Nalagarh is a beautiful hill station in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Once an important kingdom, Nalagarh was known as the state of Hindur in the bygone era. Nalagarh serves as the entryway to Himachal Pradesh. It is located about 300 km from Delhi and about 60 km from Chandigarh.
Nalagarh is very famous for its picturesque beauty. The Nalagarh Valley is a long band surrounded by the spurs of the outer Himalayas to its north-east and the heavily eroded range of the Shivaliks in the south and west. One can see the ruins of many forts around the valley, which include the forts of Chamba, Surajupur, Ramgarh and Malaon.
Also known as Nawalgarh, it was renowned in the medieval period as the state of Hindur which was founded by Raja Ajai Chand in 1100 AD. The Chandela Rajputs were great patrons of art and architecture of Nalagarh. Since then, many Rajputs have inhabited Nalagarh to engage in farming in the Chikni Sirsa Valley. Raja Surendra Singh was the last ruler of Nalagarh and his son, Raja Vijayendra Singh is the present ceremonial ruler. In the early twentieth century, its was also one of the Shimla hill states, under the Punjab government.
The Ramgarh Fort and the associated town of Ramshere demonstrate the excellence and unique craftsmanship of the yesteryears. Raja Surendra Singh was the last ruler of Nalagarh and his son.
The major attraction of Nalagarh is the Nalagarh Fort. The fort offers spectacular views of the Shivalik Hills lying past the Sirsa River. The fort and the palace of Nalagarh were built in the Mughal style of architecture and serves as a heritage resort. The fort surrounded by acres of lush greenery, is full of modern amenities and makes for an ideal royal experience for visitors.
Presently, Nalagarh is an up-and-coming town for industries and it hosts many manufacturing units like leather, steel, chemicals, thread mills and breweries. The hill station is also famous for boating and fishing activities at the Gobind Sagar Lake. The lake is a water reservoir formed by the Bhakra Dam and is also a great picnic spot.
Located 35 km away from the city in Pinjore, the Yadavindra Gardens is famous for its palaces, fountains, and festivals. Also known as the Pinjore Gardens, the terraced lawns are placed at the foothills of Shivalik, and is a charming garden laid in Mughal style. The foster brother of Aurangzeb – Nawab Fidai Khan designed the beautiful garden in the 17th century.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotels are limited in Nalagarh. Economy rate rooms for the budget traveler can be booked at Rs 800 per room. Deluxe rooms can be booked for Rs 1900 per night whereas luxury rooms are available starting at Rs 7150 per night. One can also choose to stay at the Nalagarh Fort now known as Nalagarh Heritage Hotel.
WHERE TO EAT
Eating options are limited in Nalagarh. The restaurants around the town of Parwanoo serve north Indian, continental, Indian and Chinese cuisine.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Nalagarh is between the months of March and October.
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Solan is as given below. The best time to visit Solan is also specified.
