Naggar, Himachal Pradesh: A picture-perfect hill station for all seasons

Located at a drivable distance of 520 kilometres from Delhi, Naggar in Himachal Pradesh is a lesser-known mountain destination. Located just 18 kilometres before one reaches the extremely popular and commercial hill station of Manali, Naggar is a relaxed and almost sleepy little town, perched on a hillside (1800m) along the swiftly flowing Beas river.

Wherever it snows, which happens every year and did happen recently, Naggar looks especially beautiful. During summers it offers a very comfortable climate.

It is not a place for those on a selfie spree or looking for an adrenalin rush. It is a place of easy contemplation, long leisurely walks amidst beautiful nature, and looking at the traditional Himachal up close.
Naggar makes for a perfect family destination, with its small set of family-run guesthouses, small restaurants, nature trails, apple and apricot farms, heritage temples and villages with their traditional Himachali wood and rock (Kath Kuni) architecture.

Naggar has two main tourist attractions which draw a lot of day-trippers from Manali. These are the famous 500-year-old Naggar Castle and the Roerich Art Gallery. Naggar was the erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Kullu and the local king ruled from a small castle built in the traditional Kath-Kuni style. Part of the castle, which offers a stunning view of the Kullu valley is now an HPTDC hotel.

Nicholas Roerich was a famous Russian artist, explorer, and philosopher who fell in love with Naggar and decided to stay back. His home is now an art gallery located in the middle of a beautiful and lush garden.

Naggar offers, for those who decide to linger around longer, many beautiful walks to nearby villages such as Rumsu. Some of these villages are declared heritage villages with very rich and peculiar local traditions.

These abound in temples dedicated to the much revered local deity 'Jamlu Devta'. The temples in Naggar, built on three different architectural styles are one of the main attractions. The Gauri Shankar temple and the hilltop Krishna Temple, both built over 1000 years ago are most impressive.

Eva Veyrard, who runs Alliance Guest House in Naggar says that Naggar has retained its cosy vibes in the face of rampant commercialization in the Kullu valley and Manali.

Says she, “Most of the guesthouses here are family-run places where the guests get a feel of living in a home. That is why we get a lot of repeat and long-time guests. Naggar is surely a good place to visit throughout the year.”