A Guide To Khajjiar’s 10 Best Tourist Attractions!

Khajjiar also denoted as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” is a stunning place in Himachal Pradesh. Khajjiar has grown and is renowned among the hill towns of North India over the years, and for all the right causes. The high-altitude Khajjiar Lakes lies nearby, enclosed by a cedar forest. It is a beautiful destination for travelers seeking peace and relaxation owing to the location’s natural tranquillity and beauty. 

It is not difficult to understand why Khajjiar is often denoted as the mini-Switzerland of India. The extensive grassy locations that encounter dense forests of deodar and cedar forests, with cottages dotting them at the occasional intervals, lend them an appearance similar to the Swiss countryside. The basic reason to plan a trip to Khajjiar is the snow-capped mountains, lush woods, wildlife, and adventure activities that one gets to witness here. 

There are so many places to visit in Khajjiar that you’d be lost as to where to start. So, have a look at our list to top tourist places in Khajjiar that you should surely see on your next vacation. Across North India, this place is famous for its honeymoon spot. A stay in the wooden cabin would be an unforgettable experience. There is a range of accommodations accessible, involving resorts, hotels, house stays, and camp stays. 

Dainkund Peak

Dalhousie is home to the Dainkund Peak, which is an equally well-known destination amongst visitors. This succulently verdant peak is overvalued as the highest in the region at a height of 2745 meters and proposes an all-around view of the valley no matter which direction you face. This peak is sometimes addressed as the “Singing Hill” owing to the whistling sounds the cool wind makes as it passes through the hill.

The road which leads to the valley is often scattered with biking fanatics but it can also be used for trekking. The serpentine path laden with dense Deodar trees on both sides, small streams of gushing water and rocky terrain, and the enthralling flower valley quietly bear witness to the astonishments of travelers as they attain the peak.

Khajjiar Peak

The Khajjiar peak is a 14 km trek through landscapes of Deodar and Pine’s trees scattered with streams. While the sceneries and sights are breathtaking, the trek can be a bit exciting. It is best to do it in a prearranged structure in a format carried by your hotel or tour provider.

Do take a director or professional with you. Other than this, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is also a model for trekking.

Panch Pandav Tree

Khajjiar is absolutely one of the places which are fostered by the time of Mahabharata. It is no less than any wonder that we can find elements even today since then. Similarly, there is a tree well-known as the ‘Panch Pandav Tree’ of the complete locale.

The Panch Pandav Tree is situated on the ground of Khajjiar, which has almost 13 shoots of standard height. This deodar tree is nearby a rest house that hit the road to Khajjiar School. While the major root of the tree is the same, the base of the tree is branched out into 6 parts that make it an exclusive tree.

Although, history states that, the Panch Pandav tree has an exciting story behind it. According to the locals, the six shoots characterize five Pandavas and their common wife, Draupadi. The locals revere the house near the tree. Additionally, there is another tree situated nearby, which is named the Mother Tree. It has 15 sprouts of the like deodar tree and is said to be the Mother of the Panch Pandav Tree.

Nonetheless, perfecting the incredible environment, the tree makes for an attractive picnic spot. This place is open 24 hours and no charge for this activity.

Khajji Nag Temple

Khajjiar is very well-known for Kajji Naga Temple, which is in close proximity to the well-known Khajjiar Lake. The temple stands festooned with a golden dome and spire owing to which it is better known as the ‘Golden Devi’ temple.

It dates back to the 12th century AD shrine enthusiastic to Naga- the lord of serpents and you will always find several idols of snakes at this location. This temple has an accurate blend of Mughal and Hindu styles of architecture as imitated in the wooden carvings on the ceilings and wooden posts.

It has picture carvings representing the Kauravas who were the hideaway of the Pandavas. The dome-shaped temple is made up of slates locally made from limestone excavations and adjoins other shrines of Shiva and Hadimba too.

The Khajji Nag Temple is constructed in Pahari style and the pictures of the five Pandavas- Yudhishtra, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahdev are gorgeously made of the wood strands in the bends of the Mandapam of the monument. The historic practice of goat detriment is still practiced at this temple.

