Naggar Castle

Naggar Castle is a medieval heritage structure located in Naggar, Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Built around 1460 AD by Raja Sidh Singh using traditional Kath Kuni architecture with stone and deodar wood without mortar or nails, it served as the royal seat of the Kullu Kingdom for centuries. Since 1978, it has been managed by HPTDC as a heritage hotel. The site features carved wooden balconies, historic courtyards, and panoramic views of the Kullu Valley.

Visitors can explore a compact 15th-century castle constructed in earthquake-resistant Kath Kuni style featuring alternating layers of stone and deodar wood. The site includes two courtyards, carved wooden balconies, British-era modifications like fireplaces, and the small Jagatipatt Temple within the premises. An inner museum section displays period artifacts, while upper balconies offer expansive views of the Beas River valley. A restaurant operates within the castle serving local cuisine, and the property functions as a heritage hotel allowing overnight stays.

Constructed circa 1460 AD by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, Naggar Castle served as the administrative capital and royal residence of the Kullu Kingdom for centuries. It was later sold to British Assistant Commissioner Major Hay in 1846 and used as a rest house before being acquired by HPTDC in 1978. The structure exemplifies indigenous Himalayan engineering that withstood the devastating 1905 Kangra earthquake.

The castle represents the zenith of traditional Kath Kuni architectural craftsmanship in Himachal Pradesh, showcasing sustainable building techniques passed down through generations. It houses the Jagatipatt Temple, which holds local religious significance, and serves as a tangible link to the region's pre-colonial royal heritage and indigenous construction knowledge systems.