Naggar

The former capital of Kullu, this town lies on the left bank of River Beas, 21 kilometres from Manali. It was founded by Raja Visudhpal and remained the political centre until the capital was shifted to Sultanpur in 1460 AD. Its major attraction is a beautiful castle, which has now been converted into a heritage hotel operated by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The building was once the residence of the rulers of Kullu, and is an excellent example of western Himalayan architecture. It is made of wood and stone, and has carved doors and windows. There is a small museum, a temple and a nice restaurant within the premises. Naggar was also the home of Russian painter Nicholas Roerich, who lived here from 1929 till his death in 1947. His house has been converted into an art gallery, which exhibits his colourful paintings of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.