Kotgarh

Lying at a distance of 82 kilometers from the city of Simla, the region of Kotgarh is popular for the apple orchards that lie in sprawling numbers in the region. The region of Kotgarh was a part of the apple revolution and is one of the highest producers of apples in the country.

The revolution was started by the Englishman, Samuel Evans Stokes who had arrived in the region to aid the poor people of north India. While preaching Christianity, Samuel Stokes was so impressed by the religion of Hinduism that he himself converted into the religion and adopted the name, Satyanand Stokes. Married to a Rajput Christian, Agnes Benjamin, the two settled in the region of Kotgarh and began the cultivation of apples in their own estate to economically support the poor people of the region. The plant saplings were planted in the 200 acre estate in the year 1919 and bore fruit in the year 1925. The apples gained popularity in the market and the cultivation was immediately pursued by several other farmers. The apple cultivation in Kotgarh continues to prosper and has made the city one of the most biggest producer of apples in the country.

The region of Kotgarh is reputed for the scenic beauty of its surroundings. Situated in the midst of imposing mountainous ranges, the region of Kotgarh provides a captivating and commanding view of the western Himalayan Mountains. Dotted with apple orchards, the serene and tranquil beauty of the region appeals to the tourists making it one of the frequently visited places to see around Manali.