Did you know that Khajjiar called The Mini Switzerland of India!
Khajjiar hill station located in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India, approximately 24 kms from Dalhousie. It is about 6,500 feet (2,000 m) above sea level in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalaya.
Khajjiar is surrounded with immense greenery, lake, pasture and forest being established as a summer retreat, snow capped peaks, lush and green meadows, charismatic beauty of mountains. Khajjiar, the beauty of Himachal Pradesh, is a gem in the crown of the state.
Do You Know Why Khajjiar is Called ‘The Mini Switzerland of India’?
On 7 July 1992, Mr Willy T. Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India brought Khajjiar on the world tourism map by calling it “Mini Switzerland”. He also put a signboard of a yellow Swiss hiking footpath showing Khajjiar’s distance from the Swiss capital Berne-6194 km. Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world that bear topographical resemblance with Switzerland. The counsellor also took from Khajjiar a stone which will form part of a stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to remind the visitors of Khajjiar as a “Mini Switzerland of India“.
Places to Visit in Khajjiar:
Khajjiar Lake
Khajjiar is a small and one of the eye-catching lakes in Dalhousie, Himachal located at an elevation of 1920 m., surrounded by saucer-shaped lush green meadow. The main attraction of the lake is the floating island which is actually a cluster of grass and weed called vacha growing on the surface of the lake.
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Khajji Nag Temple/Golden Devi Temple
Khajji Nag Temple is a 12th century AD made by the king of chamba Prithvi Singh temple dedicated to Naga, The temple has a golden dome and due to which it is also known as ‘Golden Devi Temple’ the lord of serpents and you will find some snake idols here. This temple is located near the lake and is also believed to be one of the holiest temples in Himachal Pradesh. This temple exhibits the perfect blend of Mughal & Hindu styles of architecture.
Mount Kailash View Point
If you stand on the Khajjiar Ground, you will be able to see glimpses of Mount Kailash.
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is a 30.69 km² animal sanctuary at Kalatop and Khajjiar in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. You will get to see an ample amount of beautiful faunas and floras. It contains several tresses such as Rhododendron, Green oak, blue pine and more. You will be able to spot the various animals like black marten, jackal, bear, leopard, barking goral, deer, langur and more. The vibrant green forest makes it a perfect location for trekking and nature walks.
Panch Pandav Tree
The Panch Pandav Tree is situated in the ground of Khajjiar. The tree is famous for its shoots. Although the main root of the tree and the shoots are same, there are six shoots branching out from the tree. This tree is close to a rest house that leads to Khajjiar School and a small village. A total of six shoots branches out from the tree. However, the shoots and the primary root of the tree are similar. A very charming tourist spot, the Panch Pandav tree has an interesting story behind it.
According to the local people of Khajjiar, the five shoots of this tree stand for the five Pandavas, and the last one represents their wife, Draupadi. Add to that the lovely surroundings; the tree makes for a beautiful picnic spot.
Adventure Sports Activities in Khajjiar
Visitors can enjoy activities like horse-riding, Paragliding and Zorbing in Khajjiar. Paragliding in Khajjiar is one of the most adventurous things. Horse riding is a common activity enjoyed in most areas in and around the town.
How to reach Khajjiar – The Mini Switzerland of India:
Khajjiar is well connected by road and is 24 km from Dalhousie and 23 km from Chamba and 570 km from Delhi. One can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach The Mini Switzerland of India from Dalhousie and Chamba.
BY AIR: Nearest airport is Gaggal Airport Dharamshala, Kangra which is located 120 kms from Khajjiar. It takes around 3.5 hours to reach Khajjiar from this Airport.
BY TRAIN: Pathankot serves as the nearest railway station to here, situated at 120 Km distance, after which taxi could be taken.
BY BUS: Khajjiar can be reached from Dalhousie, the nearest major town and hill station, by bus in an hour or so. Best Road route from Delhi to Khajjiar: Delhi – Sonipat – Panipat – Karnal – Kurukshetra – Ludhiana – Jalandhar – Pathankot – Dalhousie – Khajjiar
Things to pack:
- Photo ID Card
- Sunscreen lotion
- Woolens (in winters)
- Camera / Good Mobile Phone
- Chargers
- Lots of Love for Nature
Best time to visit Khajjiar
Summers in April to July – 32°c – 44°c
Monsoon in July to Aug – 22°c – 35°c
Winter in Oct to March – 0°c – 17°c
The most excellent time to visit Khajjiar is between March and June.
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