Naggar is a small town in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated on the left bank of the Beas river, at an altitude of about 1800 meters above sea level. Naggar was once the capital of the Kullu kingdom, and it still retains its ancient charm and glory. Naggar is surrounded by majestic mountains, lush green forests, and serene streams, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
Naggar has something for everyone, whether you want to explore the historical and cultural heritage, enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility, or indulge in some thrilling activities and experiences.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Naggar tourism, covering the best time to visit, how to reach, where to stay, what to do, and what to eat in Naggar. We will also share some tips and recommendations to make your Naggar trip memorable and enjoyable. So, let's get started!
Best Time to Visit Naggar
Naggar has a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit Naggar depends on your preferences and interests. Here are the different seasons and their features in Naggar:
Summer (April to June): This is the peak season for Naggar tourism, as the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. This is the best time to enjoy the natural beauty and the outdoor activities in Naggar, such as trekking, camping, fishing, paragliding, etc. You can also witness some colorful festivals and fairs in Naggar during this season, such as the Baisakhi festival, the Sipi fair, and the Naggar festival.
Monsoon (July to September): This is the off-season for Naggar tourism, as the weather is humid and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This is the least preferred time to visit Naggar, as the roads may be slippery and prone to landslides, and the visibility may be low. However, if you love the rain and the greenery, you can still visit Naggar during this season, as the town looks fresh and vibrant, and the waterfalls and streams are at their full glory. You can also get some discounts and deals on the accommodation and travel packages in Naggar during this season.
Winter (October to March): This is the most romantic season for Naggar tourism, as the weather is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 15°C. This is the best time to visit Naggar for honeymooners, couples, and families, as the town looks like a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and cozy cottages. You can also enjoy some winter sports and activities in Naggar, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, etc. You can also celebrate some festive occasions and events in Naggar during this season, such as the Dussehra festival, the Diwali festival, the Christmas and New Year celebrations, and the Winter Carnival.
Some tips and precautions for visiting Naggar in different seasons are:
- Carry appropriate clothing and accessories according to the season, such as woolens, jackets, gloves, caps, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
- Carry a valid identity proof and some cash, as there may be limited ATM and network facilities in Naggar.
- Book your accommodation and travel packages in advance, especially during the peak season, as Naggar may get crowded and expensive.
- Check the weather and road conditions before planning your Naggar trip, and avoid traveling during heavy rains or snowfall.
- Follow the safety guidelines and instructions of the local authorities and guides, and respect the culture and customs of the people of Naggar.
How to Reach Naggar
Naggar is well-connected by road, rail, and air, and you can choose the mode of transport that suits your budget, time, and convenience. Here are the various ways to reach Naggar from different cities:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Naggar is the Bhuntar airport, which is about 40 km away from the town. You can take a flight from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other major cities to Bhuntar, and then take a taxi or a bus to Naggar. The flight duration is about an hour, and the fare is about Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per person. The taxi fare is about Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500, and the bus fare is about Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per person.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Naggar is the Joginder Nagar railway station, which is about 135 km away from the town. You can take a train from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other major cities to Joginder Nagar, and then take a taxi or a bus to Naggar. The train duration is about 10 to 12 hours, and the fare is about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per person. The taxi fare is about Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000, and the bus fare is about Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 per person.
By Road:
Naggar is well-connected by road to Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major cities, and you can take a private car, a taxi, or a bus to Naggar. The road distance from Delhi to Naggar is about 530 km, and the duration is about 12 to 14 hours. The road distance from Chandigarh to Naggar is about 270 km, and the duration is about 7 to 9 hours. The car or taxi fare is about Rs. 10 to Rs. 15 per km, and the bus fare is about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per person.
Some options for local transport within Naggar are:
Taxis: Taxis are the most convenient and comfortable way to explore Naggar and its nearby places, such as Manali, Kullu, Kasol, etc. You can hire a taxi from the airport, the railway station, or the bus stand, or book one online or through an app. The taxi fare is about Rs. 10 to Rs. 15 per km, and you can negotiate the price with the driver.
Autos: Autos are the most affordable and easily available way to travel within Naggar and its nearby places, such as Jana waterfall, Rumsu village, etc. You can find autos at the main market, the castle, or the museum, or hail one on the road. The auto fare is about Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 per km, and you can bargain with the driver.
