With the fascinating and breath-taking panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges in Kullu Valley, the Naggar Castle is a real reminder of the centuries-old Pal Dynasty. It is a 500-year-old mediaeval castle built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. The Castle is one of the popular tourist destinations in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It has been run as a heritage hotel by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) since 1978.
Naggar Castle Manali is a one-of-a-kind wooden and stone mansion that also serves as a mediaeval temple and an art museum. The modest temple in the castle’s courtyard, known as Jagti Patt, adds to the castle’s grandeur. The architecture of the Castle has been renovated over the years of the contemporary era. But its core heritage design remains intact.
As it is now renovated into a hotel, you may experience the royalty. So, let’s explore more about it.
Table of Content
- Stay at Naggar Castle Manali
- Timings to reach Naggar Castle
- How to Reach Naggar Manali
- Things to do in Naggar
- Relish the local delicacies
- When to visit Naggar Himachal
Stay at Naggar Castle Manali
The castle is one of the three Premium Heritage Hotels has various airy, spacious, and well-furnished rooms. It ensures that the guests have a pleasant and comfortable stay. Each room has been elegantly fitted and exquisitely adorned in the style of traditional western Himalayan architecture (traditional Pahari style). The room and divided into various parts, offering you a scenic view from the balcony.
- River View Suite
- Green field Suite
- Her Highness Suite
- Baragarth Fort Suite
In addition, the hotel offers a variety of facilities to ensure that your stay is the best it has ever been.
- Spacious rooms, with a TV
- Modern amenities.
- In-house restaurant serving Indian, Continental, Chinese and Himachali cuisines
- Drive in, Intercom
- 24 hours power back-up facilities
- Taxi on-demand
- Doctor on call
The stay at the castle will cost you somewhere around INR 2100 – INR 3000/ night.
You’re probably wondering what you’ll do if you don’t stay at Naggar Castle and instead stay somewhere else in Naggar Manali. Will you be able to enjoy the castle’s allure and royalty if that is the case?
Yes, it is true!! Even if you don’t intend to stay at the castle, you can have a taste of royalty. Tourists must pay INR 30 to explore the castle and view much of it, as well as a peek of the palace of the Kullu Kings. Tourists can also dine at the cafeteria for lunch and dinner.
Timings to reach Naggar Castle
When can you knock on the door of the castle as a tourist?
Tourists who wish to pay a visit to the castle have to reach at the specified time and day.
Day: All weekdays except Monday
Time: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
The times are specified because it is a hotel, and they have to ensure the comfort of their guests who are staying at Naggar Castle. So, arrive on time or you may miss out on the opportunity to experience royalty.
In Naggar Himachal, the Castle is undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions, but there are many more things to see and do. So, let’s see what we can find out and also how we can reach there.
How to reach Naggar Manali
By Road: By bus, you can reach Naggar from Chandigarh, Shimla, Kullu, and Manali. If you want a longer drive, though, you can take Delhi, which is the longest route. Furthermore, from Manali, you can reach Naggar by HRTC bus. Alternatively, you can take a private Volvo or a semi-deluxe bus.
- Chandigarh to Naggar: 398 KM
- Shimla to Naggar: 238 KM
- Kullu to Naggar: 25 KM
- Manali to Naggar: 15 KM
- Delhi to Naggar: 543 KM
By Train: Naggar does not have a railway station. Joginder Nagar is the nearest train station. The railway station is well-connected to Manali, and you can get to Naggar easily from there. The Joginder Nagar Railway Station is 145 kilometres away from Naggar.
By Air: Even, there is no airport in Naggar. Kullu-Manali Airport, located in Bhuntar, is the nearest airport. The airport is well-connected to Manali, and you can get to Naggar fast by bus or private cab from there. Or you can reach Chandigarh airport and from there you go by bus or taxi.
As we have reached our destination, now let us see what all places can we visit and what other things we can do in Naggar.
Things to do in Naggar
Naggar’s towering deodars, deified mountains, razor-thin waterfalls, and exquisite snow-covered environs are unquestionably gifted with mystic appeal and spirituality. It is a lesser-known place in the Kullu area. This place is home to a number of temples, military facilities, museums, and galleries, making it one of the most popular Kullu tourist destinations. For the past 1460 years, Naggar is the capital of Kullu.
Moving forward, let’s have a look at what you can do at Nagar Manali, one of the holistic destinations.
Trekking and Fishing
Naggar’s scenic habitat and terrain lend themselves to a variety of fun activities. Naggar’s geographical structure and topography make it the home of a number of trek paths as well as the starting point for many others. The Chanderkhani Journey to Malana in the Parvati Valley, and the trek from Bijli Mahadev to Naggar are famous among nature enthusiasts.
A few picturesque villages around Naggar, such as Rumsu Village, Khaknal Village, and Sajla Village, are intriguing for all nature enthusiasts to explore. These villages are easily accessible on foot from Naggar. People also like to visit Jana Village, primarily to enjoy a relaxing supper beneath the Jana Waterfalls.
