Often referred to as ‘mini-Switzerland of India’, Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures.

The mesmerising beauty of this place has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals. Located at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the natural beauty and picturesque landscape of this place are bound to leave an everlasting impression on a tourist. Khajjiar is known for its nine-hole golf-course which is nestled in the midst of lush greenery and a breath-taking landscape.

MINI SWITZERLAND

On 7 July 1992, Mr. Willy T. Blazer, Vice Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India brought Khajjiar on the world tourism map by calling it “Mini Switzerland”. Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world that bear topographical resemblance with Switzerland. The counsellor also took from Khajjiar a stone which will form part of a stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to remind the visitors of Khajjiar as a Mini Switzerland of India.

KALATOP WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Located on the slopes between Khajjiar and Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular and well known of the wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. It spreads over 30.69 sq km and is covered with deodar trees. The vegetation also includes Green Oak, Blue Pine and Rhododendron trees.

KHAJJIAR LAKE

Khajjiar Lake is amongst the most popular tourist sites in the state. Surrounded by Deodar forests, grassland and hills, the 1.5 sq km large lake is a perfect picnic spot. Water from a number of streams fills the lake, which is named after Khajji Nag, the main deity in the nearby shrine.

KHAJJI NAGA TEMPLE

The 12th-century Khajji Naga temple is one of the ancient and holiest temples in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Khajji Nag, the lord of serpents. Khajjiar gets its name from the temple. The temple’s chambers are carved out of wood and its architecture exhibits a fusion of Muslim and Hindu style.

HOW TO REACH KHAJJIAR

The town of Khajjiar is a part of Chamba district and is well connected to Chamba and Dalhousie (24 km) and can be easily reached via taxis. The nearest railway station is in Pathankot and nearest airport is in Dharamshala called the Gaggal airport, at a distance of about 120 km and then a taxi can get you to Khajjiar. Alternatively, you can reach to Chamba or Dalhousie by bus and then take a cab from there. The.