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Coordinates: 32°32′46″N 76°03′29″E / 32.5462344°N 76.0580921°E / 32.5462344; 76.0580921
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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
[[Image:Khajjiar.jpg|thumb|250px|Khajjiar]]
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
'''Khajjiar''' is a small hill station in [[Chamba District]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[India]]. Another hill station, [[Dalhousie, India|Dalhousie]], is 24 kms away.
{{peacock|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Khajiar
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[Hill Station]]
| image_skyline = Nature of Khajjiar (cropped).jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Nature of Khajjiar in [[Chamba district]] (H.P)
| nickname = ""Mini Switzerland of India"<ref name=Himchal>{{Cite web |url=http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/khajjiar.aspx |title=Himachal Tourism &#124; Khajjiar |access-date=13 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020203302/http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/Khajjiar.aspx |archive-date=20 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Himachal Pradesh#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|32.5462344|N|76.0580921|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Himachal Pradesh]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Chamba district|Chamba]]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 =
| area_rank =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 1920
| population_total =
| population_as_of =
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank =
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 176314
| area_code = 01899
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate = HP 48
| unemployment_rate =
| blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Chamba, Himachal Pradesh|Chamba]] [[Town]] and [[Dalhousie, India|Dalhousie]]
| website =
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Pahari language|Pahari]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Kangra (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kangra]]
| blank3_name_sec1 = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Dalhousie, India|Dalhousie]]
}}


Khajjiar sits on a samll plateau with a small stream-fed lake in the middle and surrounded by green meadows and dense forests. It is about 6500 ft. above sea level in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western [[Himalayas]] and snown peaks can be seen in the distance.<ref>{{cite web
'''Khajjiar''' is a [[hill station]] near the [[town]] of [[Chamba, Himachal Pradesh|Chamba]] in [[Chamba district]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[India]], located approximately {{convert|24|km}} from [[Dalhousie, India|Dalhousie]]. It lies on a small plateau with a small stream-fed lake in the middle. The hill station is surrounded by meadows and forests. It is about {{convert|6500|ft|m|order=flip}} above sea level in the foothills of the [[Dhauladhar]] ranges of the Western [[Himalayas]]. It is part of the [[Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary|Kalatop Khajiar Sanctuary]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://hpchamba.nic.in/destkhajjiar.htm
|url=http://hpchamba.nic.in/destkhajjiar.htm
|title=Chamba Government offical website
|title=Chamba Government official website
|accessdate=23 September 2006
|publisher=
|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060716022137/http://hpchamba.nic.in/destkhajjiar.htm
|accessdate=2006-09-23
}}</ref>
|archivedate=16 July 2006 }}</ref>


Khajjiar is often called the ''Mini Switzerland'' of Himachal Pradesh and was officially baptized thus by the Swiss Ambassador on [[July 7]] [[1992]]. It has a rare combination of three [[ecosystem]]s: [[lake]], [[pasture]] and [[forest]], all in one place.
Khajiar can be reached from Dalhousie, the nearest major town. It has a combination of three [[ecosystem]]s: [[lake]], [[pasture]], and [[forest]]. <ref>{{cite web |title=Khajjiar New Page |url=http://hptdc.in/index.php/khajjiar-new-page/ |publisher=HP Tourism Development Corporation}}</ref>


==Khajinag temple==
==Mini Switzerland==
The 12th-century Khajinag temple, know also as the Golden Devi temple, is a small shrine dedicated to the local [[Devi]]. It has a golden dome and spire. It is a visiting spot for pilgrams.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/north-india-hill-stations/khajjiar.html
|title=Khajjiar
|publisher=
|accessdate=2006-09-23
}}</ref>


On 7 July 1992, Swiss Envoy Willy P. Blazer, Vice-Counsellor and Head of the Chancery of Switzerland in India brought Khajjiar on the world tourism map by calling it "Mini Switzerland". He also put a sign of a yellow Swiss hiking footpath showing Khajjiar's distance from the Swiss capital [[Bern]]: "{{cvt|6194|km|mi|disp=x|" or }}. Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world that bear a topographical resemblance with [[Switzerland]]. The counsellor also took a stone from Khajjiar which will form part of a stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to remind the visitors of Khajjiar as a "Mini Switzerland of India".<ref name="Himchal" />
==References==
<references/>


