Mini Switzerland of India: Ever wondered what it would be like to travel to the beautiful Swiss Alps – vacationing amidst snow-capped mountains, lush pastures, ski resorts, serene lakes, and the most picturesque views you can find? Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
Well, such a vacation may sound far-fetched but you will be surprised to know that you do not need a passport to make this dream a reality. There are many destinations in India that can offer you a different experience similar to that of a European country, very close to home. Here are six hidden gems that have earned the right to be called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’ for their natural beauty:
Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
Ever imagined traveling to a country with heavenly surroundings? Khajjiar is the place of your dreams. In the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar rests peacefully at the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges, showcasing its boundless beauty. A place where the lake meets the forest, pasture meets hills will undoubtedly tempt you to stay longer. Management of accommodation is not a problem here.
One can take a bus from Dalhousie and reach this Mini Switzerland of India. There are cottages, hotels, and rest houses along with some private hotels run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism, PWD, and Forest Department. You can spend your day amidst the dense deodar and lush green meadows of Dauladhar or take a quiet stroll around the famous Khajjiar Lake.
Never forget this Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary in Switzerland in India. A variety of flora and fauna can be seen at every corner. Trekking enthusiasts can also go on a moderate trek of 3.5 km from Khajjiar to Dainkund.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport, Gaggal (115 km)
Nearest Train Station: Pathankot (115 km)
Auli
For regular escapes and adventure experiences, Auli is the first place. Also known as the famous ski destination of India, Auli is one such small Switzerland in India. Soaring from a height of about 2505 meters, tourists and travelers can easily ‘high-five’ the spectacular view of the Himalayas in Auli. Auli is sometimes called Garhwal and is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Take a flight to Dehradun (270 km from Auli) or walk through Rishikesh Railway Station (250 km from Auli) to reach. Both private and government accommodation is available.
One can also spend a night in alpine wood to get the essence of wood and snow. Glimpses of the paramount Himalayas and its peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dunagiri, and Mana Bhaag can be experienced here overseas. All around are patches of coniferous and oak forests. Both amateur and advanced skiers can try their hand at this Switzerland in India for an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (180 km)
Nearest Train Station: Dehradun (150 km)
Kausani
Kausani is the best place for a traveler to enjoy and enjoy. Nestled in the lap of Uttarakhand, this village can soothe your soul by offering you a sprawling panoramic view of 300 km of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli. One can reach Kausani via Kumaon’s Pantnagar Airport (178 km from Kausani) or Kathgodam Railway Station (145 km from Kausani).
One can never get bored amid what Kausani has to offer. One can go for the trek- Pindari Glacier Trek or Kafni Glacier Trek or Rudrahari Cave Temple Trek. One will never feel lost in the deep green hills of Kausani. Accommodation will not be a problem as Kausani is emerging as a famous and loved tourist destination day by day, sometimes also known as Switzerland in India. To feel how Switzerland smells, it is important to try Switzerland in India.
Best Time to Visit: April-June; September-November
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (160 km)
Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam (130 km)
Manipur
Manipur, a land of calm in the northeastern part of India, is the jewel city of India. This small state of India is one of the most culturally rich among many, and its people are hospitable and welcoming, complemented by nature. One can reach Manipur via the Imphal International Airport or via railways via a railway station which is at Jiribam.
Manipur is also considered as Switzerland in India as the fresh, green, lush and hilly areas of Manipur comprise two-thirds of its land area. The state is witness to the exotic beauty of around 500 types of orchids and is adding to its beauty. For anyone wanting to get to know the people of India, Manipur is undoubtedly the right place.
Best Time to Visit: October-March
How to Reach
Nearest Airport: Imphal Airport
Nearest Train Station: Dimapur (203 km)
Kashmir
The heaven on earth, Kashmir, cannot be compared to any beauty apart from itself. Amidst green, black mountains, often covered with snow, this Switzerland in India is enveloped by misty air that will tempt you to enjoy the cozy weather with a cup of kahwa tea in your hand. Nestled between the Himalayan ranges and the Pir Panjal ranges, this valley is very picturesque. One can avail flights operating to Jammu, Leh, and Srinagar or can also choose to take a train to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station and hire a cab or bus.
