THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF THE KINGS OF KULLU

NAGGAR, which is about 20 km from Manali is now a very popular tourist spot. Naggar has been an old capital of the Kings of Kullu. The little town of Naggar, is situated high above the left bank of River Beas.

The Naggar Castle, built about 100 years back by an Indian King, was taken over by the Britishers and was used as the residence for Viceroys. The surviving old castle is a marvellous medieval mansion. It is made of alternate rows of stone and wooden beams. A temple, small yet beautiful, is located in the centre of the castle.



Now, this historic monument, is used as a hotel for accommodating tourists. It is maintained by HPTDC. A bird’s eye view from here of the valley is memorable. It has a lovely restaurant which serves various dishes starting from delicious Chinese to the delectable Continental cuisine. People who are interested in orthodox Indian architecture, this is the right place for them to visit, as the castle is adorned by beautiful stone and wood carvings which are about a century old. The castle also has an art museum in its complex.

Just a few minutes from the castle is Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery. This was the residence of Nicholas Roerich, a Russian artist, who after spending a lifetime travelling mountains, settled in Naggar. The gallery has rare portraits of the Himalayas, which Roerich had painted in canvas while living there.