood community arrived and settled here.
Garli is at height of 500 Mts above sea level. With a population of about 2000 people and its wondrous architecture, Garli offers a myriad of experiences that warrants at least one visit. There is a lot to do around the village, if you are an explorer, get ready to find some beautiful gems around Garli.
Garli on Foot
Pick up a map, and walk the trek routes to enjoy various facets of Garli. Enjoy the view, the biodiversity, and the hospitality of the local population as you walk by.
Judges Court in Garli
Sunset on Beas River
Sunsets on Riverbeds are always exhilarating sights, and Garli is no different. Take a riverbed safari, drive on the gravel to the bank, walk around, dip your feet in the water and enjoy the location in all its glory
Culture
Enjoy a Himachali Folk Song and Dance, learn their culture, our food and customs.
Religious Tours
Garli is strategically placed such that visitors can make it a base and visit a multitude of temples such as Jwalamukhi, Chintpurni, Baglamukhi, KangraDevi, Baba Balaknath, Maha Kaleshwar temple, just to name some, all within driving distance from Garli
Day trip to Maharana Pratap Sagar
Take a day long trip to see the old paintings at Radha Krishan Mandir at Dada Siba, and then move on the vast expanse of the Maharana Pratap Sagar. In season, see the migratory birds, or just enjoy the breeze under an old tree etched with messages from lovers.
Night Safari
In an open Jeep, after 10 PM at night, drive through the local forest reserve. who knows, you may spot a wild boar, sambar, wild rabbits or maybe even a leopard in that safari. learn of the animal habitat from the local forest residents, and enjoy the fresh, crisp air.
Best time to Visit
All seasons and all year round, especially January and September when the Lohri and Wrestling festivals are celebrated.
How to reach
Garli & and Pragpur are well connected by roads from Chandigarh, Pathankot and Delhi. There are regular busses from Chandigarh and Delhi, going to Dharamsal passing through Pragpur.
The nearest railhead Amb is nearly 28 kilometers that gets trains from Delhi.
The airport that serves Pragpur and Garli is at Gaggal – 53 kilometers from away.
We discovered the treasures that lie buried in the forgotten village of Garli through the most celebrated Explorer Edition of Roots. Let us know if you would like to explore these offbeat gems with us.
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