Want to stay where the ruler of Kullu, Raja Sidhi Singh, once resided, which should be in your Himachal Pradesh tour packages? Built in 1460 AD, the Naggar Castle Manali tourist places is surrounded by hills and the Beas River, making it a beautiful place to stay while exploring Kullu and Manali.
The Himalayan Castle, Manali, is converted into a hotel, offering an excellent view of the Kullu Valley and the snow-covered peaks from its vantage point. It is a fine example of the blend of European and Himalayan wood and stonework and represents Himalayan architecture. Counted as an offbeat place in Manali is a historical building situated in the town of Naggar in the Kullu district, near Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
Fascinating, right? In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about Naggar Castle, Manali. Let’s get started!
Suggested Read: 15 Best Adventure Activities in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach Naggar Castle, Manali
By Car
You can drive to Naggar Castle from Manali (around 22 km) or Kullu (around 26 km). The roads are well-paved, and the drive is scenic with views of the river and mountains. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cover the Naggar Castle to Manali distance.
By Bus
Regular HRTC and private buses run from Kullu and Manali to Naggar. You can take a bus heading towards Naggar village and get down near the Castle. It’s a budget-friendly option and the ride offers lovely views of the valley.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, located about 40 km from Naggar. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Naggar Castle. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
By Train
The closest major railway station is Joginder Nagar (around 145 km away). From there, you can take a taxi or bus via Mandi and Kullu. However, the train journey is long, so it’s better to opt for road or air routes.
Naggar Castle Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, all days of the week
Naggar Castle Entry Fee: Entry fee is INR 30 for adults, INR 15 for children
Also Read: Best 7 Adventure Activities in Kullu:Valley of Gods | 2025
Best Time To Visit Naggar Castle, Manali
Naggar Castle in Summer: Summer months from April to June are perfect for tourists to explore the valley’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. The temperature ranges between 13 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the lush greenery and blooming flowers will leave you mesmerized.
Naggar Castle in Winter: Naggar experiences very cold winters from November to February, which creates a beautiful winter wonderland. Adventurous travellers can enjoy unique experiences during this time. However, there is heavy snowfall can sometimes make it difficult to reach the region, and living there can be challenging due to scarce electricity and water supply.
History and Significance of Naggar Castle, Manali
Built in the 15th century by the Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Naggar Castle has served as the royal residence for centuries. Used wood and stone to build the unique design, which helped it withstand earthquakes and Naggar Castle weather changes.
Over the years, the Himalayan Castle, Manali, has become one of the famous places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Later, to offer a royal feeling to the travellers, the castle was converted into a heritage Naggar Castle Hotels by HPTDC. The Naggar Castle Homestay allow customers to stay inside the palace and get the best experience with great views. There is a major history and significance of Naggar Castle, Manali as it showcases the rich culture and architecture of the Kullu Valley.
You will be amazed to know that this place has a connection to Russian artist Nicholas Roerich, who lived nearby. Today, it attracts tourists not just for its history, but also for its peaceful surroundings and scenic views of the Himalayas. The castle is a perfect place to explore the blend of tradition, architecture, and royalty in Himachal Pradesh.
Also Read: Top 9 Travel Tips For Kullu in 2025
Architecture and Design Highlights of Naggar Castle
Used traditional Kath-Kuni style, which uses layers of wood and stone without any cement. This method not only gives the castle its unique look but also makes it strong and earthquake-resistant. The wooden balconies, carved windows, and slate roofs are perfect examples of Himachali architecture.
As soon as you enter the castle, you will find beautiful rooms with antique furniture and local art. There's even a small temple inside the complex, adding to its spiritual feel. The walls are thick, keeping the rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. From the balconies, you can enjoy stunning views of the Kullu Valley and snow-covered mountains. Every corner of this castle tells a story, making it not just a stay but a walk through history. It’s truly a blend of royalty and rustic charm.
Top Things to Do in Naggar Castle, Manali
Explore the Heritage Museum
Wander through rooms filled with ancient wooden carvings, royal artifacts, and photographs. The museum inside Naggar Castle gives you a peek into the royal lifestyle and Himachali traditions. It's like walking through history, with each item telling its own story, is one of the best Naggar Castle, Manali activities for history buffs.
Dine at the Castle Restaurant
Try delicious Himachali and North Indian food at the restaurant inside the castle. The cozy interiors and mountain views make your meal extra special. Don’t miss their local trout dish if you love fish!
Step onto the castle’s balconies and take in the breathtaking views of the Beas River and snow-capped mountains. The peaceful vibe, fresh air, and silence make it a perfect spot to just sit and soak in nature’s beauty. If you are a nature lover, then this is the one of the best Naggar Castle, Manali activities.
Relive the Bollywood Magic
If you like Bollywood movies, you might be interested to know that this castle was featured in the popular film, Jab We Met. You can visit the castle and take some great pictures there, recreating scenes from the movie and making some memories. Clicking photographs in Naggar Castle is surely one of the top activities to do in Naggar Castle, Manali.
Photography and Relaxation
Naggar Castle is a photographer’s dream as well as one of the best top activites to do in Naggar Castle. Whether it’s the wooden interiors, dramatic mountain backdrops, or the stone walls, every angle is picture-perfect. It’s also great for simply relaxing in a peaceful heritage setting.
Adventure Activities in Naggar Castle, Manali
It is an ideal location for adventure activities in Naggar Castle, Manali who like trekking. There are several short hidden & offbeat treks in Manali which you can start from here with the help of locals or the hosts of the places where you plan to stay.
For adventure activities in Naggar Castle, Manali, head to Dobhi, which is around 20 km from Naggar. It’s a popular paragliding spot with amazing views of the Kullu Valley. Fly like a bird and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Fishing in the Beas River
Try angling or trout fishing in the Beas River, which flows nearby. It’s one of the relaxing outdoor top activites to do in Naggar Castle, and some local operators provide gear and guidance for a fun fishing experience.
Places to visit near Naggar Castle, Manali
This small temple in the castle’s upper courtyard houses a slab of stone called “Jagtipatt,” which is said to have been brought by honey bees from a place near Vashisht. This temple is a charming example of local architecture and also a meeting place for the valley’s deities. It is a most famous places to visit near Naggar Castle, Manali.
2. Tripura Sundari Temple
Tripura Sundari Temple is one of the best places to visit near Naggar Castle, Manali. This pagoda-shaped wooden temple is a rare example of breathtaking architecture and is located in the upper part of the village. You’ll be mesmerized by its beauty, for sure!
Jana Waterfall, although an offbeat place in Manali, is known to be one of the famous waterfalls in Manali located in the village of Jana, near Manali. To reach the waterfall, visitors must trek through dense deodar and pine trees amidst snow-capped mountains.
This charming temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the foot of the small bazaar below the Castle. Its unique architecture and carvings make it a protected monument with heritage status. You shouldn’t miss visiting this temple during your trip to Kullu Valley since this is one of the best things to do in Kullu Manali.