Bikes: Bikes are the most adventurous and fun way to explore Naggar and its surroundings, such as the Roerich estate, the Gauri Shankar temple, etc. You can rent a bike from the local shops or online, and enjoy the scenic views and the thrill of riding on the mountain roads. The bike rent is about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per day, and you need to pay a security deposit and show a valid driving license.
Walking: Walking is the best way to experience the beauty and the culture of Naggar, as the town is small and easy to navigate. You can walk around the town and visit the attractions, such as the castle, the museum, the temple, etc., and interact with the locals and the tourists. Walking is free and healthy, and you can also take some amazing pictures and videos along the way.
Where to Stay in Naggar
Naggar offers a variety of accommodation options for different types of travelers, such as families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. You can choose from hotels, homestays, cottages, camps, and hostels, depending on your budget, comfort, and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay in Naggar, along with their ratings, prices, features, and reviews:
The Naggar Castle:
This is the most popular and luxurious place to stay in Naggar, as it is a heritage hotel that was once the residence of the Kullu kings. The Naggar Castle is located on a hilltop, overlooking the Beas river and the snow-clad mountains. The hotel has 25 rooms, each with a unique architecture and decor, and equipped with modern amenities, such as TV, Wi-Fi, heater, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a garden, a library, and a museum. The hotel offers a royal and romantic experience, and is ideal for couples and families. The rating of the hotel is 4.5 out of 5, and the price is about Rs. 5000 to Rs. 7000 per night.
The Himalayan Village:
This is the most eco-friendly and cozy place to stay in Naggar, as it is a resort that offers traditional cottages and machans, made of wood and stone. The Himalayan Village is located in the midst of a pine forest, offering a serene and natural ambiance. The resort has 8 cottages and 2 machans, each with a spacious and elegant interior, and equipped with modern amenities, such as TV, Wi-Fi, fireplace, etc. The resort also has a restaurant, a spa, a gym, and a library. The resort offers a rustic and relaxing experience, and is ideal for solo travelers and groups. The rating of the resort is 4 out of 5, and the price is about Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000 per night.
The Soham’s Chateau De Naggar:
This is the most budget-friendly and comfortable place to stay in Naggar, as it is a homestay that offers cozy rooms and apartments, with a homely and friendly atmosphere. The Soham’s Chateau De Naggar is located near the main market, offering a convenient and accessible location. The homestay has 6 rooms and 2 apartments, each with a simple and clean interior, and equipped with basic amenities, such as TV, Wi-Fi, heater, etc. The homestay also has a kitchen, a terrace, and a garden. The homestay offers a warm and welcoming experience, and is ideal for families and backpackers. The rating of the homestay is 3.5 out of 5, and the price is about Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per night.
The Camp Exotica:
This is the most adventurous and fun place to stay in Naggar, as it is a camp that offers tents and cottages, with a thrilling and exciting atmosphere. The Camp Exotica is located near the Jana waterfall, offering a stunning and scenic view. The camp has 10 tents and 5 cottages, each with a colorful and vibrant interior, and equipped with essential amenities, such as bed, blanket, lantern, etc. The camp also has a dining area, a bonfire area, and a playground. The camp offers a wild and wonderful experience, and is ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. The rating of the camp is 3 out of 5, and the price is about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per night.
Things to Do in Naggar
Naggar has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and activities, as it has a rich and diverse history, culture, and nature. You can visit the historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Naggar Castle, the Nicholas Roerich art gallery and museum, the Tripura Sundari Temple, etc. You can also enjoy the scenic and tranquil beauty, such as the Beas river, the Jana waterfall, the Rumsu village, etc. You can also indulge in some thrilling and adventurous activities, such as trekking, camping, fishing, paragliding, etc. Here are some of the best things to do in Naggar, along with their details:
Visit the Naggar Castle:
The Naggar Castle is the most iconic and prominent attraction in Naggar, as it is a magnificent and majestic structure that was built in the 15th century by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. The Naggar Castle is a fine example of the Himalayan architecture, as it is made of wood and stone, and has a blend of the Tibetan and the Pahari styles. The Naggar Castle has a splendid and spectacular view of the Beas river and the snow-clad mountains, and it also houses a museum, a temple, and a hotel. The Naggar Castle is open from 7 am to 10 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 15 per person.
