It is not difficult to understand why Khajjiar is often called the mini-Switzerland of India. The wide grassy areas that meet dense forests of pine and pine forests, with cottages sometimes at intervals, lend them a similar appearance to the Swiss countryside. If you’ve seen similar scenarios in movies and magazines and wished such a place was closer to home, well, here it is. You can choose to drive during your trip, but you will be missing out on a lot more fun than trekking from Chamba. The beauty that marks the route is well worth the time and effort.
Tourism
The story behind how Khajjiar came to be known as the “Mini Switzerland” of India is an interesting one. It was Mr. Willy T. Blaser, Vice Counselor and Head of the Chancery of Switzerland, who was the first to say so. He was so fascinated by its landscape that he put up a signboard of a yellow Swiss hiking footpath, indicating the distance from Berns, Switzerland’s capital, to Khajjiar – 6194 km. Though it happened in 1992, the charm of this place has not diminished in the slightest.
It is a small hill station located in the Chamba district and is a famous tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh. You must visit this quaint and dreamy place just to celebrate its existence. Walk wherever you want, breathe freely, feel the touch of soft grass, or walk as far as your feet take you. Most of the people who come here are attracted by its landscape, and there is nothing better than to feast your eyes on this amazing panorama created by nature.
It is incomplete without its lake, which is known as Khajjiar Lake. It stands right in the middle of the meadows surrounded by dense deodar forests. The lake itself is beautiful and plays a big part in contributing to the overall beauty of the area. The lake hosts a floating island. Taking a closer look, you find that it is a piece of grass that floats continuously on the surface.
Other ways to spend time on the lake are horseback riding and zorbing. You can also enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kailash from the lake. If you are fond of trekking, then you will have a lot to see in Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. The landscape here is marked by dense coniferous forests and is surrounded by numerous streams, both of which create perfect conditions for trekking and nature walks. The major wildlife attractions in the sanctuary are Himalayan Black Marten, Barking Goral, Leopard, Jackal, Langur, and Bear.
Khajji Nag Temple is another tourist attraction to visit in Khajjiar. Apart from being a religious structure, it is also a historical one, as it was built during the 12th century. Situated on the banks of the lake, it is dedicated to the Lord of Serpents. Its architecture shows a wonderful blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. Inside, there are images of Lord Shiva, Goddess Hadimba, Pandavas, and Kauravas.
The dense forests that surround the grasslands are home to some lovely villages in Khajjiar. Two of these are Rota and Ladi. Both these villages are famous for their apple orchards and wonderful views of the snow-capped hills and Mount Kailash.
Places to Visit in Khajjiar
Khajjiar Lake
Khajjiar Lake is the most spectacular lake in the shadow of the snow-capped Himalayas. Surrounded by a deodar forest, this lake is situated at an altitude of 1920 meters. The smaller water streams of the Himalayas act as the source of the Khajjiar Lake. One can also visit the Khajinag Temple, which has fine wood carvings and a gold dome.
The lake is a popular tourist destination, where people can enjoy many recreational activities or simply enjoy the beauty of the landscape. The site is perfect for spending a few moments of solitude away from the hustle and bustle of the modern crowd. It provides peace and tranquility to the visitors.
Khajjiar Lake holds a strong connection with legends. The lake is a paradise that makes one realize that there is no place like it in the whole world. On a clear and sunny day, tourists can enjoy a wonderful view of Mount Kailash from the Lake. The main attraction of the lake is the floating island which is actually a group of grasses and grasses growing on the surface of the lake.
Khajjiar is surrounded by saucer-shaped meadows; Beyond the pasture land is a dense pine forest surrounded by high mountains, and surrounded by huge deodars. The mesmerizing view of the marvelous landscape along with the shimmering lake makes a trip to Lake a spectacle.
