Is one of oldest surviving royal structures in Himachal
Munish Sood
MANDI:
Rising gracefully above Beas river, Naggar Castle in Himachal Pradesh is one of the oldest surviving royal structures of the Kullu Valley.
Built by Raja Sidh Singh around 1460 AD, the castle served as the royal seat of the Kullu kings for centuries before being converted into a heritage hotel managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) in 1978.
Made from layers of stone and thick wooden beams, the castle’s design is both artistic and remarkably strong. This traditional Himalayan construction helped it survive the earthquake of 1905, which destroyed most buildings in the surrounding areas. The castle’s sloping grey slate roof, carved wooden balconies and wide courtyards still reflect the elegance of its royal past.
Locals often share an interesting story about its construction. It is said that Raja Sidh Singh ordered stones to be brought from the ruins of Gardhak Fort, located across the river. Workers formed a long human chain, passing each stone by hand over the Beas.
Place of legends and faith
Inside the castle complex stands a small temple with a story that has become part of Kullu’s spiritual identity.
According to legend, the gods of the valley once decided to make Naggar their divine home. Taking the form of honey bees, they carried a piece of Deo Tibba mountain and placed it here at what is now known as the Jagti Patt Temple.
Even today, locals believe that whenever the Kullu Valley faces danger or disaster, all the deities gather at this spot to protect the land. The temple’s stone slab, measuring about five feet by eight feet, is considered sacred by the villagers.
Temples that tell stories
Just below the castle, near the local bazaar, stands the ancient Gauri Shankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built around the 11th or 12th century, it is made of grey sandstone and topped with a slate roof to protect it from snow and rain.
A little higher up the hill lies the Tripura Sundari Temple, known for its pagoda-style wooden structure and fine carvings of lions, monkeys and floral patterns. Other small temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna add to the town’s spiritual charm. The sound of temple bells in the quiet mornings and evenings fills Naggar with peace and a sense of devotion.
From royal palace to heritage hotel
After the decline of the Kullu royal family, Naggar Castle was handed over to the state government. In 1978, the HPTDC carefully restored it and opened it as a heritage hotel. Visitors staying here can experience the old-world charm of royal Himachal — from its fireplaces and stone staircases to wooden floors that creak softly with history.
The castle also houses a small museum displaying traditional artefacts, old sculptures, and cultural items from the region. Its wooden balconies overlook breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar ranges and the snow-covered Rohtang Pass.
Just a short walk from the castle stands the Roerich Art Gallery, once home to the Russian painter and explorer Nicholas Roerich, who settled in Naggar in the early 1900s. His home has been preserved as a museum, displaying his paintings, books and personal items.
Nearby, another Roerich building named Urusvati, meaning “Light of the Morning Star,” showcases Russian crafts, paintings, embroidery, and cultural artefacts collected during his travels.
Surrounded by tall deodar forests, gentle waterfalls, and snow peaks, Naggar is a perfect blend of natural beauty and spiritual calm. From the Chanderkhani Pass at 12,200 feet to the upper Beas glaciers, the area around Naggar remains rich in vegetation and wildlife.
