The castle is built using dry-stone masonry reinforced with wooden beams, allowing it to withstand seismic activity common in the Himalayan region.
The temple within the courtyard is said to be constructed from a slab of stone brought to the site by bees in the form of a 'Jagatipatt'.
The building was converted into a rest house during the British colonial period before becoming a heritage hotel.
It is one of the few surviving examples of the indigenous Kath-Kuni style in the Kullu district.
Naggar Castle is a medieval fortified residence constructed using the traditional Kath-Kuni architectural style, which interlocks timber and stone without mortar. Built around 1460 by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, it served as the royal seat until the capital shifted to Sultanpur in the 17th century. The structure features intricate Himalayan wood carvings on its balconies, door frames, and window panels. It currently functions as a heritage hotel operated by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The complex contains a small temple dedicated to Jagatipatt, a deity believed to have been brought by bees from the Kullu valley. The western wing houses the Nicholas Roerich Museum collection nearby. It offers panoramic views overlooking the Beas River valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar range.
The upper wooden balcony overlooking the Beas River valley.
Walk the entire perimeter of the wooden balconies for the best views of the valley.
Visit the small museum housed within the premises to see traditional Himachali household items.
Carry a light jacket even in summer, as temperatures drop significantly when the sun sets behind the mountains.
Do not attempt to touch the delicate, century-old wood carvings, as they are fragile and protected; avoid visiting during peak monsoon due to landslide risks on approach roads.
Remove footwear before entering the temple courtyard; maintain silence as the castle is a functioning hotel.
