Khajjiar

Shaped like a saucer, this huge bowl of 7 emerald-turfed meadows, 1.6-km long and 0.9-km broad, lies embedded beneath a dense pine forest surrounded by high mountains, and fringed by gigantic deodars. Along its fringes, amidst the thick forests above the woods and in the centre of the glade, is a small lake fed by streams that traverse the green carpet. Hutchinson wrote, "Khajjiar is a forest glade of great beauty, 6,400 feet above sea level". Khajjiar is often referred as the "Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh.
On 07-07-1992, Mr. Willy T. Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India, brought Khajjiar on the world tourism map by


christening it "Mini Switzerland". He also put a sign board of a yellow Swiss hiking footpath showing Khajjiar's distance from the Swiss capital Berne-6,194-kms. Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world that bear topographical resemblance with Switzerland. The Counselor 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 Mini Switzerland of India

Prime Attractions of Khajjiar

It's possible to trek 30-km from Dalhousie to Chamba along the eastbound road from Gandhi Chowk. A short but steep ascent leads to the Kalatope wildlife sanctuary, from which one can walk into a pleasant track.
Fed by slim streams, this small lake rests in the center of the large glade of Khajjiar. The glade and the lake are held sacred to 'Khajjinag'- after whom the place is named.
Adding to the charms of Khajjiar, which also hugs a golden-domed Devi temple, is a golf course set in the midst of the idyllic surroundings. The golden spire of the Devi's abode beckons one to the fringe of the lake.
A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag belonging to 12th century A.D. In the mandapa of the temple one can see the images of the Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully carved from wood.
Set in the rolling green turf is a small lake. The earth is 'spongy' due to dense growth of weed called 'vacha' over which dust has formed a thick layer of earth.

How To Get There - Khajjiar

The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 18-km. The closest rail head is at Pathankot, 120-km away. Khajjiar is connected by road and is 26-km from Dalhousie and 24-km from Chamba. It is 520-km from Delhi.

Places To Stay - Khajjiar

Accommodation is available in the form of Tourist Bungalow, Youth hostel and Guesthouses, there are also a few economical modern hotels. Hotel Devdar (HPTDC).

Climate - Khajjiar

In winter, temperature can lower just above freezing point when heavy woollens are required but summer is quite pleasant time in Khajjiar and light woollens or cottons are recommended.

General Information - Khajjiar

Himachal Pradesh 1,951m May-July & September-November

Useful Information - Khajjiar

The Lake, Golden Devi Temple