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 Situated
on the left bank of river Beas at an altitude of 1851m, Naggar - an
ancient town commands extensive views, especially to the North West of
the valley. Naggar was the former capital of Kullu. It was founded by
Raja Visudhpal and continued as a headquarters of the State until the
capital was transferred to Sultanpur (Kullu) by Jagat Singh in 1460 A.D.
Today this ancient and beautiful Palace is a popular tourist spot.
ACCESS : By road Kullu is 26 km and
Manali is 21 km.
The airport is at Bhunter (Kullu) 36 km.
CLIMATE : In winter heavy woolens
are recommended and in summers the temperature is pleasant and cottons
are suggested.
THE CASTLE : The Castle was
converted into a rest house, a hundred year back and in 1978 this
ancient building was handed over to HPTDC to run as a heritage hotel.
This medieval Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460
A.D. The hotel overlooks the Kullu Valley and apart from the spectacular
view and superb location this has a flavour of authentic western
Himalayan architecture. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the
Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has three other old
shrines. Hotel Castle is an unique medieval stone and wood mansion, once
the home to the Raja of Kullu and now an HPTDC Heritage hotel.
PLACES OF
INTEREST :
JAGATIPATT TEMPLE: In the upper courtyard of the castle there is
a small temple - a small square structure which contains "Jagtipatt" a
slab of stone measuring 5'x8'x6" which is said to have been brought from
a place near Vashisht by honey bee. This is also place for meeting of
local deities of Kullu.
TRIPURA SUNDRI TEMPLE: This pagoda shaped wooden temple is
situated in the upper part of the village. This is also a rare examples
of architecture.
NICHOLAS ROERICH ART GALLERY: Prof. Late Nicholas Roerich, a
reputed artist had chosen Naggar as his residence when he came to India
in 1929. The house has now been converted in an art gallery which houses
numbers of rare paintings and other specimen of art. The gallery is open
for visitors.
GAURI SHANKAR TEMPLE: At the foot of small bazaar below the
Castle is the Gauri Shankar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a
charming example of architecture and carving of its particular period.
Now a protected monument with heritage status.
FISHING AND ADVENTURE: The Kullu Valley has numerous places for
trout fishing. These includes Katrain, Raison, Kasol and Naggar, along
the river Tirthan near Larji, in the Sainj valley.
The valley is a nucleus to several trek routes. Some major ones are over
the Chanderkhani Pass to Malana village, over the Jalori Pass to Shimla,
and over the Pin Parvati Pass to Sarahan. The river Beas offers
excellent opportunities for white water rafting.
SHOPPING: Shawls, Local Tweeds, Rugs, Foot Wear (Pullan),
Baskets, Natural oil (almond and olive), special Kullu Caps.
Facilities :
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Rooms are airy, spacious, well furnished.
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Parking within premises.
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Restaurant serving Indian, Continental,
Chinese and Himachali cuisines.
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Satellite Television
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Art Museum.
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