Naggar's main sights are close together: a 15th-century castle, the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, and two very different temples, one of carved stone and one of deodar wood. From Curious Cat Cottage the Roerich gallery is 3 min by car or 10 min on foot, and the castle and the village market are each 7 min by car or 20 min on foot.
Naggar Castle
Naggar Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 AD, according to Himachal Tourism, which makes it a 15th-century fortress. It served as the residence of the rulers of Kullu for centuries. In 1978 the Himachal Pradesh government took the property over and converted it into a heritage hotel, which the state tourism corporation (HPTDC) still runs. It is built from stone and wood and looks out over the Kullu valley.
From the cottage the castle is 7 min by car or 20 min on foot. Visiting arrangements are set by the castle, so check before you go; we have not listed opening times or entry fees because they can change.
Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery
The gallery is dedicated to the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich, who made Naggar his home, and shows works by him and his family. From the cottage it is 3 min by car or 10 min on foot, the closest of the main sights. As with the castle, ask us or check on the day for opening hours.
Two temples, not one
Tripura Sundari Temple is built entirely of deodar wood.
Gauri Shankar Temple is a different building and a different material: it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, has intricate stone carvings, and is described by India's Ministry of Tourism as a masterpiece of 12th-century craftsmanship. Himachal Tourism identifies it as a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, about 205 m north-west of the castle site (aerial distance). It is not a wooden or pagoda-style temple.
We have not measured walking times from the cottage to either temple, so ask us and we will point you the right way.
The village, orchards and the river
The village market is 7 min by car or 20 min on foot from the cottage. Apple orchards line the slopes around Naggar, and a stone-paved trail through deodar forest runs above the village.
The Beas river is about a 30-minute walk down from the village, an easy place to spend an afternoon with a book. That time is approximate and measured from the village rather than from the cottage.
Distances from the cottage, at a glance
- Roerich Art Gallery — 3 min by car or 10 min on foot.
- Naggar Castle — 7 min by car or 20 min on foot.
- Naggar market — 7 min by car or 20 min on foot.
Day trips
Manali is 26 km from Manali, about 45 minutes by road. Our own page for guests lists two longer day trips: Solang Valley, about an hour away, and Rohtang, about an hour and a half; both depend on road and weather conditions, and Rohtang has its own access rules, so check current arrangements before you plan. Hampta Pass is a multi-day trek for the well-prepared; ask us how to start the logistics.
We can help arrange shared taxis or private hire. For the wider comparison with staying in town, see Naggar versus Manali, and for how to get here, getting to Naggar.
Where to stay while you do it
Curious Cat Cottage has five private rooms plus dorm beds; see the rooms and the dorm beds, or read who runs the cottage. The stay guide to Naggar says honestly when another place may suit you better.
Frequently asked questions
Is Naggar Castle a hotel?
Yes. The Himachal Pradesh government took the property over in 1978 and converted it into a heritage hotel managed by the state tourism corporation (HPTDC).
When was Naggar Castle built?
Himachal Tourism says it was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 AD, in the 15th century.
Is the Gauri Shankar Temple the wooden temple in Naggar?
No. The Gauri Shankar Temple is a stone temple dedicated to Shiva from the 12th century. The wooden temple is the Tripura Sundari Temple, built entirely of deodar wood.
How far is the Roerich Art Gallery from Curious Cat Cottage?
It is 3 min by car or 10 min on foot from the cottage.
Can I visit Solang Valley and Rohtang from Naggar?
Yes, as day trips. Solang is about an hour away and Rohtang about an hour and a half, depending on road conditions. We can help arrange taxis.