Khajjiar, Often called India's Switzerland, the exquisite glade of Khajjiar (1960m) has a circumference of about 5 km. Along its fringes, thick forests of deodar climb the slopes, the snow-line rests above these woods and in the centre of the glade, is a small lake fed by streams that traverse the green carpet. A small picturesque saucer-shaped plateau surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests, is one of the 160 places throughout the world to have been designated "Mini Switzerland". The moment one enters the picturesque Khajjiar; one is welcomed by a yellow Swiss sign for 'hiking path', which reads "Mini Switzerland". Khajjiar is part of the notified Kalatop - Khajjiar sanctuary. The Monal Pheasant, a bird which was fairly common till recent times has become relatively difficult to spot nowadays.

 

Khajjiar:  is known as one of the most charming spots in the Himalayas, derives its name from its ancient, golden-domed temple of Khajjinag. The 12th-century Khajjinag temple is a small shrine dedicated to the local Goddess or the Devi. This temple is also known as the Golden Devi temple, as it is adorned with a golden dome and spire. Pilgrims visiting the Chamba valley often come to this temple.

The  history of Khajjiar is linked to the rulers of Chamba. The local Rajput rulers ruled Chamba valley in the 6th century ad and made it their capital city. This region became the part of the Mughal Empire in the medieval period and later came under various Sikh kingdoms. Finally, it was taken over by the British. It became a part of the state of Himachal Pradesh when it came into being on April 15, 1948.

 

Khajjiar Lake :This lake is 16 km from Dalhousie and 22 km from Chamba. Fed by slim streams, this small lake rests in the centre of the large glade of Khajjiar. The glade and the lake are held sacred to Khajjinag - after whom the place is named. Khajjiar has the thick forest of the Kalatop sanctuary surrounding its soft green grass. It is 1.5 km long and 1 km wide. It is surrounded by cedar (deodar) forest. This is like a magical paradise. A temple dedicated to Khajjinag is also located there. Khajjiar is also called "Mini Switzerland". The lake remains full of water in all the seasons and requires no rain water for survival. Khajjiar has an islet with a small lake surrounding it. The lake is considered to be holy by the locals as legend associated it with Khajjinag, the deity in the Khajji temple. The Khajji Nag temple is made in pahari style and the object of worship is 'Nagdev', carved out of stone in human from.

 

Panch Pandav Tree :
On the right side is the photograph of one of the rest houses in Khajjiar. This one is special because the tree near the rest house is of a very different kind. It is called the "Panch Pandav" (Five Pandav). Though the main root is the same but the base of the tree is divided into six parts, which make it one of the kind. It is also one of the main attractions when you begin to explore the Khajjiar ground on your feet. Near this rest house is the way leading to a small village and Khajjiar School. The locals believe that these six shoots represent five Pandvas and their common wife Dropadi. But trees with many shoots are a common occurrence in the Khajjiar forest. At a distance of one kilometer from Khajjiar towards Dalhousie a big deodar trees exists having more than 13 soots of comparable height. This trees has popularly come to be known as 'Mother Tree' of the area.

 

 

 

View of Kailash and Children Special Horse Riding :
On a clear day, you can see the Mountain Kailash from Khajjiar ground. Mount Kailash is believed to be the home of the principle deity of Himachal, the lord Shiva. You can also enjoy the horse riding here. Some local people are engaged in this business and you can ride the whole Khajjiar ground (from outside) for a nominal charge. The riding is very enjoyable, also the horses are well trained and do not scare you away.

 

Khajjiar: was a favorite place for golf players until recent past. The golf holes can still be seen though in abandoned  state. On the brink of lake, there is a beautiful temple of Khajji Nag from where the place derives its name as Khajji. So it attached a religious significance for the local people who celebrate a fair every year. The Khajji Nag temple is made in pahari style and the object of worship is 'Nagdev', carved out of stone in human from. The images of five Pandvas: Yudhishtra, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul and Sahdev beautiful made out of wood stand in the corners of the Mandapa of the temple. A small temple of Hadimba also stands close by. This has led people to believe that the Pandavas happened to visit this place during their exile and their period of incognito. There stands a deodar tree near the P.W.D. Rest house having six shoots of almost equal height. The locals believe that these six shoots represent five Pandvas and their common wife Dropadi. But trees with many shoots are a common occurrence in the Khajjiar forest. At a distance of one kilometer from Khajjiar towards Dalhousie a big deodar trees exists having more than 13 soots of comparable height. This trees has popularly come to be known as 'Mother Tree' of the area. Kalatop.

 

 

KHAJJIAR (How To Get There)

 

By air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal, in Kangra ( 180 km ) and Pathankot is 105km.

By rail: The nearest railhead is at Pathankot ( 120 km ).

By road: Khajjiar is connected by road, and is 26 km from Delhi and 24 km from Chamba.

 

Climate The climate of Khajjiar is alpine Summers (April-June) are mild and winters (November-February) are cold and bitter. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.