Khajji Naga Temple, Khajjiar
Khajjiar is very famous for the Kazi Naga Temple, which is close to the famous Lake. The temple is adorned with a golden dome and pinnacle due to which is known as the ‘Swarna Devi’ temple. This is a 12th century AD temple dedicated to the lord of serpents, Nag and you will always find many snake statues at this place. The temple has a perfect blend of Mughal and Hindu styles of architecture as reflected in the wooden carvings on the ceiling and wooden posts.
It has image carvings representing the Kauravas that were hidden by the Pandavas. The dome-shaped temple is made of slate made from locally quarried limestone and is also associated with other temples of Shiva and Hadimba. The Khajji Nag Temple is built in the Pahari style and the images of the five Pandavas- Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva are beautifully carved with wooden threads in the corners of the Mandapam of the temple. Even today the ancient practice of sacrificing goats is prevalent in this temple.
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
With dense deodar and deodar forests spread over 19.63 sq km, Kalatop Sanctuary is a 30.69 sq km animal sanctuary located at Kalatop and Khajjiar in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of 6 km from Dalhousie. It is situated in the itinerary of river Ravi and is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests.
Flora and Fauna
The flora in the sanctuary includes cedar and blue cedar, Moru and Ban such as oak, pine trees, rhododendrons, deodar, and many others. It is also popular for medicinal plants and herbs. The forest is endowed with a great diversity of Indian wildlife, including some endangered species of flora and fauna.
In the middle of this sanctuary, you will find a lake that gives a splendid view to the onlookers. The sanctuary has a huge variety of wildlife like Bear, Himalayan Black Marten, Leopard, Deer, Barking Goral, Squirrel, Serow, Jackal, Langur, Himalayan Tahr, Goral, Ibex, Himalayan Squirrel, Muntjak, etc. This sanctuary is known for this. Preserving the indigenous Himalayan serow. Birds like Black Headed Jay, Chestnut Bill Rock Thrush, Blackhead Jay, Gray Headed Canary Flycatcher, etc. are also found here.
Activities
The sanctuary has an ideal route for trekking from Dalhousie to Kalatop and is highly acclaimed by tourists. Jungle safaris and hiking are other interesting ways to explore wildlife. The summer season is the best time to visit this sanctuary.
Chamunda Devi Temple, Chamba
Chamunda Devi Temple is situated on top of the hills of Shah Madar ranges and in a magnificent position opposite the city of Chamba. It is a major holy place for pilgrims which is situated on the banks of Baner River and just 15 km from Dharamsala. It was built by Raja Umaid Singh in the year 1762. It is the only wooden temple in Chamba that has a thatched roof.
Earlier, the temple was accessed by a stone-paved path with 378 steps, but now travelers can reach it by road as it is easily accessible and is only 3 km away. Once you are here, you will find the thick forests of Pathiyar and Lahla making it a perfect tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh. From the temple, there is a beautiful view of the beautiful settlement at the bottom of the hill. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is known as the goddess of war.
The interior of the sanctum is decorated with carved silver sheets. The temple complex includes a handicrafts center that houses various items like wood carvings, wooden toys, honey, black pottery, Kangra tea, and world-famous Kangra paintings. The architecture of the temple is quite simple and serene but the religious influence is immense. It has beautiful carvings that feature floral themes and various sculptures, overlooking the enchanting views of the Chamba Valley and the Himalayan range. During Navratras, people from all over India come in flocks to seek the blessings of Chamunda Devi.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Khajjiar
Q. How to reach Khajjiar?
A – You can Reach Khajjiar
- By plane. Gaggal Airport at Dharamsala is the nearest airport at a distance of 122 km.
- By train. Pathankot is the nearest railway station at a distance of 118 km.
- By road. It is well connected by road to all the major places of Himachal Pradesh.
Q. How to reach Khajjiar from Delhi?
A – By Bus – Buses are a good option if you want to travel to Khajjiar on a budget. The distance of Dalhousie from the capital of India, Delhi is 558 km, from there you have to take a taxi to Khajjiar. There are three buses connecting the two cities and three operators operate on this route.
