Naggar Castle – Let’s explore the cultural and natural wonders of Himachal Pradesh.
Naggar Castle is an old castle that used to be the home of the rulers of Kullu. Now it is owned by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The castle is surrounded by hills and the Beas River, making it a beautiful place to stay while exploring Kullu and Manali. Its historical importance and elegant architecture make it a must-visit place. Make sure you check out the exclusive Himachal pradesh tour packages, which cover Naggar Castle too among other hot destinations in Manali. Naggar Castle, an offbeat place in Manali is a historical building situated in the town of Naggar in the Kullu district, near Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. The castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu in 1460 AD and now operates as a heritage hotel managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). The castle offers an excellent view of the Kullu Valley and the snow-covered peaks from its vantage point. It is a fine example of the blend of European and Himalayan wood and stonework and represents Himalayan architecture. There are three small shrines present within the premises that hold religious significance. Here, an art museum houses the paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
Suggested Read: 15 Best Adventure Activities in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Details of Naggar Castle
Location: At a distance of 20 km from Manali, and 22 km from Kullu, the Naggar Castle is a famous castle located in Naggar.
Open Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, all days of the week
Entry Fee: Entry fee is INR 30 for adults, INR 15 for child
Best Time To Visit:
Naggar Castle in Summer: Summer months from April to June are perfect for tourists to explore the valley’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. The temperature ranges between 13 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the lush greenery and blooming flowers will leave you mesmerized.
Naggar Castle in Winter: Naggar experiences very cold winters from November to February, which creates a beautiful winter wonderland. Adventurous travelers can enjoy unique experiences during this time. However, heavy snowfall can sometimes make it difficult to reach the region, and living there can be challenging due to scarce electricity and water supply.
Places to visit near Naggar Castle :
1. Jagatipatt Temple
This small temple in the castle’s upper courtyard houses a slab of stone called “Jagtipatt,” which is said to have been brought by honey bees from a place near Vashisht. This temple is a charming example of local architecture and also a meeting place for the valley’s deities.
2. Tripura Sundari Temple
This pagoda-shaped wooden temple is a rare example of breathtaking architecture and is located in the upper part of the village. You’ll be mesmerized by its beauty, for sure!
3. Solang Valley
Located at the top of Kullu Valley, Solang Valley is one of the most popular places to visit in Manali in One day. It is known for its snowy landscapes and thrilling snow activities.
4. Jana Waterfall
Jana Waterfall, although an offbeat place in Manali, is known to be one of the famous waterfalls in Manali located in the village of Jana, near Manali. To reach the waterfall, visitors must trek through dense deodar and pine trees amidst snow-capped mountains.
5. Gauri Shankar Temple
This charming temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the foot of the small bazaar below the Castle. Its unique architecture and carvings make it a protected monument with heritage status. You shouldn’t miss visiting this temple during your trip to Kullu Valley since this is one of the best things to do in Kullu Manali.
Top Things To Do In Naggar Castle Manali
1. Visit Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery
This art gallery was once the residence of a reputed artist, Nicholas Roerich, who chose Naggar as his home when he came to India in 1929. The gallery houses some rare paintings and other specimens of art and is open for visitors. It’s a must-visit for all art enthusiasts out there. Exploring this place is definitely one of the top activities to do in Naggar Castle.
2. Shopping
Don’t forget to shop for local items like unique handicrafts, shawls, carpets, nagaras, and many more from the basement of the castle. Do go through this shopping guide for Manali before shopping in Manali.
3. Have An Unforgettable Dinning Experience
The castle has a restaurant that offers mouth-watering local cuisine of Manali, alongside lip-smacking continental and Chinese dishes. But that’s not all, you can also sip on some exotic beverages and relish some scrumptious snacks at the bar.
4. Trekking
It is an ideal location for adventure activities who like trekking. There are several short hidden & offbeat treks in Manali which you can start from here with the help of locals or the hosts of the places where you plan to stay.
5. Relieve the Bollywood Magic
If you like Bollywood movies, you might be interested to know that Naggar Castle was featured in the popular film, Jab We Met. You can visit the castle and take some great pictures there, recreating scenes from the movie and making some memories. Clicking photographs in Naggar Castle is surely one of the top activities to do in Naggar Castle.
Naggar Castle Hotels and Homestays
1. Club Mahindra White Meadows
Located 15 km from Naggar, this is one of the best resorts in Manali.
2. Himalayan Village Resort
A boutique resort that offers a rustic and eco-friendly stay. The resort is located about 10 km from Naggar and has 14 cottages, each made of wood and stone.
3. Tra – A boutique stay
A 3-star homestay near Naggar offering the best of amenities.
4. Himalayan Brothers Adventure Homestay
One of the best homestays near Naggar providing top-notch amenities. You will enjoy the homemade food cooked here.
What is Naggar Castle?
Naggar castle is a historic royal palace located in Naggar, a village in Kullu. It has become a popular tourist destination known for its architectural beauty.
Where is Naggar Castle located?
Naggar Castle is located in the village of Naggar, in the Kullu district. It is 21 kms away from the Manali main town.
What is the history of Naggar Castle?
Naggar Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh, who shifted his capital from Kullu to Naggar. The castle served as the royal residence of the kings of Kullu for over 300 years. It witnessed many wars, invasions, and dynastic changes over the centuries. In 1846, the British annexed Kullu and took over the castle, using it as a rest house and a courthouse. Later, in 1978, the castle was converted into a heritage hotel by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).
Is Naggar Castle open to the public?
Yes, it is open to the public as it has become one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Manali.