A Guide to Khajjiar, India’s Mini Switzerland
If you are planning to roam and want to enjoy abroad while staying in-country? Or Switzerland is one of your dream place to visit? What if someone tells you that India has a Mini Switzerland which would give you the exact feeling of being in Switzerland? Or you are a nature explorer? Then you must think about Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh, India. Because it is also known as “Mini Switzerland“
About Khajjiar
A small attractive pot-shaped plateau surrounded by closely pines and deodar forests is one of the 160 places throughout the world to be known as “mini Switzerland” or ” Khajjiar“.
Khajjiar is a hill station in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India which is located approximately 21.6km away from Dalhousie. It is about 1980 meters above sea level in the western Himalayas. Khajjiar is beautifully settled down in foothills of the magnificent dhauladhar ranges of Western Himalayas. This contains almost three ecosystems such as forest, lake, and pasture.
Popularity of Khajjiar
The blue water of the lake cedar trees surrounded by it has very beautiful shadows. The most attractive thing here is the floating island which actually a bunch of grasses growing on the surface of the lake. This is famous for the beautiful and noiseless environment amongst the Traveller. It also offers great adventure such as paragliding, horse riding, trekking, and zorbing for people who loves some thrill.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Where to stay
There are guest houses or hotels where you can stay.
How to reach
By Air
the nearest airport is Gaggal airport, located at a distance of 134 km. Flights from Chandigarh, Delhi, and Kullu run to Gaggal.
By bus
Khajjiar is connected by a very well road of all the important towns of Himachal including Dalhousie, Chamba, and Shimla. State-owned and private buses are also available as per your convenience.
By train
the nearest railway station is located at a distance of 118km in Pathankot. Trains from Delhi, Bhatinda, and Chandigarh are also available till Pathankot. Thereafter taxis can be hired to complete the journey till khajjiar.
When to travel
- November to March: 6-27 degree C
- April to June: 17-38 mild summers
- July to September: 24- 34 mid-high rainfall
Best time to visit
The most excellent timing to visit Khajjiar is between March and June.
If you want to witness snowfall then the best time to explore Khajjiar is in the winter months, from December to March. Otherwise, the temperature remains cool throughout the year.
Look at the list of top tourist paces in Khajjiar that one should definitely visit on their escape:
1. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
It is known for the lush green surrounding and snow capped Himalayan peaks.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 15km
- Opening hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Best time to visit: April to October
2. Khajjir Lake
It is the best to place for zorbing, paragliding, horse riding. Surrounded by ample amounts of trees.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 21km
- Opening hours: NA
- Best time to visit: April to July
3. Kailash villages
From the Khajjiar ground glimpse of mount Kailash are available on a clear day.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 440km
- Opening hours: NA
- Best time to visit: mid – may to mid – October
4. Panch Pandav Tree
This tree is famous for its 13 shoots and also known as the ‘mother tree’ of the whole locale.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 1km
- Opening hours: NA
- Best time to visit: All year long
5. Khaji Nag Temple
It was constructed in the 12th century and the entire place is decorated with wooden architecture.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 21km
- Opening hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Best time to visit: April to july
6. Panchpula
It is best known for trekking. Five streams come together to form this waterfall, while panchpula mainstream supplies water to the various localities of Dalhousie.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 22km
- Opening hours: NA
- Best time to visit: April to October
7. Tibetan Handicrafts Center
It is perfect for buying clothes, pieces of jewelry and various pieces of items.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 86km
- Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Best time to visit: April to july
8. Subhash Baoli
It is best for the stunning view of snow – capped peaks.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 1km
- opening hours: 24 hours
- Best time to visit: All year long
9. Dainkund Peak
It is best place to enjoy the beauty of nature. It is the highest peak in Dalhousie.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 12.8km
- Opening hours: being a camping site, this place has no timing
- Best time to visit: March to May and June to October
10. Golden Devi Temple
It is perfect for visiting the golf course and it has been named golden Devi temple due to the golden dome of this temple.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 8.6km
- Opening hours: NA
- Best time to visit: All time long
11. Nine Hole Golf Course
It is located in the middle of greenery and also known for dense forest and beautiful temples.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 22km
- Opening hours: NA
- Best time to visit: May to December
12. Church of Scotland
One of the sacred place and historical place too built in dressed stone structure.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 45.6km
- Opening hours: NA
- Best time to visit: All year long
13. HP State Handicrafts Center
This place offers all the Himachal traditional items like shawls, caps, etc. Also a good place to buy local souvenir.
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 54km
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Best time to visit: May to December
14. Ganji Pahadi
It is known as bald hill and it’s natural landscape makes it’s an exciting trekking trail.
- Approx. distance from Pathankot: 7.2km
- Opening hours: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Best time to visit: All year long
15. Dal Lake
If you are interested in natural photography and boating then this is the best place to be at .
- Approx. distance from Dalhousie: 385.2km
- Opening hours: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Best time to visit: All year long
How many days are sufficient for Khajjiar?
You can spend three to four days to explore nearby places and top places of Khajjiar.
Hope you have got all the information that you were looking for this stunning place Khajjiar or mini Switzerland. And if you want to Know more stunning or wonderful places like this, then write the name of the place in the comment box or follow.
Also Read: 3 Days Island Peak Climbing from Chhukung
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