Naggar Heritage Guide: 500-Year-Old Castle, Roerich Art Gallery & Tripura Sundari

The Historic Seat of the Kullu Rajas

Situated 20 kilometers south of Manali along the quieter left bank of the Beas River, the tranquil mountain town of Naggar served as the royal capital of the Kullu kingdom for over 1,400 years until the seat was moved to Sultanpur (Kullu) in the 17th century. Filled with traditional stone-and-timber architecture and surrounded by pristine apple orchards, Naggar offers a cultured, peaceful alternative to bustling central Manali.

Naggar Castle: Medieval Himalayan Fortress

Built around 1460 CE by Raja Sidh Singh, Naggar Castle is an extraordinary architectural triumph of earthquake-resistant Kathkuni stone-and-wood masonry. Featuring spacious wooden verandas, intricately carved balconies, and stone courtyards overlooking snowcapped peaks, the castle now operates as a heritage hotel managed by HPTDC, featuring an intimate museum and art gallery.

Nicholas Roerich Estate & Art Gallery

Naggar was the beloved Himalayan sanctuary of the world-famous Russian philosopher, mystic, and painter Nicholas Roerich, who lived here from 1928 until his death in 1947. Visitors can tour his preserved wooden residence, historic 1930s Dodge motorcar, and the adjacent art gallery displaying hundreds of his original luminous oil paintings capturing the mystical spirit of the Himalayas.