Naggar, a Popular Tourist Destination of Himachal Pradesh

Naggar is one o f the popular tourist destinations of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. The place was founded by Raja Visudhpal and it continued to be the headquarters of the State until the capital was transferred to Sultanpur in Kullu, by Jagat Singh in 1460 A.D. So, historically

it is the oldest capital town of Kullu Valley. Naggar is located along the left banks of Beas River, at a height of around 1851 m above sea level.

Attractions

Naggar Castle- This Castle in Naggar is a medieval structure, which is considered as a chief tourist destination, situated nearby Manali. The Castle was constructed during the year of 1460 A.D. by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. The architecture of the castle reveals the combination of western and Himalayan style. The castle is placed along banks of the Beas River, providing the view of the entire surrounding areas. It also holds the Reorich Gallery, which displays the exquisite paintings of the famed Russian painter, Nicholas Reorich. Later the castle was converted into a rest house during 1978 and was handed over to HPTDC to run as a heritage hotel. 

  

Jagatipatt Temple- The temple is situated in the upper courtyard of the castle. The temple holds a ‘jagtipatt’, which is a slab of stone that is believed to be carried to this place form a place near Vashisht, by honey bee. Another legend about this place is that the locals belive that it is the meeting place of the gods and goddesses.  

Tripura Sundri Temple- This temple in Naggar is a three storied shrine with a traditional wooden structure, structured by Raja Yashodhapal. The temple resembles like a pagoda and its architectural design is similar to Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali. Several images of gods and goddesses can be seen inside this temple. The temple also comprises many stone idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Narayan and Shiva-Parvati. One can also witness a 30 cm idol of Tripura Rakshasa of Ashtdhatu, inside the temple. The legends say that the temple is in a form of a web as it was made by a goddess, after turning into a spider. An extensive fair, Sharhi yatra, is also held at this temple, in the honor of the goddess during the month of May. A very peculiar tradition is followed in this temple, as on the first day of Baisakh during the festive season of Birsu, the temple receives shrouds of dead bodies as clothes to the Goddess.

Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery- The Art Gallery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Naggar. The gallery is located at a distance of around 2km from the main town. Nicholas Roerich, a famous Russian artist had chosen Naggar as his residence when he came to India in the year 1929. Later the house has got converted into an art gallery which houses numbers of rare paintings and other specimen of art.

Gauri Shankar Temple- This temple is located at the foot of the small bazaar below the Naggar Castle, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Gauri Shankar Temple is the perfect example of the skillful architecture and carving of the early period. Now the temple is a protected monument and has earned a heritage status.

There are few other tourist attractions of this place, which all together turn this place into a visitor’s delight.

How to Reach

The nearest airports to Nagar are Kullu (22kms), Dharamsala (220kms) and Shimla (240kms).

The nearest railway stations are Ropar(234kms), Kalka(260kms), Chandigarh(268kms).