Khajjiar

Khajjiar is a tiny hill station situated in Chamba district in the northwestern part of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Perched at an altitude of 1951 m above sea level and 23 km from Dalhousie towards Chamba, it is a grassy marg or meadow with a circumference of about 5 kms surrounded by thick deodar forest and has a lake in the centre. Lakhs of tourists not only from within the country but also from abroad visit this Khajjiar every year.

It was Willy P. Blaser, the Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland who christened Khajjiar as 'Mini Switzerland' on July 7, 1992. Blazer, as per the tradition of his country, had taken a stone from Khajjiar which was made a part of a stone sculpture installed opposite the Swiss Federal Houses of Parliament in Berne, capital of Switzerland and certified Khajjiar as Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh. The sculpture at Berne has stones from 159 other locations in the world that bear topographical resemblance with Switzerland. With this, Khajjiar became one with the 160 places within the world that resemble the topography of Switzerland. Blaser also erected a yellow Swiss hiking footpath signboard indicates the distance from the Swiss capital Berne up to Khajjiar as 6,194 km. 

Derives its name from its ancient temple of Khajinag, it is a part of the Khajjiar-Kalatop sanctuary which is spread over 18.5 hectares. One of the most charming spots in the Himalayas, the saucer shaped Khajjiar is endowed with dense forests of majestic deodars, oaks and pine trees, lush green meadows, bubbly streams etc. A vital part (the summer camp scenes) of the super hit movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was shot at this place. The fine walks in or around the ground and pleasant climate which make Khajjiar a memorable holiday experience. Although the climate of Khajjiar remains pleasant throughout the year, it is more better to visit this place during summers (April-June). The town receives good rainfall during the rainy months of July and August.

Tourist Attractions

Khajjiar Lake
Set in the lush green grassland is a small attractive lake. One of the six famous natural lakes in Himachal Pradesh, the lake is considered to be very sacred by the local people because Khajjinag, the deity in the Khajji temple has some legendary association with Khajjiar Lake. It is fed by tiny streams that lies at the center of large Khajjiar glade. There are two islands keeps floating mysteriously on it and sometimes they are hidden from view by the tall grass that grows on them. Local people believes that it is because of some divine reasons. The lake never dries even in the summers but it freezes in the peak of winter. One can enjoy horse ride circumambulating the lake.

Khajji Nag Temple
Just a short distance away from the lake is a golden domed Khajji Nag Temple. Dating back to 12 th century, the temple is dedicated to Khajji Naga, the Serpent God. One can see an artistic blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture. Shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Hadimba are also placed inside the temple. The inner sanctum is made of wood. Life-size wooden images of Pandava defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path are put in temple's mandapa.

Nine Hole Golf course
There is a nine-hole golf course at Khajjiar.

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated is the topmost point, it is spread around Khajjiar and Dalhousie. The sanctuary inhabits deer, leopard, bear, wild cat, many species of birds and some endangered species. An ideal spot for wildlife photography, the sanctuary is filled with tall, dense deodar trees is a pleasant place to explore during Khajjiar trip.

Nearby places
Some of the places near Khajjiar are Chamba, Dalhousie, Lakkarmandi, Bharmour, and Jot.