khajjiar is a very beautiful hill station in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India. And it is located approximately 24 km from Dalhousie. Khajjiar is often called mini Switzerland of India. The beautiful glade of Khajjiar, 1960 m has a circumference of about 5 km. Along it's edging, thick forests of deodar climb the slants, the snow-line rests above these woods. If you still don't believe that khajjiar is called the mini Switzerland of India, read this: “Khajjiar was bestowed with the title of Mini Switzerland in 1992 by Willy Blazer, Vice-Chancellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland, He also placed a yellow Swiss hiking signboard. Khajjiar is one of 160 places in the world that bear tropical similarity to Switzerland." Khajjiar is situated on a small mountain, a small stream filled lake between which is covered with weeds. The hill station is surrounded by grassland and forests. Khajjiar can be reached in an or two hour from Dalhousie, the nearest major city and hill station. It has a rare combination of three ecosystems: lake, forest, and pasture. The nearest mercantile town to Khajjiar is Pathankot, but that’s away more than 100 km. Pathankot is the nearest railway station if you want to reach Khajjiar from New Delhi.
History:
Someone has told the truth that if there is a paradise somewhere on earth, it is in Switzerland. The 'Khajjiar' is considered one of the world's 160 mini Switzerland. The beauty of Khajjiar is no less than Switzerland, the country of Europe. The weather here, the lush green trees of pine cedar, the soft velvety greenery and the mountains and the tranquility and mental relaxation make you feel Switzerland. Thousands of years old, this small hill station is particularly known for Khajji Nag temple. Nagdev is worshiped here. But tourists mainly come to enjoy the climate of this hill station. The attraction of Khajjiar lies in the Khajjiar lake covered with pine and deodar trees. The green soft and attractive grass around the lake adds beauty to the Khajjiar. In the middle of the lake, there are two places where tourists get excited by reaching. The weather of Khajjiar is pleasant throughout the day, but in the evening, the weather here becomes so enchanting and thrilling that you find yourself in another world.
Culture:
Khajjiar is a small town in Himachal Pradesh, which has a close society that follows its traditions. The people of this small town are hospitable and warm and still, cling to the charm of the old world that left the British heritage behind. Khajjiar has a mostly tribal population, including Gurjars and Gaddis, along with Punjabi and hills. The population of Hindus is highest here. However, Buddhists also live in large numbers. Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs are residents of Khajjiar. People here live in harmony and are hospitable to tourists. His attire includes traditional Indian clothes - jacket, kurta, dhoti and the famous Himachali cap for men. Women wear women 'salwar kameez' and their traditional nose rings. Ordinary people lead a simple lifestyle. They live in mud-built houses with slate roofs. In some places, the roofs are made of wood. Overall, people's lifestyles are laid back. They are often found engaging themselves in activities such as zorbing, which involves rolling up a slope from inside a plastic zorb. Tourism and agriculture maintain the economy of the city.
Main Attractions:
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary:
Kalatop wildlife sanctuary is one of the most attractive and beautiful places to visit in khajjiar. Spread over slouch 30.69 sq. km.
this wildlife reserve is popular for hikes and walks. this wildlife reserve is popular for hikes and walks. this sanctuary is full of trees like green oak, blue pine, and rhododendron and people around there can spot barking Himalayan black marten, goral, jackal, bear, langur, leopard within the sanctuary. There is also a beautiful river, which gives the feeling of being, its name is Ravi. that makes this place pleasing, scenic and breathtaking.
Open hours: 7am to 6pm.
Kailash Village:
To touch the heights of the clouds, to see and feel such beautiful pictures of mountain peaks that are filled with the rustle of the air at all times, kailash village is a great place to visit. Mostly relaxing in the middle of lush mountains and dense and thick deodar forests. The calm and scenic villages are some of the best places to visit in Khajjiar, to involvement in the country life. Ladi, Rota etc are some of the most beautiful villages offering amazing views of Mount Kailash.
Some villages are around Khajjiar and are popular for their apple orchards. If you are thinking about staying there then you can stay with the local people there, And the local cuisine can be eaten with fervour, And can enjoy the slow life there.
Khajjiar Lake:
It is situated at a height of 1,920 meters above sea level between Chamba and Dalhousie Town. There are beautiful grasslands that seem very attractive. it is ideal for rejuvenation of mind and body. The major attraction of this place is the island that floats, which is actually a clump of grass fatten on the lake’s surface. Khajjiar Lake is mostly visited by tourists and locals for day picnics, zorbing, paragliding, and horse riding. One can also enjoy the fascinating views of Mount Kailash from the lake on a sunny day.
Open time: 8:30 am-6:30 pm
Panch Pandav Tree:
Trees having innumerable shoots isn't wonder in Khajjiar. Within the dense deodar forests nearby the Khajjiar Lake, Panch Pandav Tree is one of the unique places to visit in Khajjiar. This tree has 6 shoots and locals believe that the same represent Draupadi and 5 Pandavas. Near a rest house, Panch Pandav tree is located, that leads to Khajjiar villages. About a km from Khajjiar towards Dalhousie is a giant deodar tree with about 15 shoots of the same height. This place is a great place to visit.
Open time: All the time
Khajji Nag Temple:
This is one of the aged temples of Himachal Pradesh, Dedicated to Khajji Nag or god of Serpents. This temple stands with the pinnacle of a gold dome due to which it is also known as the "Golden Devi" temple. Khajji Nag temple was built in the 12fth century and the wood carvings show Mughal-Hindu architecture pattern and styles. This temple boasts of idols of Shiva, Hidimba, and images of Kaurava and Pandava, situated on the bank of khajjiar lake. The old goat sacrifice practice is still practiced here.