Q. Where is Khajjiar?
A – Khajjiar is a hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India, located about 24 kilometers (15 mi) from Dalhousie.
Q. Where is Khajjiar Located?
A – Khajjiar is a hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India, located about 24 kilometers (15 mi) from Dalhousie.
Q. How to reach Khajjiar from Pathankot?
A – Pathankot is the nearest railway station at a distance of 118 km. Trains run to Pathankot regularly from Ahmedabad, Bhatinda, Delhi, Hatia, Jammu, Udhampur, etc. Taxis are available from Pathankot to reach Khajjiar.
Q. Khajjiar how to reach?
A – You can Reach Khajjiar
- By plane. Gaggal Airport at Dharamsala is the nearest airport at a distance of 122 km.
- By train. Pathankot is the nearest railway station at a distance of 118 km.
- By road. It is well connected by road to all the major places of Himachal Pradesh.
Q. Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh how to reach?
A – You can Reach Khajjiar
- By plane. Gaggal Airport at Dharamsala is the nearest airport at a distance of 122 km.
- By train. Pathankot is the nearest railway station at a distance of 118 km.
- By road. Khajjiar is well connected by road to all the major places of Himachal Pradesh.
Q. How far is Khajjiar from Dalhousie?
A – Khajjiar town is a part of Chamba district and is well connected to Chamba and Dalhousie (24 km) and is easily accessible via taxis. The nearest railway station is at Pathankot (95 km) and then a taxi can take you to Khajjiar. Alternatively, you can reach Chamba or Dalhousie by bus and then take a cab from there.
Q. How to reach Khajjiar from Delhi by train?
A – You have to take a train till Pathankot, after that Taxi to reach Khajjiar.
Q. Where to stay Dalhousie or Khajjiar?
A – Dalhousie has better and more stay options than Khajjiar, If you are looking for a quite stay opt for Khajjiar.
Q. How to reach Khajjiar from Mumbai?
A – The fastest way to get from Mumbai to Khajjiar is by flight and taxi which costs ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 and takes 7h 50m. The distance between Mumbai and Khajjiar is 1540 km. The road distance is 1859.2 km.
Q. Why Khajjiar is called Mini Switzerland of India?
A – In India, the Vice-Chancellor of Switzerland and the Head of the Chancery Willy Blaser called Khajjiar a ‘mini Switzerland. The striking topographical similarity of the place with Switzerland led to the comparison in his mind.
Q. How to reach Khajjiar from Kolkata
A – There is no direct connection between Kolkata and Khajjiar. However, you can take the Line 154 bus to the airport, walk to Kolkata airport, fly to Dharamsala, then take a taxi to Khajjiar.
Q. Where is Khajjiar lake?
A – The magical Khajjiar Lake is located in Khajjiar of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. This lake is situated at an altitude of 1920 meters above sea level and is visited by a lot of tourists.
Q. How to reach Khajjiar from Lucknow?
A – The fastest way to get from Lucknow to Khajjiar is by flight and taxi which costs ₹7,500 – ₹15,000 and takes 7h 49m. The distance between Lucknow and Khajjiar is 790 km. The road distance is 1120 km.
Q. Which are the best hotels in Khajjiar?
A – Below are the Best Hotels in Khajjiar
- The Devdar Hotel
- Hotel Mini Swiss
- Hotel Puri
- Hotel Parul
- Hotel Khajjiar Regency
- Hotel Royal Residency
- Hotel Swiss Meadow
- Hotel Hritik Palace
Q. How is Khajjiar weather?
A – The weather today in Khajjiar will be quite hot with temperatures reaching 22°C. During the evening and nighttime, the temperatures will drop to 14°C. For Current Updates Click here
Q. When can you experience snowfall in Khajjiar?
A – Snowfall may occur in Khajjiar in late December and January. Sometimes snowfall is very heavy and can block roadways. Winters are from November to March and the temperature usually ranges between 5 °C to 25 °C.