==External link==
==Accommodation==
[[File:Khajjiar during august.jpg|thumb|400px|Khajjiar during August]]
* [http://hpchamba.nic.in/destkhajjiar.htm More information about Khajjiar at the Chamba district official website]
[[File:Khajjiar view 1.jpg|thumb|300px|Khajjiar view]]
* [http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/north-india-hill-stations/khajjiar.html Khajjiar]
There is a hotel and some cottages run by HP Tourism in Khajjiar where the tourists can stay. Besides that, there are two rest houses, one each of P.W.D. and Forest Department. A couple of private hotels have also come up, which do not match the above places in terms of location and amenities.<ref name=Himchal/>


==Travel==
Most tourists travel to Khajjiar by private or rented vehicles. Bus service to and from Khajjiar is limited and timing changes according to local demands.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Abram |first1=David |title=The Rough Guide to India |date=2003 |publisher=Rough Guides |isbn=9781843530893}}</ref>

==Places of interest==
The best entertainment in Khajjiar is walking around the lake or going for long walks in the thick pine forests. In winter there is snow which can be up to {{cvt|3|ft|mm|order=flip}} of height. Children enjoy this place because of the freedom of movement and the sloped terrain which permits them to roll down to the lake without getting hurt. Some other attractions include horse riding and paragliding. There is a huge [[Hanuman]] statue and a park.<ref name=Himchal/>

===Dauladhar mountains===
Dense [[Cedrus deodara|deodar]]s, [[pine]]s and lush green meadows are characteristic of Khajjiar. Khajjiar is situated at the base of the [[Dhauladhar|Dauladhar]] mountains, providing panoramic views of the mountains.

===Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary===
{{main|Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary}}
The Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is densely covered with [[Deodar forests|deodar]] and [[fir]] forest. The place is a favourite spot for picnics and trekking.<ref>{{cite web|title=Himachal Tourism|url=http://himachaltourism.gov.in/nature_sanctuaries.php|website=himachaltourism.gov.in|accessdate=25 November 2017}}</ref>

===Khajjiar Lake===
{{main|Khajjiar Lake}}
Khajjiar Lake is a small lake surrounded by a saucer-shaped lush green meadow and a floating island. The dense growth of a weed called [[Acorus calamus|vacha]] has made its earth spongy. Now the banks stand covered by a thick layer of earth formed by years of dust settling down on the weeds.

===Khajji Nag temple===
A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag built circa 12th century CE by the king of [[Chamba State|Chamba]], Prithvi Singh. The temple has a golden dome which is also known as Golden Devi Temple. In the ''[[mandapa]]'' of the temple one can see the images of the [[Pandavas]] and the defeated [[Kauravas]] hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been carved from wood.<ref name=Himchal/> This temple is dedicated to snake ([[Nāga]]) worship and there are some snake idols inside. The temple also houses idols of [[Shiva]] and the Goddess Hadimba.

==Trekking==
Khajjiar offers numerous trekking opportunities. Khajjiar to Dainkund is a {{convert|3.5|km|adj=on}} easy to moderate trek. The trek starts {{convert|6|km}} from Khajjiar on the Dalhousie-Khajjiar road and ends at Pholani Devi Temple at Dainkund. This trek with a well-defined trail and moderate ascent is an excellent trek for beginners and children. The trek offers excellent views and a beautiful camping site.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.inditramp.com/magazine/dainkund-to-khajjiar-day-trek|title=Lookup Caller ID Instantly &#124; Phone Number Search}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
A view of Khajjiar ,Chamba,Himachal Pradesh.jpg|18 April 2019
A view of Khajjiar ,Chamba,Himachal Pradesh,India 01.jpg|18 April 2019
A view of Khajjiar ,Chamba,Himachal Pradesh,India 02.jpg|18 April 2019
Khajjiarindia.jpg|Grasslands of Khajjiar, July 2012
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>


==External links==
[[Category:Cities and towns in Himachal Pradesh]]
{{commons category}}
[[Category:Indian hill stations]]
{{Wikivoyage}}
*[http://expertbulletin.com/khajjiar-himachal-pradesh/ Expert Bulletin Khajjiar Travel guide]


[[Category:Cities and towns in Chamba district]]
{{HimachalPradesh-geo-stub}}
[[Category:Grasslands of India]]
[[Category:Hill stations in Himachal Pradesh]]

Latest revision as of 21:15, 19 October 2024

Khajiar
Hill Station
Nature of Khajjiar in Chamba district (H.P)
Nature of Khajjiar in Chamba district (H.P)
Nickname: 
""Mini Switzerland of India"[1]
Khajiar is located in Himachal Pradesh
Khajiar
Khajiar
Khajiar is located in India
Khajiar
Khajiar
Coordinates: 32°32′46″N 76°03′29″E / 32.5462344°N 76.0580921°E / 32.5462344; 76.0580921
Country India
StateHimachal Pradesh
DistrictChamba
Elevation
1,920 m (6,300 ft)
Languages
 • OfficialHindi, Pahari
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
176314
Telephone code01899
Vehicle registrationHP 48
Nearest cityChamba Town and Dalhousie
Lok Sabha constituencyKangra
Vidhan Sabha constituencyDalhousie

