A hill station of Chamba district Himachal Pradesh Khajjar is situated 24 kilometers away from Dalhousie. In spite of being a small holly town, Khajjiar is a total package of adventure, nature, and cultural lovers. For those reasons, the small town has become a place worth visiting in our Incredible India.
A small stream-fed lake is there on the plateau where Khajjiar is situated. The middle of the lake is covered with weeds. Meadows and forests surround the place. The elevation of the place is 2000 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range of the Western Himalayas. Actually, the place is a part of the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary. The place is a rare combination of three ecosystems: lake, pasture, and forest.
Mini Switzerland:
Swiss Envoy Willy P Blazer put Khajjiar in a new shape on the map of the world that is in the name of Mini Switzerland’.The town is one of the 160 towns in the world which resembles the topographical varieties that is similar to Switzerland. A stone was also taken from Khajjiar to the stone Cottage around the Swiss Parliament to remind the people about Khajjiar; Mini Switzerland of India. A sign of a yellow Swiss hiking Footpath through which it is shown that Khajjiar is 6194 kilometers away from the Swiss capital Berne.
History:
The name Khajjiar is derived from the ancient idol named KhajjiNaag, a deity among the local people of the place. A stone Idol, with a double dagger in one hand and a mess in the other, the temple of KhajjiNaag was established during the 12th century when the Rajput ruled over the area. The Mughals came to the rule and after that came the Sikhs. During that time East India Company came under the rule of the British Empire. The town still carried on the British influence all through. After its Independence, it became a part of the Indian Republic. On the 7th of July 1992, space has become to be known as Mini Switzerland of India for its kaleidoscopic beauty all around. Khajjiar, the beautiful station of India now gets recognition from all over the world.
Flora and Fauna:
An animal Sanctuary called Kalatop is situated here. A tracking trail is existing here. The Deodar and fir forest are there which is worth watching. Ravi River lies in the path with the wild beauty of the coniferous forest. Blue Pine and Deodar with oak are the specialties of this place. This forest also has an undergrowth that is well developed. Bear, Leopard, dear, Langur, etc. are some specialties of the region. Many types of birds are found in the sanctuary as Eurasian Jay, black-headed Jay, etc.
Khajjiar Weather:
A quintessential hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar has brighter light and sweet fragrances. Majestic mountains, stunning rivers, beautiful valleys, awesome forests, and meadows are the specialties here. Adventure sports and historic temples are coming in through the canvas. The fascinating and multi-sensorial Universe can be smelt here. Khajjiar near Dalhousie is renowned for its beauty and fun. To visit the place depends upon someone and is based on their tolerance to heat, cold, and moisture. The peak season of the place is between April to September. During Khajjiar in winter, it is severe cold. But the winter transforms the place into a Wonderland. If somebody wants to visit the place during winter thermals are a must.
The place is very much rich in historical Heritage. Temples are the main attraction of this place. You can get the charm of the age-old architecture here. The sculpture of the primordial Hindu age and ethnicity is prevalent here. Folk songs and Indigenous music is the specialty here. Different types of tribal songs are an example of the diversity of this place. During Shivaratri and Vaishakhi the people are India’s most joyous Mod. The folk songs like AinchiliandNaulamake the weather merry. The Kundanjali songs are sung during the Sravana festival according to Hindu mythology. Time is best during harvest time. The metalware with patterns inspired by the ancient bronze age can be seen here. Handicrafts and art crafts are the other options for earning. The pottery and making of silver jewelry of ethnic style is the specialty of the place. Yogurt and cardamom are extensively used for cooking. The authentic flavor of the mountainous region is provided here.
Dresses:
The people of Khajjiar are mainly divided between Rajput and brahmins. Rajput men wear tight churidar Pajamas with a turban. Brahman can be seen wearing a kurta and Pajama overcoats. Priests wear white clothes with soft towel-like clothes. Ghagra and salwar kameez with these are the dresses for women. Rings, bangles, and footwear is designed for grass and animal skin. Chak Chand etc are the name of some Jewelleries. Pashmishawl is famous in this place with intricate design and delicate embroideries. It is too soft but warm when it has been worn.
How to Reach:
Gaggal airport or Kangra Airport is the nearest one which is situated 134 km away from Khajjiar and is well connected with other parts of the country. In railways nearest station is Pathankot 142 kilometers away from Khajjiar, and 572 km away Khajjiar from Delhi. The bus service is excellent through Himachal Road Transport Service or by private buses. Local buses are also there which are of reasonable price Cab services are also available.
Adventure:
The place is famous for its adventure sports due to its high hills and mountains. It is heaven for the Khajjiar Trek. Daikund which is 3 kilometers trek from Khajjiar is popular among all types of people.
