There is something about the Valley of Gods that brings in thousands of tourists every year. Kullu is a magical district in the heart of Himachal Pradesh that promises an escape from the ordinary. You experience the magic of the Beas River, the magnificence of the Pir Panjal range and the quiet of the Kullu Valley. While the world flocks to the more popular touristy towns of Manali and Shimla, you can work remotely in Himachal from Naggar – one of Kullu’s hidden gems.
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Why should you work remotely from Naggar?
Imagine waking up and realising you’re not in some city. Your house isn’t an apartment on a busy road, but a room tucked away in the folds of the Himalayas. There is no need to rush your breakfast or wait for that crowded bus. You can just pull out your laptop and walk out into the apple orchards. A cup of tea, some hot breakfast and abundant space to work your way. That’s Naggar for you – the beauty of the Kullu district embodied in a remote corner of the world. It is one of the best places to work remotely in India. In Naggar, you can experience slow travel on your mountain workation in India.
It’s replete with natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage that dates back over centuries. The ancient Naggar castle serves as a reminder of Naggar’s glorious past as the king’s seat for the kingdom of Kullu. So if you decide to choose Naggar to work remotely from India, you have access to an abundance of peace, nature and history. The town is also home to an artsy gallery and thousands of offbeat treks varying in difficulty. You get to meet a very unique community of offbeat travellers, local creators and digital nomads while experiencing life in the mountains, away from the city. If you are looking for scenic destinations to work remotely from in India, Naggar is just the place.
How to reach Naggar in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh?
Despite its remote nature, Naggar is well-connected by road to most major cities.
Reach Naggar by flight
If you want to take a flight from Delhi to Naggar, Mumbai to Naggar or Bengaluru to Naggar then the closest airport is the Bhuntar Airport. The airport is a 50-minute drive from Naggar and you can easily hire cabs. If you want to really experience the rural life of Kullu district in Himachal, you can even take a bus to Naggar. Make sure to confirm your buses with the locals before getting on the wrong one.
Road trip to Naggar
If you are considering driving to Naggar, it can be one of the most beautiful adventures you will have. A road trip from Delhi to Naggar is ideal because this way you can drive through some wonderful towns and villages before you reach your destination. Moreover, the distance between Delhi and Naggar is about 530 km which should take you about 7-10 hours depending on traffic conditions and weather. Start early in the morning and don’t forget to halt for hot tea and amazing pictures on the way!
Pro tip: While driving from Delhi to Naggar to work remotely in Himachal, you will also pass through historical towns like Panipat and the beautiful city of Chandigarh. Moreover, you drive through Mandi and Kullu before finding your way to Naggar. There are many ways to make the best of your drive from Delhi to Naggar.
Reach Naggar by train
Taking a train to Naggar can seem like a hassle. The closest railway station is Joginder Nagar, a 4-hour drive from Naggar. Locals recommend heading to Manali and then finding a bus or a cab to Naggar.
Travelling to Naggar by bus
You can also take a bus to Naggar from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali. Get down at Patlikuhl and then get a taxi from there for INR 500.
What's the best time to visit Naggar?
Naggar is meant for mountain babies – people who love breathing in the fresh mountain air. The best time to work from Himachal in Naggar is between March to November. This way you can escape India’s hot summers and find solace in the cool valleys of the Kullu district. What’s more, the village wraps itself in a mystical fog during the monsoon months. While there are occasional showers, Naggar during monsoons is simply straight out of a fantastical movie! What’s more, if you aren’t a fan of working through heavy rains, this place is an easy solution. Lastly, winters in Naggar bring a blanket of white that covers the entire town. If you like taking work breaks to step out into snowfall, needless to say, winter is the best time to visit Naggar for you!
Most digital nomads seek pleasant weather to work remotely in India and hence, March to November is the best time to visit Naggar. However, it goes without saying that if you are a fan of snow, winter is the time for you.
Things to do in Naggar
Naggar’s unmatched beauty is one of its greatest gifts to digital nomads around the world. If you plan to work remotely, there are so many things to do in Naggar. If you are someone who enjoys quiet and peace, you can go on hikes, treks or cafe-hopping with your favourite art supplies or books. On the other hand, if you enjoy a little activity once in a while, Manali is just 20 km away. Here is some detailed insight into the things you can do while working remotely in Naggar:
Visit the Naggar Castle
The Naggar Castle is the town’s crown jewel. It was once the royal seat of the kingdom of Kullu. In 1978, the Himalayan Tourism Department converted it into a gorgeous heritage hotel that retains the structure’s historical architecture. Raja Sidh Singh constructed it in 1460 AD and today, it gracefully represents a western Himachali architectural style. Walk through historical halls and marvel at the brilliant craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. One of the more popular things to do near Naggar Castle is to explore the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery.
What is the entry fee at Naggar Castle?
If you want to plan a visit to Naggar Castle, keep in mind the timings i.e. from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for walk-in visitors/non-hotel residents. The entry ticket costs INR 15 and you have to pay an additional INR 25 for your camera.
Why is Naggar Castle famous?
The Naggar Castle is famous for its brilliant architecture. Moreover, you have the Roerich Art Gallery and a cosy restaurant within the property that serves amazing Garhwali food. Lastly, the gorgeous Jagatipatt temple is also situated inside the castle.
Explore the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery
One could say that Nicholas Roerich was one of the first digital nomads to travel to India and fall in love with it. The Russian artist and philosopher was considered a spiritual leader who often travelled across the world. However, in the 1900s he found himself in the serene valleys of Naggar and decided to settle there. The Roerich Estate was his home and today serves as a memoir of his life. The space is a worthy visit even for people who don’t like art. Moreover, there are chances of stumbling upon some brilliant remote artists that you could connect with.
Trek to the Jana Waterfall
A short hike away from the centre of Naggar sits the stunning Jana waterfall. It makes for the perfect break and can be followed by some lip-smacking local food. A small dhaba close to the waterfall has recently become famous for its local flavours that you cannot miss!
Apart from this, there are plenty of small hikes in and around Naggar that you can embark on. Just make sure to speak with your hotel staff and take help from locals so you don’t get lost.
Coworking Spaces in Naggar, Himachal
It’s no rocket science that all a digital nomad needs is a coworking space in India with high-speed WiFi. This can end up narrowing your list of the perfect places to work remotely from in India. However, there are plenty of coworking spaces and work-friendly cafes in Himachal that can help you get things done.
German Bakery, Naggar
Naggar doesn’t have a lot of coworking spaces with a view. However, its bakeries and cafes are perfect for slow workdays with no meetings. The German Bakery is a popular hotspot in Naggar, a 10-minute drive away from NomadGao Plum Paradise in Rumsu. They serve cakes, coffee and continental meals worth swooning over. Take your laptop to this space on days you crave noisy surroundings.
Naggar Delight Cafe, Naggar
Naggar Delight Cafe is another space you can work remotely from in the Himalayas. They have a terrace area and indoor seating so you can switch things up.
Other FAQs
Where is Naggar situated?
Naggar is situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
Is there snowfall in Naggar?
Yes, Naggar experiences snowfall during the winter months between November to February. The average temperature in Naggar even during summer months does not exceed 20 degrees Celcius.
How to get from Manali to Naggar?
Manali is about 20 km away from Naggar and the best way to travel from Manali to Naggar is by taking a local bus or hiring a cab.
Where can I find a digital nomad community in India?
NomadGao has curated coliving spaces for digital nomads in India to bring together an intricate network of the digital nomad community in India.
