Kotgarh,Himachal pradesh,India

Kotgarh, the apple bowl of India, is situated 82 km from Shimla on the old Hindustan-Tibet road. Located about 6,500 feet above sea level, it is famous for its apples and acres of apple orchards. Kotgarh is just 16 kilometers from National highway that heads into the valley through Kumarsain, Rampur and Kinnaur. 

Kotgarh is famous for not only its scenic beauty but also for its apple cultivation in the Shimla hills began in the early 1900. An interesting story behind the apple revolution in Kotagarh. Once a poverty and unproductive area, Kotagarh is now considered as one of the most wealthiest regions in Himachal Pradesh. In 1916 Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia, USA came to Kotagarh as a missionary worker. Even though 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 teenager. 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. One can still see the 'Starking Delicious' apple orchard that he planted here.

Kotgarh is one of the North India tourist places with enchanting beauty and tranquil ambiance that allure tourists from all over the country and abroad as well. The main religion followed here is Hinduism, however the population is mixed and also comprises of Muslims and other native sects. Winters are extremely cold while summers are quite pleasant here.

Locally ‘Pahari’ food is very popular in the Kotgarh region. Primarily influenced by North Indian cuisine, the dishes found in Kotgarh have the taste and flavour of the local spices and seasonings. The small restaurants here serve sumptuous food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Some regional specialties include manee, chouck, madira, bhagjery, pateer and chutney of Til.

Kotgarh is a quaint scenic place. It offers marvellous walks through pine forests and Apple orchards. The picturesque terraced fields dotted with apple trees and bungalows is like an artist’s painted canvas.

How to reach

By Air
The nearest Airport is Jubbarhatti at Shimla which is 82 Kms. away from Thanedhar. Direct flghts from Delhi are available on alternate days.

By Rail
The closest railhead is at Shimla near bus stand and is linked with Kalka (174km) with the toy train. Kalka is linked with many big cities through narrow gauge.
By Road
Thanedar, the nearest town is just 2 km from the Hindustan - Tibet Road. Thanedar is 82 km away from Shimla. Shimla is connected by road and is 375 km from Delhi. It is 116 km from Chandigarh and from Kalka 89 km.

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