Naggar Castle and Kath-Khuni Architecture Kullu

Naggar Castle, the former capital of Kullu kingdom before the 16th century, exemplifies the Kath-Khuni (wood and stone) traditional architecture of Himachal Pradesh. Alternating horizontal courses of carefully dressed stone and timber create walls of great structural integrity able to flex during earthquakes. The castle's wooden balconies with intricately carved railings and decorative brackets overlook the Kullu valley. Now converted to a heritage hotel, the castle preserves authentic architectural elements including carved wooden doors, beamed ceilings, and stone fireplaces. Russian artist Nicholas Roerich's estate nearby brings international artistic heritage to the Naggar area. The Jagti Patt temple adjacent to the castle features some of the finest wood carving in Kullu district.