Explore the Nicholas Roerich art gallery and museum:
The Nicholas Roerich art gallery and museum is a must-visit for art and culture lovers, as it is a tribute to the life and work of Nicholas Roerich, a Russian painter, writer, and philosopher, who lived in Naggar for many years. The Nicholas Roerich art gallery and museum is located in the Roerich estate, which is a beautiful and serene place, surrounded by apple orchards and pine trees. The Nicholas Roerich art gallery and museum displays the paintings, writings, and personal belongings of Nicholas Roerich, as well as his wife Helena Roerich, and his son Svetoslav Roerich, who were also renowned artists and thinkers. The Nicholas Roerich art gallery and museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 20 per person.
Enjoy trekking and camping:
Naggar is a paradise for trekking and camping enthusiasts, as it has some of the most scenic and challenging trails and sites in the Himalayas. You can choose from various trekking and camping options, such as the Chanderkhani Pass trek, the Malana trek, the Bijli Mahadev trek, the Rumsu trek, etc. You can also book a guided trekking and camping package, which includes the transportation, the accommodation, the food, the equipment, and the guide. You can enjoy the breathtaking views, the fresh air, the starry nights, and the thrill of trekking and camping in Naggar. The trekking and camping duration is from 2 to 10 days, and the price is from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 10000 per person.
Try fishing and paragliding:
Naggar is also a great place to try some fishing and paragliding, as it has some of the best spots and facilities for these activities. You can try fishing in the Beas river, which is home to some of the finest trout fish in the world. You can also try paragliding in the Solang valley, which is one of the most popular and adventurous paragliding destinations in India. You can book a fishing and paragliding package, which includes the transportation, the equipment, the license, and the instructor. You can have a fun and exhilarating time fishing and paragliding in Naggar. The fishing and paragliding duration is from 2 to 4 hours, and the price is from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 per person.
What to Eat in Naggar
Naggar has a delicious and diverse cuisine, as it reflects the local and regional flavors and influences. You can savor the local delicacies and specialties, such as the thukpa, the momos, the siddu, the trout fish, etc. You can also relish the continental and Indian dishes, such as the pizza, the pasta, the biryani, the curry, etc. You can also enjoy the beverages and desserts, such as the tea, the coffee, the apple juice, the apple pie, etc. Here are some of the best places to eat in Naggar, along with their ratings, prices, and reviews:
The Castle Restaurant:
This is the most elegant and exquisite place to eat in Naggar, as it is located in the Naggar Castle, and offers a royal and romantic dining experience. The Castle Restaurant serves a variety of continental and Indian dishes, such as the chicken steak, the mutton rogan josh, the dal makhani, etc. The Castle Restaurant also has a bar, which offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as the wine, the beer, the lassi, etc. The Castle Restaurant has a splendid and spectacular view of the Beas river and the snow-clad mountains, and it also has a live music and dance performance. The rating of the restaurant is 4.5 out of 5, and the price is about Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per person.
The Cafe 1947:
This is the most cozy and charming place to eat in Naggar, as it is located near the Roerich estate, and offers a rustic and relaxing dining experience. The Cafe 1947 serves a variety of Italian and Indian dishes, such as the pizza, the pasta, the paratha, the maggi, etc. The Cafe 1947 also has a coffee shop, which offers a range of hot and cold beverages, such as the espresso, the cappuccino, the smoothie, etc. The Cafe 1947 has a beautiful and serene view of the apple orchards and the pine trees, and it also has a bookshelf and a guitar. The rating of the cafe is 4 out of 5, and the price is about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per person.
The Naggar Delight:
This is the most budget-friendly and delicious place to eat in Naggar, as it is located near the main market, and offers a convenient and accessible dining experience. The Naggar Delight serves a variety of local and regional dishes, such as the thukpa, the momos, the siddu, the trout fish, etc. The Naggar Delight also has a bakery, which offers a range of cakes and pastries, such as the apple pie, the chocolate cake, the muffin, etc. The Naggar Delight has a simple and clean ambiance, and it also has a friendly and helpful staff. The rating of the restaurant is 3.5 out of 5, and the price is about Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per person.
Naggar is a hidden gem in the Himalayas that will enchant you with its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure potential.
Naggar has something for everyone, whether you want to explore the historical and cultural landmarks, enjoy the scenic and tranquil beauty, or indulge in some thrilling and adventurous activities and experiences.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you found it informative and helpful. If you have any feedback or queries, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you. Happy traveling!
