A Guide to Khajjiar, India’s Mini Switzerland
If you are planning to roam and want to enjoy abroad while staying in the country? Or is Switzerland one of your dream places 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 the foothills of the magnificent Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas. This contains almost three ecosystems, such as forest, lake, and pasture.
Popularity of Khajjiar
The blue water of the lake, with cedar trees, has very beautiful shadows. The most attractive thing here is the floating island, which is actually a bunch of grass growing on the surface of the lake. This is famous for the beautiful and noiseless environment amongst the Travellers. It also offers great adventures such as paragliding, horse riding, trekking, and zorbing for people who love 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 good road to 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 to 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 time 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 places in Khajjiar that one should definitely visit on their escape:
1. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
It is known for its lush green surroundings 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 place for zorbing, paragliding, and 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, a glimpse of Mount Kailash is 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 is 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 the 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 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 the 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 the 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 the time long
11. Nine Hole Golf Course
It is located in the middle of greenery and is also known for its 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 places and a historical place too, built in a 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 souvenirs.
- 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 its natural landscape makes it 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 exploring the nearby places and the 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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