Naggar Complete Travel Guide
Naggar is a picturesque village located in the Kullu district of the Bharat state of Himachal Pradesh. The hamlet is home to some ancient temples and the famous Naggar Castle, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Naggar is located on the eastern bank of the Beas river at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,775ft.) Facing the great Himalayan range and easily accessible by roads. It just 22 km away from the Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
Brief History about Naggar
Raja Bhuri Singh’s Rule
Naggar served as the capital of the Kullu Kingdom for more than 1,400 years.It was under the rule of Raja Bhuri Singh (Late 19th and early 20th century) that Naggar saw significant development and renovation. During his reign, many notable building and temples were constructed in Naggar.
Heritage structure | Who built Naggar Castle?
The village is the home to several ancient temples and heritage structures. The Naggar Castel is one of the most famous landmarks, built in the 16th century by Raja Sidh Singh. Is is a blend of European and Himalayan architectural styles and now serves as a heritage hotel.
Artistic Legacy
Naggar also holds a prominent place in the history of art and cultural. The Russian Painter Nicholas Roerich and his wife Helena Roerich lived in Naggar in early 20th century. They established the Urusvati Himalayan Research Institute and created a beautiful estate where they worked on various projects. The Roerich Art Gallery in Naggar houses a significant collection of artworks.
Best Time to Visit Naggar
Naggar is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit March-June and Sept-Nov. During these two windows, you will find pleasant weather and conditions are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Avoid during monsoon season because during this season landslides happen in most of the areas due to heavy rainfall.
How to Reach Naggar?
There is no airport or railway station in Naggar. One can choose any one of the below options:
By Flight
The nearest airport is Kullu-Manali airport, which is in Bhuntar. It is about 31 km from Naggar. Taxi services are available from the airport to reach Naggar.
By Bus
You can take the Volvo bus from Delhi (one can book buses from the Zingbus), and you can ask the driver to drop you at Patlikuhal Bridge. And from there, you can hire a taxi or a local bus. The charges for a taxi would be around 300 INR and for a shared taxi, they would be around 50 INR, and they would drop you off at your destination.
By Train
There is no railway station available in Manali or Naggar. Shimla is the nearest railway station for Naggar.
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Places must visit in Naggar
Janna Waterfall: It is also known as Jana Falls. One of the most attractive waterfalls near Naggar. It is just 11 km away from Naggar. You will find a few small cafés nearby. Do not miss their full thali, which contains red rice, Desi Ghee, Sidhu, and various flavors of chutney.
Soyal Village: It is also known as Soil Village. Soyal is a Village in Naggar Tehsil in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh State, India. It is just 7.0Km away from Naggar on Kullu Manali road. The mystical and one of the most breath-taking destinations, is one of the best offbeat stays near Naggar. You won’t even hear a little noise in this peaceful location, just a few houses located amongst Cedar trees. Get mesmerized by the natural surroundings of snowclad peaks and watch the sun go down spreading variant hues in the sky. One can hire a taxi, or I would suggest if you don’t have your vehicle rent out Scotty and explore the places.
Naggar Castle: Naggar castle is the most tourist attraction place. Castle was built in 16th century by Raja Sidhi Singh of Kullu. Naggar Castle is an excellent example of Himachal architecture. It features a combination of wooden and stone construction. There is also a restaurant and accommodations. The entrance fee is around 50 INR. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth.
Tripura Sundari Temple: It is wooden pagoda style temple that can be accessed via a short walk on a path from Naggar castle. Also, it is just below the road to the Roerich Art Gallery. A big annual fair is held at this temple in the month of May, when processions of deities of details from local arrive.
Roerich Art Gallery: The Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery was founded in 1962 by Svyetoslav Roerich, son of Nicholas. The building that now houses the gallery once served as the residence of Nicolas. Himachal Pradesh Government and Russian Government have formed a trust to run this art gallery as a name of Roerich Heritage Museum. The museum opens at 9:00 am. and closes at 5:00 pm on all days except Monday.
Murlidhar Temple: The Krishana Temple, also known as Murlidhar Temple, is believed to be 1000 years old. The presiding deity is Krishana, and there are also idols of Radha, Garuda, and Laxmi Naryan duly worshiped inside the temple. It is pyramidal-carved temple with neatly sculpted shikhara and dome. As in the case of many old Hindu temples, entry to foreign nationals and non-Hindus is not allowed by the authorities of Muralidhar Temple. However, non-Hindu visitors are permitted to stay in the temple courtyard.
Where to Stay at Naggar?
Naggar has many homestays, AirBnB’s, and Hotels as far as accommodation options are concerned. You can choose to stay either in Naggar town or at the homestays or resorts in nearby villages.
Where to eat and drink?
You will find many options near Naggar Castle. But I especially recommend the following:
Naggar Delight café: This little café is on the corner to the castle and offered some of the best banoffee pie and pair with freshly ground coffee and seat outside with great view.
Unwind café: A perfect combination of good food and spectacular view. You will get a variety of food and they have also an open roof space where one can enjoy food with a view. This café is near to Tripura Sundri temple.
Nightingales Restaurant: For those looking for a little treat, then Nightingales Italian restaurant is a perfect break from traditional Indian cuisine. Offering wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta and imported Italian ingredients, this restaurant was a fantastic treat yourself night. The views from its balcony are fantastic and as dusk fell, we even saw a flying squirrel land in the trees outside!
German Bakery: A trip to Naggar is incomplete without visiting the German Bakery. It is situated near Naggar Castle. The café has an open balcony seating arrangement.
Himachal Pradesh has many hidden places and offbeat places out of them Naggar is a picture-perfect small village which has many breath-taking views. One can enjoy themselves with their friends and family. I have visited Naggar three times in different seasons and in every seasons it looks different. You can see many historical architecture buildings and houses which are made up of wood and stone. The climate and weather are pleasant from April to June and then September to November. If you like my article, kindly drop a comment and follow me on Instagram @BinnySinglaofficial. #HappyTravelling