Khajjiar is a small hill station located in Chamba district, and is a famous tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is surrounded by meadows and forests. Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world that bear a topographical resemblance with Switzerland. On 7 July 1992, Swiss Envoy Willy P. Blazer, Vice-Counsellor and Head of the Chancery of Switzerland in India brought Khajjiar on the world tourism map by calling it “Mini Switzerland”. The moment one enters the picturesque Khajjiar, one is welcomed by a yellow Swiss sign for ‘hiking path’ which reads “Mini Switzerland”.
Set against the backdrop of dense pines, deodars and lush green meadow, Khajjiar is exquisitely nestled down in the foothills of the imposing Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas. The dish-shaped Khajjiar provides a panoramic and breathtaking perspective to visitors.
Which is the best month to visit Khajjiar
Khajjiar is place which can be visited in any month of the year. If you wish to enjoy a mild summer then visit between April to June. During the months of April to June when the average temperature ranges between 14-30 degree Celsius. The days are pleasantly cool and evenings are chilly. These months are perfect for adventures like trekking, backpacking, and sightseeing.
In case you are a snow lover, months between November to March will be perfect. The average temperature during the months of Dec to Feb ranges between 2-15 degree Celsius. There is magical snowfall in these months. Covered in white blanket of snow the place looks like a picture from a postcard.
Places to visit in Khajjiar
Dauladhar mountains
Khajjiar is placed at the base of the Dauladhar mountains. It gives a picturesque view of the mountains.
Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
It is an animal sanctuary at kalatop and khajjiar in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. There is a dense deodar and fir forest covering the sanctuary, which is about 6 km from Dalhousie. Pheasants, serow and black bear are some of the common animals found here. The place is a favourite spot for picnics and trekking
Khajjiar Lake
Khajjiar Lake is situated in Khajjiar, in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The lake is surrounded by evergreen cedar trees from all sides.
Khajji Nag temple
Khajjiar is famous for the popular Khajji Naga shrine dedicated to the serpent god from which the name is believed to have been derived. The temple dates back to the 10th century and is interspaced with different patterns and images on the ceiling and wooden posts. A curious blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture is reflected in the wooden carvings on the ceilings and wooden posts. The image carvings are said to represent the Kauravas who were tied up here in the hideout by the Pandavas.The dome-shaped shrine is made of slates locally extracted from limestone quarries. Adjoining are other shrines of Shiva and Hadimba goddess also.
Trekking in Khajjiar
Trekking is very famous in Khajjiar. Khajjiar to Dainkund is a 3.5-kilometre easy to moderate trek. The trek starts 6 kilometres from Khajjiar on the Dalhousie-Khajjiar road and ends at Pholani Devi Temple at Dainkund. This trek has a well-defined trail. The trek offers excellent views and a beautiful camping site.
How to reach Khajjiar
Khajjiar can be reached from Dalhousie, the nearest major town. The journey from Chamba to dalhousie to Khajjiar may be undertaken either by buses run by the HP Tourism Development Corporation or by one’s own vehicle. Khajjiar is about 95kms from Pathankot Railway Station and 130 kms from the Gaggal Airport in the district Kangra.
The Himachal Road Transport Corporation runs long distance services throughout the state from their main stands at Shimla, Solan, Kangra, Dharmsala and Pathnakot and from locations in the adjoining states of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh(UT). Private buses, serving everywhere else, frequent and provide a relaxed mode of commuting.
Where to stay in Khajjiar
There are many hotels and resorts available to choose from . These resorts have beautiful scenic views of the Dauladhar mountains from the resorts . The hotels and resorts are costlier during the peak season that is during summer months april to june and cheaper during the off season in the months of Nov to Feb winter season.