Introduction

About 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Manali at an altitude of 1760 meters (5867 feet) lies the picturesque Naggar village, an erstwhile capital of the Rajas of Kullu for about 1400 years. Naggar is on the left bank of Beas River and opens up a vista of wooded slopes, waterfalls, quaint homesteads and the snow-covered Himalayan pinnacles in the backdrop. The area is dotted with ancient temples, not to mention the popular, 16th century Naggar Castle from Pal Dynasty. Built by Raja Sidh Singh, this imposing stone edifice served as the royal residence and latter as the state head quarters of the kingdom till the middle of the 17th century. Now, converted into a hotel by the tourism department, the castle commands a majestic view of the Kullu Valley. Within is a small wooden temple called Jagati Patt temple, a fine specimen of the architecture and design of the Pal Dynasty.

Once in Naggar, browse the beautiful Gauri Shankar temple built in the 11th and 12th century, believed to be the last great monument of the Gurjara-Pratihara traditions. Its architecture is a fine blend of Shikhara and Pagoda styles, with exquisite woodwork and stone carvings adorning the interiors. Further on, continue to the Roerich Art Gallery, displaying the works of Russian painter-cum-philosopher Nicholas Roerich. Set amidst well-manicured gardens, the former house of Roerich beautifully captures the essence and beauty of the Himalayas, just like the subtle strokes of his brush. There is a small room on the ground floor of the museum that displays paintings and sculptures by the artist. Pan through the collection, and you will notice the generous use of deep and bright colors, and his mythological fiber of the Himalayas. You will also come across a few old photographs of Roerich with Jawaharlal Nehru, along with his quotations and words of wisdom.

Within the premises of the Roerich estate is the Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum housing a collection of local folk art and a gallery of Russian folk art. This includes a few paintings by Roerich and his Russian followers, besides an interesting assortment of Russian folk art, musical instruments, painted dishes, dolls, oil paintings, crystal figurines and stone carvings. The gallery dedicated to local folk art exhibits traditional costumes of Ladakh, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and Tibet, idols of Indian gods and goddesses, Pahari paintings, and wood carvings such as door frames. A tour of the museum and the art gallery gives you a glimpse into the life of Nicholas Roerich and the rich cultural heritage of Himachal.

If you are visiting in April, you would be just in time for the Naggar fair, when the local villagers gear up for festivities by putting up souvenir kiosks at an amphitheatre site. It is a great chance to pick up armloads of traditional handicraft, artifacts, shawls, stoles, socks and sarees. Adventure seekers also visit Naggar to enjoy paragliding, trekking, skiing and white-water rafting. There is plenty to explore, enjoy and take back from the little hamlet of Naggar where the grand Himalayan scenery merges with the brush strokes of the legendary Roerich.

Special Attributes

Admire the fine and bold brush strokes of illustrious painter Nicholas Roerich at the Roerich Art Gallery.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can hire a private taxi to visit Naggar or use buses run by Himachal Pradesh Roadways.

Enjoyed by

Families, Kids, Senior Citizens, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be partly under open sky of Naggar and partly indoors. The temperature remains pleasant here in the summer months and can dip below freezing point in winter. At any time of the year, you are advised to carry at least light woolens. The sun could be harsh in afternoons, so bring along your sunshades and a sunscreen lotion.

Avoidable Season

You can visit at any time of the year

Facilities

You can buy some books on Roerich from the museum shop. You also also enjoy a host of adventure activities or set out on a photography expedition.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Begin early in the day as the hills darken by early evening. And you might miss out on some gorgeous views.

Type of site

Countryside with a castle, lots of temples and a folk art museum-cum-art gallery.