Kailash Village

It is not mistaken for one to say that they have trouble believing that a place so pure and serene occurs, the quaint little huts with sloping roofs enclosed in snow ensnared by apple orchards, the attractiveness of the Kailash Villages draws a scene that one has only seen in postcards.  These villages let you forget yourself and glance into the inaudible country life in the lap of nature.

One can take in the hypnotizing views of Mount Kailash which is supposed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the snow-crested peaks, and the profligately green valley from the villages of Ladi, Rota, etc. To further add to the charm of the villages, one can find several varieties of finger-licking food of local cuisine with a plateful of enthralling views.

Although these villages witness a cold climate throughout the year, the most favorable duration to visit is between the months of May and December.

Golden Devi Temple

This temple can be found on Khajjiar Lake. The Golden Devi temple was constructed during the 12th century. Khajjiar gets its title from an old temple around Khajinag. This temple, also better known as the Golden Devi temple, can be found on the Khajjiar Lake. The temple was constructed during the 12th century & was carried the name Golden Devi because of its golden dome. It has a complicatedly carved wooden shrine.

The golden pinnacle of this temple is its main draw. A golf course is nearby this temple, and those concerned with golf will find it an outstanding place to visit. The scenic beauty of this location draws several people, devotees, and travelers from Chamba & the rest of India. Pictures of Pandavas who won the battle against Kauravas and Kauravas, who lost the battle of the Mahabharata, can be seen on the temple’s circumambulatory pavement. 

The Golden Devi temple, situated on the edge of Khajjiar Lake, is a prevalent tourist destination in Khajjiar. This spectacular temple, an architectural marvel in its own right, is visited by individuals of all religions, a living example of the temple’s founders’ commitment to openness and equivalence. As a result, the golden Devi Temple is one of India’s most extraordinary temple complexes.

Tibetan Handicrafts Centre

A good place to purchase souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. You can find some good traditional Tibetan items. This center is situated at a distance of 2 kilometers from Dalhousie. Tibetan Handicrafts Centre is the most suited location to buy traditional artifacts, which shows the competence of Tibetan craftsmen.

This store owned by Tibetans has several types of ornaments, mementos, and Chinese goods for display. This place is conveniently reachable by cab, bus, or on foot. One can visit the complete emporium in an hour or two.

Visiting this emporium carries us a chance to witness Tibetan art and craft. One of the prevalent things of this center is the assemblage of Tibetan Carpets, lovely mats, and ordinary handlooms. One can be assured that the Tibetan Handicrafts center is an overwhelming place for shopping. Outstanding handicrafts are not available everywhere, this location is a hub for such handicrafts which are infrequently found so individuals get a good chance to shop for such things from here. Travelers from other parts of India visit this location and shop for their favorite items.

Khajjiar is a wide grassy clearing around a pond with a thick cedar forest. This scenic spot is 24 km from Chamba and 22 km from Dalhousie. Often Khajjiar is compared with Swiss mountain meadows.#Khajjiar #Chamba #ChaloChamba #unforgettablehimachal #himachaltourismofficial pic.twitter.com/5etWjCit5t

— Himachal Tourism (@hp_tourism) March 5, 2021

Although, the history of this place states that, the Tibetan Handicrafts Center in Khajjiar is a must-visit if you want to shop for exquisite carpets as well as wall hangings. Shopping here is an unpolluted delight with a plethora of choices to choose from. You can head here to choose your favorite Tibetan souvenirs. The hectic and vibrant shop is a foremost attraction of Khajjiar, and the handicrafts center is perfect to be traversed on foot, for a truthfully local experience.

It has some eating joints and keepsake shops selling Tibetan antiques and shawls. All your shopping requirements are taken care of at this place. Also, for a speedy bite, there are the prevalent hot momos and spicy noodles that come with butter soup, a forte of the Tibetan Market. Walk through this colorful market, an ideal manner to spend a couple of hours around Khajjiar.

