Nomad Saikat
Not every hill station is known as Mini Switzerland. And when a location is called so there must be some reasons hidden behind it right? And if you are someone who would like to know everything about a location that is known as the Mini Switzerland in India then you need to visit Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh. Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh is a quaint hill station on the foothills of the Himalayas and is all about the beauty that this location offers.
Furthermore Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh stands tall on all the criteria that makes it an ideal destination for the tourists. Also termed as an offbeat destination very close to Dalhousie, Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh is also a popular base point for trekkers. Now you must be intrigued to know everything about this majestic spot right? Then keep on reading this article as I will mention each and every piece of information that you might need to know about Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh. From how to go to Khajjiar to things you can enjoy in Khajjiar this article will have it all. Also this will be a helpful article for you if you are planning a trip to this wonderland known as Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh or Khajjiar Mini Switzerland as it is known as.
Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh
Overview of Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh
A beautiful hill station Khajjiar in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is all about the beauty of nature. Anyone visiting here would understand how beautiful the beauty of nature can be in reality. Located at an elevation of 1951 meters on the foothills of Dhauladhar range of Western Himalayas it is also a part of the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary. Not every day we call a place mini Switzerland. And if a location is called so you can understand the kind of beauty that it offers. Khajjiar Mini Switzerland was once ruled by the Rajput rulers of Chamba. Later it was taken over by the Mughals and then by the Sikhs and finally moved on to the British hands.
Furthermore Khajjiar is a beautiful picturesque location and one of the most popular scenic destinations for the tourists. Also known as the Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh the location is also popular for trekkers. Treks start from Khajjiar to reach Dalhousie, Chamba and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. This massive grassy region is dotted with beautiful deodar and cedar forests. Also the Mini Switzerland of India is called so because for the very first time Mr. Willy T. Blazer the Vice Counselor and Head of the Chancery of Switzerland said so. Additionally Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh located on top of 6500 feet is also known for its nine hole golf course which is one of the popular attractions here.
How to reach Khajjiar
By road
If you are wondering about how to reach Khajjiar from Delhi, then there are some options. Delhi to Khajjiar distance is about 573 km and there are buses from Delhi to reach there in about 11 hours. Dalhousie to Khajjiar distance is about 21 km and you can reach there by a car or you can even hire a taxi. Buses are also available from Dalhousie and Chamba to reach Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh. From Chamba or Dalhousie, bikes are also available for rent. So if you are adventurous enough you can opt for that too. The rate varies from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000. But during winter some of the roads get closed so research and collect information before travelling there.
By air
Khajjiar doesn’t have an airport of its own. The nearest airport to reach Khajjiar would be Gaggar Airport in Dharamshala which is around 120 km away. From there you will get buses or cabs to reach Khajjiar.
By train
And if you wish to travel by a train then the nearest railway station is Pathankot which is about 98 km away from Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh. From the railway station you will get a bus or you can hire a car to reach Khajjiar. Furthermore distances of Khajjiar from some nearby places are
- Dalhousie to Khajjiar (21 km )
- Dharamshala to Khajjiar (43 km )
- Mcleodganj to Khajjiar (39 km )
- Manali to Khajjiar (111 km )
- Kasol to Khajjiar (132 km )
- Jammu to Khajjiar (194 km )
Khajjiar Weather
From April to July the temperature in Khajjiar is most pleasant and comfortable. It is also considered as the ideal time for the tourists to visit this particular place. Khajjiar Temperature during these months ranges between 12 degrees to 15 degrees and also the landscape looks beautiful. Furthermore, for outdoor activities the weather in Khajjiar is best and suitable during this time. Summers are also a perfect time to visit here as that is mostly the time for festivals here. Visitors visiting here during summers can take part in many local festivals that happen during this period.
Furthermore the monsoon in Khajjiar Himachal Pardesh is not very suitable for travellers but the meadows look green and vibrant during this period. The Lush greenery elevates to its best and also makes everything look beautiful around. However for visitors it can be an uncomfortable period as the rains would dampen the travel spirit.