Places to Visit:
For rejuvenation of body and mind in our Incredible India Khajjiar is one of the most popular places for travelers. Situated near Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh it is one of the most visited places for tourists. The serenity of the place touches the mind of each and every people who once come to this place for watching unexplored places in the lap of the Himalayas. Lots of natural wealth can be watched from here. Surrounded by snow-clad mountains and lots of unknown vegetation, it is a perfect place for nature lovers with its Apple orchards. It is a place to remember for its quint beauty and the stunning view of Chamba Valley of Himachal Pradesh which is perfectly visible from here.
Khajjiar Lake:
Khajjiar Lake is situated at a height of 1920 meters and is totally free from noise and pollution. A walk by the lake or sitting simply by the side of it is an awesome experience. The chirping of birds and the dancing of sun rays into the lake will soothe everyone’s mind. The blanket of Cedar trees which is Emerald in color will give you extra energy. Zorbing, paragliding, horse riding, and many other activities are done here.
Khajjiar Naag Temple:
Adorned by a spire and also with a golden dome-shaped roof by the side of the Khajjiar Lake the temple is famous for its mythological importance. Hindu and Mughal style of architecture was followed during the building of this temple in the 12th century BC. It is famous for Snake worship along with Lord Shiva and the goddess Hidimba. The inner side of the temple has paintings from Mahabharata.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary:
The sanctuary is exclusively crafted By Nature with lots of trees. It is the Homeland of some of the Peculiar animals which can be seen only here and nowhere else. That’s why it is still pristine in nature. The other thing which may enchant a traveler is the tranquility of the forest. Mist Clouds engulf the sanctuary and the best time to visit this place is between March to October. The backdrop of the snow-clad mountains is really marvelous. Trekking, wildlife Safari, Birds watching are some of the activities here.
Daikund Peak:
Daikund peak is situated in Dalhousie which is 2745 meters high and sometimes is called a singing pick as the passing wind creates an atmosphere like that. This is the paradise for biking and trekking explorers. The path to the valley is serpentine in shape with dense Deodar forest. Rocky terrain, the sound of gushing water, and the mesmerizing flowers please the mind.
Kailash Village:
Kailash village is called a place of pure and serene Beauty with the quiet huts on the mountain slopes with apple orchards. This village simply wins up your mind. A quiet country in the lap of Mountain can be experienced here. The villages are also famous for their tasty food of local cuisine.
Panch Pandav Tree:
Among the coniferous trees, this exquisite tree is situated in Khajjiar. The uniqueness of possessing 6 roots is a specialty of this tree. Locals are believed that the five roots are the Pancha Pandavas and the sixth is Draupadi. The souls of Pandavas and Draupadi is still believed to be there in that place. That tree has a religious significance.
Panchpula:
Numerous merrily cascading rivers are the beauty of this place. Bathing in those rivulets will cure lots of diseases that are believed by the local people. The other attractions of this place are the monument of Revolutionary Sardar Ajit Singh. The greenery and gushing stream will soothe everybody’s mind.
Golden Devi Temple:
Surrounded by the lusciously green PirPanjal families it is one of the must-visit places for tourists. The Dome is Golden in color. The place is 25 kilometers away from Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. A golf course is there to have some recreation. This is a religious place of the Hindus and is called to be too sacred.
Lord Shiva Statue:
It is the tallest statue in Himachal Pradesh and among the 10 tallest statues in India. The height is about 85 ft. Many folklores are associated with the statue. It had been built to impress God and get his blessings. The place is a holy one for Hindu devotees.
Tibetan Handicrafts Center:
With lots of shops, this center lures you with its stocks. The entire market has lots of items and also a Shoppers Paradise. Various shops, eateries, and other options will give you our feeling: satisfaction.
Dhauladhar Range:
The Dhauladhar range will soothe one’s body and mind. The mountain covered with white snow gives a jerk in mind. God seems to have made this mountain with the help of his own hand. The fluffy cloud and the soothing Wind blowing past will please each and everybody.
Time One May Take to Visit the Place:
A short vacation of a week will enable anyone to visit Khajjiar and its surroundings. The best time to visit Khajjiar is from April to June or July to September.
Khajjiar Hotels:
Different types of hotels and homestays are there in Khajjiar. According to your pocket, you have to book it. All are clean. The food is good with a view of the mountain. For local trips, cabs are available which are well maintained and are driven by experts.
In our Incredible India, Khajjiar is a place near Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh which is also known as ‘Mini Switzerland in India‘. Go and explore the place for getting the pleasure of your mind. Have a nice holiday.