Khajjiar is a hill station near the town of Chamba in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India, located approximately 24 kilometres (15 mi) from Dalhousie. It lies on a small plateau with a small stream-fed lake in the middle. The hill station is surrounded by meadows and forests. It is about 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) above sea level in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas. It is part of the Kalatop Khajiar Sanctuary.[2]

Khajiar can be reached from Dalhousie, the nearest major town. It has a combination of three ecosystems: lake, pasture, and forest. [3]

Mini Switzerland

[edit]

On 7 July 1992, Swiss Envoy Willy P. Blazer, Vice-Counsellor and Head of the Chancery of Switzerland in India brought Khajjiar on the world tourism map by calling it "Mini Switzerland". He also put a sign of a yellow Swiss hiking footpath showing Khajjiar's distance from the Swiss capital Bern: "6,194 km" or 3,849 mi. Khajjiar is among the 160 locations in the world that bear a topographical resemblance with Switzerland. The counsellor also took a stone from Khajjiar which will form part of a stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to remind the visitors of Khajjiar as a "Mini Switzerland of India".[1]

Accommodation

[edit]
Khajjiar during August
Khajjiar view

There is a hotel and some cottages run by HP Tourism in Khajjiar where the tourists can stay. Besides that, there are two rest houses, one each of P.W.D. and Forest Department. A couple of private hotels have also come up, which do not match the above places in terms of location and amenities.[1]

Travel

[edit]

Most tourists travel to Khajjiar by private or rented vehicles. Bus service to and from Khajjiar is limited and timing changes according to local demands.[4]

Places of interest

[edit]

The best entertainment in Khajjiar is walking around the lake or going for long walks in the thick pine forests. In winter there is snow which can be up to 910 mm (3 ft) of height. Children enjoy this place because of the freedom of movement and the sloped terrain which permits them to roll down to the lake without getting hurt. Some other attractions include horse riding and paragliding. There is a huge Hanuman statue and a park.[1]

Dauladhar mountains

[edit]

Dense deodars, pines and lush green meadows are characteristic of Khajjiar. Khajjiar is situated at the base of the Dauladhar mountains, providing panoramic views of the mountains.

Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary

[edit]
Main article: Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary

The Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is densely covered with deodar and fir forest. The place is a favourite spot for picnics and trekking.[5]

Khajjiar Lake

[edit]
Main article: Khajjiar Lake

Khajjiar Lake is a small lake surrounded by a saucer-shaped lush green meadow and a floating island. The dense growth of a weed called vacha has made its earth spongy. Now the banks stand covered by a thick layer of earth formed by years of dust settling down on the weeds.

Khajji Nag temple

[edit]

A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag built circa 12th century CE by the king of Chamba, Prithvi Singh. The temple has a golden dome which is also known as Golden Devi Temple. In the mandapa of the temple one can see the images of the Pandavas and the defeated Kauravas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been carved from wood.[1] This temple is dedicated to snake (Nāga) worship and there are some snake idols inside. The temple also houses idols of Shiva and the Goddess Hadimba.

Trekking

[edit]

Khajjiar offers numerous trekking opportunities. Khajjiar to Dainkund is a 3.5-kilometre (2.2 mi) easy to moderate trek. The trek starts 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from Khajjiar on the Dalhousie-Khajjiar road and ends at Pholani Devi Temple at Dainkund. This trek with a well-defined trail and moderate ascent is an excellent trek for beginners and children. The trek offers excellent views and a beautiful camping site.[6]

[edit]
  • 18 April 2019
    18 April 2019
  • 18 April 2019
    18 April 2019
  • 18 April 2019
    18 April 2019
  • Grasslands of Khajjiar, July 2012
    Grasslands of Khajjiar, July 2012

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Himachal Tourism | Khajjiar". Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
  2. ^ "Chamba Government official website". Archived from the original on 16 July 2006. Retrieved 23 September 2006.
  3. ^ "Khajjiar New Page". HP Tourism Development Corporation.
  4. ^ Abram, David (2003). The Rough Guide to India. Rough Guides. ISBN 9781843530893.
  5. ^ "Himachal Tourism". himachaltourism.gov.in. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  6. ^ "Lookup Caller ID Instantly | Phone Number Search".
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Khajjiar.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Khajjiar.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Khajjiar&oldid=1252114411"