"Life on a farm is a school of patience; you can't hurry the crops or make an ox in two days."
-HENRI ALAIN
THE HERITAGE FARMHOUSE
ABOUT VIRSA
Virsa, offers a unique opportunity to stay at the farmhouse. The Heritage Farm cherishes to revive the traditions of agrarian economy. Images of golden wheat fields, radiant mustard fields and lush green trees hum gently the prosperity of Punjab.
Approved by Govt. of Punjab, Department of Tourism vide certificate no. FTS/2022/00001, the farmhouse is a welcome retreat in the midst of Agricultural Farm spread over more than 25 acres.
Skirting the forest reserve of Chatt Bir, which nestles the Royal Bengal Tiger besides as host of species of birds and animals rarely found elsewhere, the farm house offers a welcome relief from the concrete jungles of urban scape and humdrum of city life.
Approved by Govt. of Punjab, Department of
Tourism vide certificate no. FTS/2022/00001
Our Heritage Farm-
VIRSA
Punjab, the geo-cultural construct of Five Rivers has a rich history spanning more than 5000 years. Owing to its strategic location, it has been a melting pot of culture of diverse races which frequented it during the days of the yore. It has been a cradle of the Harappan culture, which is one of the earliest civilization of the world.
The Punjabi Diaspora has showcased the world the Punjabi values; the sports and the Punjabi cinema has given a great leverage to the popularity of Punjabi culture. This land of plenty is always in upbeat Chardi Kala-the robust optimism-ever ready to take part in any celebration with gusto.
The people of Punjab are known for their large hearts and warm nature exhibited in their culinary taste. The progressive farmers have ventured into Agri tourism and Rural Tourism .
Virsa The Heritage Farmhouse is a perfect gateway from the urban scape. The activities designed here provide an unforgettable escape that completely redefines the entire vacation experience. With farm owners themselves serving as generous hosts as well as knowledgeable tour guides, it is a perfect way to get back to nature and lose to yourself in the picturesque countryside. The Punjabi Diaspora has showcased the world the Punjabi values; the sports and the Punjabi cinema has given a great leverage to the popularity of Punjabi culture.
Our Story-
About the Promoters
Every family has a story, Welcome to ours.
“The Kohrian Sikh family refers to the Sikh peasantry class which originated from the village of Barki, specifically in the Kohrian area, located in the Majha Doab region of the River Ravi, just outside Lahore.
The partition of India in 1947 resulted in mass displacement and the consequent trauma demonstrated remarkable resilience among those affected. Sardar Diljit Singh Kohri played a crucial role in the Rehabilitation efforts and settled in the arid land skirting the River Ghaggar in the village Bakarpur after Displacement from native village . His relentless efforts reaped rich harvest in the region with roads connectivity, water supply, bus transport and other amenities in the 1960s.
The resilience displayed by the forefathers affected by partition served as a powerful example of the human spirit’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
Bhupinder Paul Singh the younger Son of Sardar Diljit Singh , ventured into the realm of Progressive Farmers. Assisted by his wife Dr Amandeep Kohri who is passionate about preserving Ancestry and endeavors to document them to create an enduring legacy.
The Virsa Heritage Farm is a testimony to cherish the legacy of the family traditions and ode to the rich cultural heritage of Punjab.
Virsa The Heritage Farmhouse is a perfect gateway from the urban scape. The activities designed here provide an unforgettable escape that completely redefines the entire vacation experience. With farm owners themselves serving as generous hosts as well as knowledgeable tour guides, it is a perfect way to get back to nature and lose to yourself in the picturesque countryside
Every Family has a Story to be told-
Our Ancestry
The Kohri Clan are the Jat sardars that owe their origin to Kohrian, a quaint village nestled on Barki Road in the Lahore district,now in West Punjab.
Battered in the aftermath of Partition in 1947 , the forefathers were displaced from their traditional moorings and rehabilitated in the sandy inhospitable terrain of Bakarpur village in Tehsil Dera Bassi , Mohali . The indomitable spirit of Sardar Diljit Singh Kohri yielded desired results and the family was able to carve a niche in progressive farming in the region . The Virsa Heritage Farmhouse registered with Government of Punjab for Rural Tourism initiatives stands testimony to the great traditions inherited and values of commitment and service towards community inculcated by the forefathers.
Sardar Harnam Singh
1874 - 1939
Looking for the Martial and the Militarized -The Khalsa martial identity promoted a culture of martial valour among the Jatt Peasantry. Which placed an accent on bravery, heroism and the valiant ones embraced the British Army being glorified as the Martial Race.
Sardar Thakar Singh
1894 - 1925
The Khalsa martial identity which ascribes symbols and markers on the Khalsa body carried the epithet of Kirpan Bahadur as his indefatigable spirit refused to take off the kirpan off the Military uniform . He then started a Printing Press by the title of Kirpan Bahadur In Lahore which became vehicle of the ideas and institutions of the Sikhism .
Sardar Diljit Singh
1918- 2002
Carrying Forth the Family Tradition of Indomitable Martial spirit, Army was a natural choice of Sardar Diljit Singh where he was recruited as a captain. Battered in the aftermath of Partition in 1947, the Kohrian Sardars were displaced from their traditional moorings of the Bari Doab of West Punjab and rehabilitated in the sandy inhospitable terrain of Ghaggar River in Bakarpur village Tehsil Dera Bassi. The indomitable spirit of Sardar Diljit Singh Kohri yielded desired results and the family was able to carve a niche in progressive farming in the region.
First Farming on sandy Inhospitable terrain of Bakarpur
First Tractor ever in the vicinity
For the Society-
OUR MISSION
- Expose the visitors to an enjoyable rural experience and initiate viable operation; providing a comfortable agri-centered lifestyle, utilizing practical resources and eco-friendly methods.
- Promote sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural prosperity.
- Sensitize the rural sector on ecological degradation and chemical toxicity and encourage them to adopt sustainable agricultural practices which entails organic farming, conservation, agriculture, agro forestry, integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management and protection of natural resources since a healthy ecosystem is vital for the survival of human kind.
OUR VISION
- A sustainable, community-driven model that nurtures the environment,leverages the indigenous culture and cherishes the local heritage to foster economic diversification .
- It envisions to empower local communities, promote local products and integrate tourism with broader rural development goals for holistic well-being, moving beyond simple sightseeing to deep engagement with the countryside by offering meaningful experiences like farm stays, trails, and cultural immersion while balancing modernity with tradition.
LOCATION
Located at village Bakarpur, Tanki wala in Tehsil Dera Bassi, Distt SAS Nagar.
It is about 5 Km off Ambala Chandigarh Highway and a mere distance of
15 Km from Chandigarh Airport and
20 km From Chandigarh Railway Station.
Skirting the Forest reserve of Chatt Bir, which nestles the Royal Bengal Tiger besides a host of species of birds and animals rarely found elsewhere, the farm house offers a welcome relief from the concrete jungles of urban scape and humdrum of city life.