Even a month in Kashmir may not be much, as there are so many fascinating places to visit in Switzerland in India. Visit Gulmarg and feel yourself in the middle of the dense forest and try your hand at the golf course too. Experience a heart-wrenching road trip through the Zozilla Path at Sone Maidan, Sonmarg. Go and have a lifetime of shikaras at Dal Lake in Srinagar. If you’re looking for some ‘me-time, then Lolab Valley is your place. Visitors can also visit Vaishno Devi and Amaranth temples, and find inner peace.
There are many places in India both in the north and south of the country which have earned the title of Mini Switzerland of India. Beautiful scenery, endless valleys, and snow-capped mountains make these places a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
Best Time to Visit: March-August
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar
Nearest Train Station: Srinagar and Jammu Tawi
Similar Articles
- Treks In Nepal: Experience Trekking in the Himalayas
- Honeymoon In Shillong: Romance & Love!
- Dawki River: The Less Talked Wonder Of Meghalaya
- Things To Do In Alleppey For A Rejuvenating Vacation
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Switzerland of India
Q. How many mini Switzerland are there in India?
A – ‘Khajjiar’ near Dalhousie in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is often referred to as the Switzerland of India. However, seven other destinations in India are also somewhat like the mini Switzerland of India.
Q. Which city of Uttarakhand is known as Switzerland of India?
A – Highly impressed by its beauty, Mahatma Gandhi called this village the ‘Switzerland of India’. Kausani is the birthplace of the famous Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant, who wrote some of his memorable poems in praise of this heaven on earth.
Q. Which district is known as Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand?
A – Popularly known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Uttarakhand, Chopta (at an altitude of about 2,608 meters) is a piece of heaven nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Q. Which state is known as Switzerland?
A – Known as the ‘Switzerland of India’, Manipur is located in the deepest corner of the northeastern part of India. This beautiful land is bounded by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, and Assam in the west, and shares a common international border with Burma in the east.
Q. Which is called the Switzerland of India?
A – Khajjiar, the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, as it is often called, is a small hill station in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Q. Which place is known as Karnataka Switzerland?
A – Surname(s): Switzerland of Karnataka. Sakleshpur, Sakleshpura or Sakleshpura (ಸಕಲೇಶಪುರ) is a hill station town and headquarters of Sakleshpur taluk in Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka.
Q. What is the capital of Switzerland?
A – In practice, however, Bern is well and truly the capital of Switzerland, with the presence of parliament, government, and foreign embassies.
Q. What is Kausani called?
A – Kausani was originally called Valna. Kausani presents the magic of deep deodar forests and majestic mountains. Kausani, the birthplace of famous poet Sumitra Nandan Pant, is often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of India’.
Q. Is Auli Mini Switzerland?
A – It is because of Gorson Bugyal, Auli is entitled as the mini-Switzerland of India.
Q. Which place is known as Switzerland of Kerala?
A – Vagamon is one such serene hill station situated on the border of Kottayam-Idukki districts in Kerala. It is about 1100 meters above sea level. Its climate is always cold and Awara is known as the Switzerland of Kerala.
Q. Why is Kashmir called the Switzerland of India?
A – Kashmir is called the Switzerland of India because it is gifted and has such beautiful natural scenery as Switzerland and Europe that tourists from the Jhelum river pass through its valley.
Q. Which place is known as Switzerland of Nepal?
A – Jiri is popularly known as Switzerland of Nepal as it is a small town located in the Dolakha district. Known as the classic route to Mount Everest, almost all Everest expeditions in the past, led by famous climbers John Hunt, Edmund Hillary, and others, passed through Jiri.
Q. Is Manipur the Switzerland of India?
A – Known as the ‘Switzerland of India’, Manipur is located in the deepest corner of the northeastern part of India. This beautiful land is bounded by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, and Assam in the west, and shares a common international border with Burma in the east.
