When choosing a hill station to escape the relentless clamor and hurried pace of modern city life, many people often make the mistake of flocking to popular destinations, only to find themselves caught in the same suffocating environment they sought to escape. These well-trodden spots, frequented year-round by large crowds, have lost their pristine charm.
For those yearning for a genuine connection with nature, away from the madding crowd, a visit to the serene Himalayan village of Naggar in the Kulu Valley is highly recommended.
Located just 24 kilometers from the bustling city of Kullu, on the banks of the majestic Beas River, Naggar is a picturesque village with a magnetic allure. Its beauty is not only in its lush green meadows, dense forests, and verdant valleys but also in its historical and cultural significance. Naggar boasts a remarkable 16th-century architectural marvel known as the Naggar Castle. Perched on a cliff, this castle is constructed from wood and stone, showcasing the traditional ‘kathkhooni’ technique of the region. The castle’s striking design and breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Chandraghani, Deotiba, and Gyenghang have captured the imaginations of many filmmakers.
The Naggar Castle has been thoughtfully converted into a heritage hotel by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). Despite its modern amenities, the castle retains its historical grandeur and charm. Guests can choose to stay in one of the opulent queen’s or king’s suites while enjoying the authentic ambiance of the medieval structure. The castle also features a plush restaurant offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, blending local and exotic flavors.
A scenic walk from the castle to the Roerich Art Gallery evokes the essence of Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” The path is flanked by towering deodar trees, dense foliage, and tranquil woods. On this path, visitors can first encounter the ancient ‘Tripura Sundari’ temple, a stunning structure carved from wood and stone with an intricately designed conical shikhara. This temple mirrors the castle’s architectural elegance with its elaborate filigree work.
Continuing towards the Roerich Art Gallery, visitors are greeted by a serene garden setting that enhances the sense of tranquility. The gallery is housed in the former residence of the renowned Russian painter Nicholas Roerich, who fell in love with Naggar’s natural beauty and made it his home in his later years. The ground floor of his residence has been converted into a museum showcasing his emotive paintings. Here, visitors can spend hours immersed in the silence and beauty of Roerich’s art, finding solace and inspiration amid the calming melodies of nature.
The serpentine route from the Naggar Castle to the Roerich estate transports visitors back to a time before urbanization. However, signs of encroaching modernity are visible as tourism increases, with new constructions threatening the village’s unspoiled charm. Despite this, Naggar remains a haven for nature enthusiasts compared to the overcrowded hill stations like Shimla, Kullu, and Manali. As Wordsworth aptly put it, “Nature never betrays the heart that loves her.” Hence, it’s essential to visit Naggar while it still retains its natural and historical allure before commercialization takes its toll.