Nalagarh is a city in Solan district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. . My perception was of a typical industrial town - bearing vicinity to Baddi. But then one day my mother mentioned that there is a Fort there and the same has been converted to a Heritage resort. This piqued my interest.
I think heritage resorts are an excellent way to conserve old decaying forts crying for funds and attention. At the same time , people not only enjoy it as a getaway but also learn about the history and culture.
As usual I began to research about Nalagarh and I found that it was founded by the Chandella Rajputs in 1100 AD.
Some excerpts from Wikipedia:
The Fort which was built in 1421 during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand is located on a hillock at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas affording a panoramic view of the Shivalik hills beyond the Sirsa river.
In the early twentieth century, Nalagarh State was one of the Simla hill states, under the government of the Punjab. The country was overrun by the Gurkhas for some years before 1815, when they were driven out by the British, and the raja was confirmed in possession of the territory. Grain and opium have, in the past, been main agricultural products.
Nalagarh was ruled by the Chandela Rajputs who originated from Chanderi in the Bundelkhand region of central India. Various other rajputs then inhabited this place including Thakurs, Tomara, Rathore, Parmar, Pawar, Panwar, Chauhan, Bais. Many have now stayed back as farmers in the Chikni Sirsa Valley
Fort Nalagarh surrounded by endless acres of greenery, with all modern amenities is an ideal retreat away from the madding crowd of metropolitan cities
Nalagarh is a Semi Hilly Area. While the summers are hot and dry Winters are Dry and wet. Summers temperature does reach 45 degrees Celsius, also it could be Humid, Which Make "Feel Temperature" at 50 degrees Celsius. During rainy season strong winds are experienced. Yet Nalagarh Physically belongs to Himachal Pradesh but Look and feel of it is mostly like Punjab.More than 80% people are Punjabi. It is a town Which is close to Pinjore in Haryana, to Ropar in Punjab.
I have enjoyed many beautiful day breaks as this is just 50 kms from my house in Chandigarh.
There is an excellent buffet laid out. They can be called in advance in case one needs something special prepared. Excellent meal, followed by dessert , followed by tea (all for RS 350 per head). I have seen many corporate get togethers there. Rooms are available for staying purposes as well.
More information can be availed from their website
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| multi-tiered Fort |
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| one tier leading to the next |
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| main entrance |
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| Built in the Mughal architectural style |
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| view of the village below |
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| The Bar |
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| Entrance to the dining hall |
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| Sit out to enjoy cup of tea |
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| Maharaja Yadvendra Singh of Patiala |
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| Maharani Mohinder Kaur of Patiala |
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| Aeriel view of the swimming pool |
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| armory on display |
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| Beautiful seasonal coverage |
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| one of the many rooms |
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| beautiful interiors |
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| Amaazing tiger painting |
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| Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala |
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| dining hall |
The Nalagarh Heritage Resort rises above a 20 acre estate of forest and orchard and is built on five levels, three of which have well manicured lawns. The fort and the palace of Nalagarh have a series of structures that are mostly built in the Mughal style of architecture. These have been exhaustively renovated and are now a quality heritage resort offering luxury and comfort.
I have spent many one day getaways here with my family and enjoyed every bit of it. I will continue to come back here again and again ....
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