Naggar Castle, Manali

Naggar Castle Manali | Timings, History, Entry Ticket Fee

The stunning Beas River and towering hills encircle Naggar Castle, an architectural marvel. It was once the residence of the Kullu kings. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation currently owns it. The castle is a great spot to stay while visiting Kullu and Manali because of its beauty and historical significance.

Make sure to reserve your rooms in advance if you want to stay at Naggar Castle. This vintage hotel’s rooms, furnishings, and amenities flawlessly combine the past and the present. You can reserve the Royal Suite at Naggar Castle to take in the opulent mountain view. There are other food options available to visitors inside Naggar Castle.

History of Naggar Castle

Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu constructed Naggar Castle almost five centuries ago (1460 AD). The castle served as both his royal home and the Himachal Pradesh government’s administrative center during the time. According to legend, Raja Sidh Singh utilized stones from the Gardhak, an abandoned palace in the village of Baragaon, to construct the castle. To move the stones from Gardhak to Naggar, he assembled his workers into a human chain that connected the left and right sides of the Beas River. Legend has it that Rana Bhonsal owned the Gardhak palace.

When the British seized Kangra and Kullu from the Sikhs later in 1846, Raja Gyan Singh surrendered the castle to Major Hay, the first Assistant Commissioner of Kullu, in return for a rifle. The Naggar Castle was a courthouse during the British rule. The castle was sold to the Punjab Government in 1947, just prior to the British departure.

The castle was taken over by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) in 1978 and converted into a vintage hotel or rest house. The HPTDC has rebuilt the Naggar Castle, which is regarded as a significant historical site.

Architecture of Naggar Castle, Manali

The Naggar Castle is a stunning example of Himalayan and European architecture combined. The castle is made of wood and stone. Kathkooni is the name of the castle’s traditional architecture. The castle’s windows, doors, and wooden roofs are all exquisitely carved with distinctive patterns and decorations. This castle’s nearly 42-inch-wide walls are so sturdy that they withstood the disastrous 1905 earthquake, which destroyed the surrounding city and all of the homes.

There are two courtyards in the Naggar Castle. One of them has stone-paved flooring, chambers, and trees all around it. The renowned Jagatipatt Temple is located in another open courtyard. The temple’s woodwork is comparable to Naggar Castle’s magnificent architecture.

This castle’s interior design is equally elegant. The castle’s woodwork, paintings, stairways, fireplaces, and exquisite furnishings are all visually pleasing. A museum showcasing Himachal’s culture, including shawls, carpets, nagaras, and many other items, is located in the castle’s basement.

Things to do at Naggar Castle, Manali

Naggar Castle is the place to go if you want to experience both the British Raj atmosphere and India’s regal feeling in one location. You can schedule your stay at the Naggar Castle while traveling to Kullu and Manali. Take some time to relax and take in the castle’s stunning architecture. Don’t forget to stop by the Jagatipatt Temple as well.

All of Naggar town’s local tourist attractions are open for exploration. Visit the neighboring Gauri Shankar Temple, Krishna Temple, Nicholas Roerich’s Art Gallery, and Urusvati Himalayan Folk. Trekking to the Jana waterfall, which is over 12 kilometers from the castle, is another option. Don’t forget to shop at Naggar’s local markets in addition to touring all of the temples and monasteries.

Interesting Facts about Naggar Castle

• Naggar Castle served as the filming location for the well-known song “Ye Ishq Haye” from the Bollywood film Jab We Met.
• It is reported that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wrote his book “A Bunch of Old Letters” here over the course of a few days.
• This mansion was the home of renowned artist Nicholas Roerich, who drew inspiration for several of his masterpieces from the surrounding landscape.

Stay at Naggar Castle, Manali

• Make sure you reserve the rooms at Naggar Castle in advance if you wish to stay there.
• The castle has modern conveniences even though it is an example of ancient construction.
• Naggar Castle offers a number of facilities, including a drive-in, wifi, a 24-hour power backup, and an on-site restaurant.
• The admission price is waived if you remain at the castle.

Entry Fee and Timings of Naggar Castle

Each participant must pay INR 30 to enter Naggar Castle. The Castle is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to Reach Naggar Castle, Manali

The roads are the best route to Naggar Castle. From Delhi, you can take a bus to Manali, getting off at Patlikuhal, about 17 kilometers before Manali. Naggar Castle is around 5.3 miles from Patlikuhal, and you can reserve a taxi there. Additionally, take a bus or taxi to Naggar if you intend to visit the castle from Manali.