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated on the slopes among Khajjiar and Dalhousie around Himachal Pradesh, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most prevalent and well-known wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. It is scattered over 30.69 sq km and is enclosed with deodar trees. The vegetation also involves Blue Pine, Green Oak, and Rhododendron trees.

Founded in 1958, the wildlife sanctuary was once a gaming reserve for the rulers of Chamba. The major attraction here is the little streams flowing into river Ravi. The place is home to deer, bear, leopard, Himalayan black marten, barking goral, jackal, langur, and different attractive birds.

 The wildlife sanctuary is also prevalent for nature walks, picnics, and trekking. Guided tours are not accessible here. Hiking and trekking are the finest ways to explore the sanctuary. Between March and May, you can visit this place. 

Panchpula

Enclosed by a cover of green pine and deodar trees, Panchpula is a prevalent picnic spot in Dalhousie, situated at a distance of 3.5 km from Gandhi Chowk in Dalhousie. It is better known for Saptdhara Waterfall, the beginning point of the Ganji Pahari trek, and activities such as Ziplining, and Burma Bridge.

A Samadhi (monument) is constructed near Panchpula in reminiscence of the great revolutionary, Sardar Ajit Singh (Uncle of Martyr Bhagat Singh), who inhaled his last here.

Lord Shiva Statue

The high-minded Shiva statue is a bright example of a human marvel, standing tall at an astonishing height of nearly 85 ft. is the highest statue in Himachal Pradesh and among the top ten in India. The statue is wholly made of copper and glistens a copper sheen when the sun’s rays fall on it. The statue has different folklore linked with it.

One such legend behind its construction is that the erstwhile rulers built it to excite the god and seek his blessings. When you look at the breathtaking attractiveness of the valley, lush green meadows, and pristine lake, you are left with no choice but to wonder that the valley has indeed acknowledged God’s blessings. The place is admired by Hindu devotees as it is said that all your wishes come true upon your visit here.

Best Time To Visit Khajjiar

Embraced amidst soaring Himalayan peaks and thick covers of pine, Khajjiar sits as a delightful little hill town in Himachal, and is often designated the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’. Though prevalent with tourists throughout the year, it is best visited throughout summer and monsoon, when the temperatures are mild, and nature’s umpteen bounty delivers that much-required solace.

Summer Season

Starting from April and lasting till June, Khajjiar experiences mild summers, with temperatures changeable between 12 and 25 degrees centigrade. The days are warm, with an enjoyable breeze proposing ample scope to go sightseeing, venture out shopping, or merely spend a laidback time basking amidst nature’s matchless bounty. It is imperative to note that summer is the peak tourist season in Khajjiar, and therefore, making accommodation arrangements in advance is extremely recommended.

How To Reach Khajjiar? 

The town of Khajjiar is a part of the Chamba district and is well-linked to Chamba and Dalhousie (24 km) and can be conveniently reached via taxis. The adjoining railway station is in Pathankot (95 km) and then a taxi can get you to Khajjiar. Otherwise, you can reach Chamba or Dalhousie by bus and then take a cab from there. The cab from Dalhousie costs nearly INR 1500-1700 for a round trip.

By Flight

Khajjiar does not have an airport. The nearest airport is in Dharamshala named the Gaggal airport, at a distance of nearly 120 km. Taxis and buses are conveniently accessible from the airport to Khajjiar.

By Road

One can easily drive from Chamba or Dalhousie to Khajjiar. Bikes are accessible for rent for INR 500-2000 and the roads are good. The quicker route from Dalhousie to Khajjiar gets closed throughout winter so the visitors have to go via Chamba.

By Train

The nearest railway station is situated at a distance of nearly 118 km in Pathankot. Trains from Delhi, Bhatinda, and Chandigarh are accessible till Pathankot. Taxis can be hired to the comprehensive journey till Khajjiar.

By Bus

Local buses from Dalhousie leave in the morning at nearly 9 AM and cost around INR 50-60. One can take any bus going towards Chamba. The bus has different timings from Khajjiar to Dalhousie are 1.15 PM, 2.15 PM, and 3.30 PM.

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