Thanedar and Kotgarh, Himachal Pradesh

Thanedar and Kotgarh, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

My search of buying an apple orchard brought me to the birthplace of apples in India from the remote corners of the state.

Introduction

Thanedar Apple Orchards

Thanedar is a pleasantly old-fashioned little hamlet in Himachal Pradesh, located around the pleasing apple orchards in Shimla district. It is situated at a height of 7,250 ft from the above sea level and famed as the fruit bowl of Himachal Pradesh.

Thanedar is the oldest apple countryside in the state. It is here, Samuel Stokes (later known as Satyanand Stokes), a social worker from Philadelphia, planted the first apple seed in 1916 and the legacy of apples in India started growing. Samuel stokes is incorporated in Thanedar. One can still see the apple orchard that he planted there. Thanedar’s apples are used in preparing the most delicious wines, jam, and pickles.

Kotgarh

Welcome to Kotgarh

Kotgarh, the apple bowl of India is just 4 kms from Thanedar. It is famous for its acres of apple orchards. The region was once under the regime of Gurkhas and in 1815, British defeated Gurkhas and thus Kotagarh became a British territory. The British government encouraged missionary work in Kotgarh. It is famous for not only its spectacular beauty but also for its apple cultivation in the Shimla hills which began in early 1900. It was once poverty ridden and unproductive area but now is considered as one of the most wealthiest regions in Himachal Pradesh. In 1916 Samuel Stokes came to Kotagarh. He was involved with the spreading of Christianity, Stokes attracted the beauty and the culture of Kotgarh and eventually settled down. He married Agnes Benjamin, a local Rajput Christian girl. Even though he came to Kotgarh as a missionary worker, he converted from Christian to Hindu and changed his name to Satyanand Stokes. In Kotgarh, he cultivated delicious variety of apples in his farm, which he imported from the famous nursery Growers- Stark Brothers of Louisiana. He encouraged the local farmers to plant apples in their fields thereby bringing prosperity to the people. The apple trees which he planted continue to reap a rich harvest even 100 years later. Kotgarh is a very beautiful scenic place. It offers amazing walks through pine forests and apple orchards.

Food and Stay:

HPPWD Rest House, Thanedar

Thanedar Rest house room

Thanedar and Kotgarh have few small dhabas. One should rely on the only for basics. Nothing fancy is available. There are Nepali food dhabas for noodles, momos or soup. These are very tiny town famous for its apple orchards and natural beauty but tourism here is very less as compare to other famous hill stations.
Thanedar and Kotgarh have Govt. rest house and other affordable homestays. The hill stations has an impressive HPPWD rest house built in the traditional pahari style overlooking the Sutlej valley.

Thanedar Rest House

How to reach:
Thandedar and Kotgarh is well connected and has private/HRTC bus service from Main town Narkanda. Taxis from Narkanda is also available. Thanedar is about 18 kms from Narkanda and nearest Airport or Railway station is Shimla which is about 80 kms away.

Places to see:
Prime attractions in this quaint place include an ancient Tani-Jubbar Lake, St. Mary’s Church and Arya Samaj Mandir.

Tani-Jubbar Lake:

Tani Jubbar Lake

It is a small but pretty lake. Its just 6 kms from the Thanedar Town. This lake is famous for Nag Devta temple, an ancient wooden temple built along the lake. Every month of June, a fair is held near the lake, where local artisans and craftsmen display their wares. It has been said and believed by locals that the lake appeared suddenly overnight one day. Outsiders are not allowed to touch the water as It is extremely pure and holy for the local people.

Tani Jubbar Nag Devta Temple

Barobag :

Harmony Hall Thanedar, 1912

It is the highest point in Thanedar. It offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. Atop Barobag hill is the Harmony Hall -a three-storeyed structure made of stone house of Satyanand Stokes, built in 1912.

St. Mary's Church:

St. Mary Church Kotgarh

This is one of the oldest churches in India built in 1843. Located 6 km from the town, it is a beautiful wooden church with its old graveyard stands as a reminder to The Raj era. It is made of deodar wood in a neo-classical style and it's stained glass windows are unique in itself. Adjoining the church is the Gorton Mission school established in 1843.

View from Kotgarh Town

Arya Samaj Mandir:

Paramjyoti Temple AKA Arya Samaj Mandir Thanedar

It is also known as Paramjyoti Temple. This is a Pahari style temple built by Stokes in the early 19 century. It is surrounded by apple orchards of Thanedar, the temple is surrounded by inscriptions from the Upanishads and Bhagvad Gita.

Budget
It varies from person to person depending upon mode transport and food but as per standard rates I would suggest anywhere between Rs. 5000 to 8000 per person for two days.

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