Best time to visit: April-June
Rating: 5.8 out of 10
Location: Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh
Major Destinations Nearby: Manali, Kullu, Rohtang Pass
Naggar village is located at the altitude of about 1760 meter on the sides of chafing Beas River along the Himalayan Range in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The village was founded by Raja Visudhpal and continued to be the headquarters of the magnificent Kullu Valley until it was transferred to Sultanpur (Kullu) by Jagat Singh in 1460 A.D.
The village, a part of 128 Explore Rural India project sites identified by the Ministry of tourism, Government of India in 2005, has been recognized as the best site demonstrating the women empowerment in 2008 by CNBC Awaaz Travel. Today, it magnetizes about one lack tourists a year.
Many Bollywood movies including Akar Bakar Bombey Bo, Little Champs, Tere Naal Love Hoga Gaya, Jab We Met, Naughty at 40, The Hero, Roza, Indian, Machis, Jasoos Vijay, Noori, Barsaat, Paraya Dhan, Johny I Love You, Geet, Sanam, Pyar Ka Dard Mitha-Mitha, Jaaoon Piya Des, Tollywood movie Desamudurd and Punjabi songs Ishar and Haule-Houle Pyar Ho Gaya have been shot here.
Tourist Attractions in Naggar
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| Tourist attractions in and around Naggar. |
Naggar Castle
Entry fee Rs. 30
Not strongly advisable to pay as there is nothing much to see
inside.
Naggar
Castle, built by Raja Sidh Singh is the centre of attraction in the
village with its 500-year-old ancient history, it houses the beautiful
sandstone temple of Jagti Patt. The castle is made in the Kath-Kona system, the
traditional vernacular style of the building in the Kullu Valley, the alternative
layers of timber beams and dry stone courses without mortar are used for making
the walls, over which sloping roofs are made in timber.
Roerich
Gallery
Entry fee: Rs. 50
A
very good place for the painting maniacs but may be a place of disappointment
for those don’t have much interest in paintings. The gallery displays the
work of Russian painter and philosopher Nicholas Roerich who lived here from
lived from 1928 to 1947. the Roerich Gallery includes Roerich house, Urusvati
Himalayan Research institute, Roerich House, Svetoslav Roerich and Devikarani
Roerich memorial, ancient memorial stones of nagger kings and queens, folk art
museum etc. all managed by the Nicholas Roerich Trust which was started in
1962, Chief Minister of the state (Himachal Pradesh) is the
chairman and Russian Ambassador to India is the vice chairman of the
trust.
11th Century AD Temples
No entry fee: Have a look of Gauri Shankar and Vishnu temples but
don’t go for Krishna temple if you are not going for a religious purpose.
Three
temples namely Gauri Shankar temple, a monument of national importance and the
last monument of the Gurjara-Pratihara traditions, Vishnu temple and Krishna
temple are believed to have been built in the 11th century AD.
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| Naggar Castle. |
Tripura temple
Another
temple in the village is Tripura temple, the kuldevi of King Family of
Himachal. This is also the venue for the Shadi Jatar fair which is held from 18
to 23 annually which seas local culture being exhibited and many sport events
being organized.
Adventure Activities
The
adventure attractions near the village include trekking on the 12 km long
Chanderkhani pass for which Naggar serves as a base, paragliding could be taken
at Sarsai which is 3 km away from Naggar. Rafting activity is available on Beas
River at Raisen, Baleli and Bashing, are 3, 6 and 9 km away from Naggar
village.
Jana Waterfall
You
can enjoy the view of the beautiful Jana waterfall, located at a very peaceful
place; the waterfall is about 10 meter wide and has a height of 15 meter.
How to reach
Himachal
has poor Air and rail connectivity, the nearest airport to Naggar is Bhuntar
Airport, Kullu which is located at the distance of about 15 km. the nearest
broad gauge line station with good connectivity is Ambala, and Pathankot which
are 320 and 325 kms respectively, the nearest narrow gauge line railway station
are Joginder Nagar and Shimla which are about 120 and 270 kms respectively.
Road
is the major mode of transportation in Himachal. Naggar Village is located
about 5 kms away from Patlikuhal, a station on the National Highway 21.
There are many regular buses to manali form Delhi, Pathankot, Chandigarh
etc. you may either take a bus going to Manali and get down at Patlikuhal just
about 20 km before Manali. From Patlikuhal you may board an HRTC or a taxi
which cost Rs. 7 and 20 respectively.
Notes
- Carry the Sim card of either Airtel or BSNL as other operators don’t have good network.
- ATM facility of two banks namely State bank of Patiala and Punjab National bank is available there.
- Don’t carry Polythene bags as they are not allowed there.
- There are many hotels and homestays located in the village that range from budget to luxury class.
- Smoking in the public area is also not allowed.
- Rohtang Pass is closed every Tuesday.
- Be caution while you are on the bank of Beas River.