At the same time, there are a few places in Naggar where one may go trout fishing. You may fish in the babbling blue waters of the wayward Beas River from the banks. In and around the small hamlet, there are also a number of freshwater lakes ideal for a morning fishing expedition. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can camp outside under the stars at night.
Spiritual Tour
Naggar is a spiritual destination in Himachal Pradesh, with various temples strewn around the city. Here are a few that you should definitely go see.
- Gauri-Shankar Temple: This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located close below The Naggar Castle, is a significant religious attraction in the town. The historical temple, which dates from the 11th century, is claimed to be the final edifice of the Gurjara-Pratihara traditions.
- Jagatipatt Temple: The temple is made of alternate slabs of deodar wood, making it earthquake resistant. It is in the Naggar Castle’s open courtyard. The triangular wooden roofs and windows adorn the stone-walled house. These have detailed carvings of dynamic designs that make a wonderful pattern.
- Tripura Sundari: In many ways, this spiritual edifice, constructed entirely of deodar wood, is a must-see attraction in Naggar. Every Baisakh, the temple gets shrouds of deceased bodies as clothing for the goddesses, which is a pretty uncommon
- Chamunda Bhagati Temple: The temple in Nishala village, surrounds by spirituality and some of the region’s most magnificent scenery. The area is well-known for being a favourite filming location.
- Krishna Temple: A trip to Naggar’s temples would be incomplete without a stop at the legendary Krishna Temple. The edifice, known as Muralidhar Temple, is an example of pyramidal carved-stone temple architecture and is likely to be over 1,000 years old.
Fall in love with the waterfall
If you enjoy waterfalls and want to try something different, here are some of the best spots to go to Naggar. Also, indulge in the scenic and tranquil views of these locations.
- Kasheri Viewpoint and Waterfall: This is the prime location from which you can see a magnificent panorama of the mountains. A sight to behold is a row of mountains, each one sitting next to the other, striking the blue sky on the horizon while a rushing river follows a zigzag path between them.
- Jana Waterfall: You’ll be climbing rocks and passing a couple of charming wooden walkways on your approach to Jana waterfall. When you arrive at the Jana waterfall, you’ll witness a solitary stream of water running over several layers of rocks, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Baror Parsha Waterfall: One of the most popular things to do in Naggar is see the Baror Parsha waterfall. The waterfall is a treat to the eyes in and of itself, with the water stream cascading from a great height and giving it a mystical appearance. It splits into several streams as it flows over the steep wall.
- Jogini Waterfall: The Jogini waterfall, which thunders down into a little lagoon amidst rocky outcrops, is a sight to behold. In the water, you can sit on the rocks and pebbles. If you’re a nature enthusiast, then you won’t find a more beautiful sight than this, which offers a breathtaking picture of the snow-capped mountains.
- Sajla Waterfall: The dueling water streams cascade down the cliffs and into a turquoise lagoon. On either side of the waterfall, there is an open seating area with adorably structured wooden log tables and benches, connected by a little wooden bridge.
Roerich Museum
Nicolas Roerich, a multi-faceted Russian figure, chose Naggar as his residence. He was an exceptional painter. Svetoslav Roerich, his son, married Devika Rani, the first lady of Indian cinema from 1030 until 1940. The Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and the Urusvati Himalayan Folk & Art Museum Naggar now house all of their artwork, personal art collections, and Kullu art and craft.
It’s Shopping Time
A journey is never considered complete without purchasing a souvenir or memento of the location.
Naggar’s market will undoubtedly make you happy. Shawls, Rugs, Kullu hats, Pullans (woollen shoes), natural oils, and other items can be found in Naggar. There are several shops to visit if you want to purchase local handicrafts and paintings. Himalayan Market is the perfect spot to go if you want to buy some of the other local things.
Relish the Local Cuisine near Naggar Castle
Your tummy cries out for some great cuisine after a long and exhausting day. Visiting a place and not trying their local cuisine is really a bad idea.
Naggar’s gastronomy isn’t exceptionally elaborate, and your choices can be limited. Small eateries providing Himachali and North Indian food can be found here.
Himachali cuisine is simple in structure, yet it contains several distinct delights that are nearly only available in the region. Chapati, dals, vegetable gravy, and curd will be a staple supper. The traditional delicacy of Naggar is basically a thali that comprises Sidu, Bhature, Patrodu, Vada, Sattu, Kodra Roti, Jatu (Red Rice), and more.
When to visit Naggar Himachal?
If you’re planning a summer vacation, the months of March through June are great for visiting Naggar. The weather is excellent throughout this time, and the atmosphere is excellent for sightseeing and leisure adventures.
And, if you’re visiting during another season, the best time to see this medieval town is from September to January. Because this is the off-shoulder season, you’ll discover that hotel rates are cheaper at this time. Also, before planning anything, it’s a good idea to check the weather prediction so that you can make the most of your time.
So, if you haven’t visited this royal destination yet, make your plans as soon as possible because the season is approaching. You will, without a doubt, enjoy this place. Also, don’t forget to make the most of your time.