Khajjiar in winter turns into a wonderland. Here winter continues from November to February and the whole area gets transformed into a wonder. The term mini Switzerland fits perfectly during this time in Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh. If you are interested in witnessing the beautiful view of the snow capped mountains then you can surely visit here during this period. However you will have to keep in mind that the temperature in Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh will be too chilly during this time. It ranges in between 10 degrees to 0 degrees and can go even more down at times. But the regular snowfall during winter is also something that the tourists enjoy a lot here. So you can plan your trip accordingly on the basis of what suits you and what you are more interested to enjoy as you visit Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh.
Activities in Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh
Khajjiar Trek
One of the most interesting activities that the visitors enjoy in Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh is trekking. This place is a base camp for treks to Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamba and Jot. However the beautiful tails here would provide you with a lot of thrill and adventure.
Camping in Khajjiar
Another loved activity in Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh is camping. Amidst beautiful backdrop, lush greenery, mountain peaks and verdant hills it would provide an amazing camping experience. So if you are an adventurous person then surely do not miss out on the experience of camping in this location.
Adventure activities in Khajjiar
Other than enjoying nature and its serenity, a location like Khajjiar also lets you go wild. It offers an array of adventure activities that you can opt for. Ranging from Paragliding, Trekking, and Horse Riding to Nature Walks, Rappelling, Boating, Rock Climbing you can enjoy it all here. Furthermore there are experienced guides who will look after the safety of the visitors. So you can be relaxed about that part.
Major tourist attractions near Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh
Khajjiar Lake
Located at an elevation of 1920 metres the Khajjiar Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by greenery. One of the popular sightseeing spots in Himachal Pradesh, the main attraction here is the floating island. It is basically a clump of grass on the surface of the lake that makes it look like an island. Furthermore the location is also perfect for activities like Picnic, Zorbing, Paragliding, Horse Riding etc.
Dainkund Peak
Another beautiful hill station, the Dainkund Peak is the highest peak in Dalhousie. There are treks available from Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh to reach the Dainkund Peak as well. During winters the peak offers a mesmerising view of the snow capped mountains.
Panch Pandav Tree
Around the Khajjiar lake there is a forest area where the Panch Pandav tree is found. It is believed that this tree with 6 branches depicts the 5 Pandavas and their wife Draupadi. There is another tree in the forest known as the Mother Tree. This tree has 15 branches all belonging to equal heights and is located only 1 km away from Khajjiar.
Khajji Nag Temple
This is a temple dedicated to Lord of Serpents Khajji Nag. It is an ancient temple that dates back to the 12th century and looks beautiful. Located on the shore of Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh the temple houses Lord Shiva, figures of Pandavas and Kauravas and Hidimba. Furthermore this is one of the places where the sacrifice of goats is still practiced.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread across 30.69 km the Kalatop Sanctuary is one of the popular tourist attractions in Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh. With trees like Green Oak, Blue Pine and Rhododendron this sanctuary is extremely rich in its flora. Furthermore animals like Jackals, Bears, Barking Goral, and Leopard are housed here. Trekking to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary from Khajjiar is one of the popular activities here. Along with that the tourists also enjoy activities like nature walks here.
Lord Shiva Statue
This statue of Lord Shiva is a massive statue of 85 feet and is one of the tallest statues found in Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore this bronze polished statue is a beautiful sight to witness with the breathtaking backdrop.
Golden Devi Temple
Located in the landscape of Khajjiar the Golden Devi Temple is yet another major tourist attraction of this area. Mostly appreciated for its architectural brilliance, the Golden Devi Temple has a distinct Himachali touch. Furthermore the temple holds utmost religious importance for the local people in Khajjiar.
Wrapping Up!
Locations like Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh still bask in the glory of being an untouched land. And because of less human and tourist intervention specifically, the pristine land still retains its charm. A haven for nature lovers, Khajjiar can be the ultimate breakthrough from your monotonous regular life. With the kind of natural beauty that it offers you will be mesmerized and bowled over. So don’t miss out on this majestic location. Missing out on this location would be like losing out on so much beauty.
Next time when you are planning to visit Himachal Pradesh definitely include Khajjiar in your itinerary. You can even keep one day free from your trip to Himachal Pradesh and dedicate that day to visit Khajjiar. I don’t think you would regret this decision. So don’t delay your travel plans and visit this beautiful site. Do let me know if this particular article was helpful for you in planning a trip to Khajjiar Himachal Pradesh.
