Khajjiar
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2017}}
{{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"{{Cite web |url=http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/khajjiar.aspx |title=Himachal Tourism | 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 }}
| 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 = State
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name1 = Himachal Pradesh
| subdivision_name2 = Chamba
| established_title =
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
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| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 1920
| population_total =
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| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank =
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| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = IST
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = 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 Town and Dalhousie
| website =
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info1 = Hindi, Pahari
| blank2_name_sec1 = Lok Sabha constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = Kangra
| blank3_name_sec1 = Vidhan Sabha constituency
| blank3_info_sec1 = Dalhousie
}}
Khajjiar is a hill station near the town of Chamba in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Located approximately {{convert|24|km}} from Dalhousie, it lies on a small plateau about 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges in the Western Himalayas. It is also part of the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary.{{cite web
|url=http://hpchamba.nic.in/destkhajjiar.htm
|title=Chamba Government official website
|accessdate=23 September 2006
|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060716022137/http://hpchamba.nic.in/destkhajjiar.htm
|archivedate=16 July 2006 }}
Khajjiar can be reached from Dalhousie, the nearest major town. The area features a combination of three ecosystems: lake, pasture, and forest.{{cite web |title=Khajjiar New Page |url=http://hptdc.in/index.php/khajjiar-new-page/ |publisher=HP Tourism Development Corporation}}
Mini Switzerland
On 7 July 1992, Swiss envoy Willy P. Blazer, Vice-Counselor and Head of the Chancery of Switzerland in India brought Khajjiar onto the world tourism map by calling it 'Mini Switzerland'. He also erected a sign featuring a yellow Swiss hiking footpath symbol, showing Khajjiar's distance from the Swiss capital, Bern: "{{cvt|6194|km|mi|disp=x|" or }}. Khajjiar is one of 160 locations worldwide that bear a topographical resemblance to Switzerland. The envoy also took a stone from Khajjiar, which will form part of a stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to remind visitors that Khajjiar is the 'Mini Switzerland of India'.
Accommodation
File:Khajjiar during august.jpg
There are hotels and several cottages run by Himachal Pradesh's state tourism authority in Khajjiar where tourists can stay. In addition, there are two rest houses, one each operated by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Forest Department. A few private hotels have also been established, although they do not match the aforementioned accommodations in terms of location and amenities.
Travel
Most tourists travel to Khajjiar by private or rented vehicles. Bus service to and from Khajjiar is limited, and timings may vary according to local demands.{{cite book |last1=Abram |first1=David |title=The Rough Guide to India |date=2003 |publisher=Rough Guides |isbn=9781843530893}}
Places of interest
Main attractions at Khajjiar include walking around the lake and hiking through the pine forests. In winter, snow accumulation can reach up to 910 mm (3 feet) in height. Other attractions include horse riding and paragliding, as well as a large Hanuman statue and a park.
=Dhauladhar mountains=
Khajjiar features dense deodars, pines, and lush green meadows. It is situated at the base of the Dhauladhar mountains, offering panoramic views of the peaks. It is also similar to the Switzerland. It is also known by the name of mini Switzerland.
=Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary=
{{main|Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary}}
The Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is densely covered with deodar and fir trees, making it a preferred spot for picnics and trekking.{{cite web|title=Himachal Tourism|url=http://himachaltourism.gov.in/nature_sanctuaries.php|website=himachaltourism.gov.in|accessdate=25 November 2017}}
=Khajjiar Lake=
{{main|Khajjiar Lake}}
Khajjiar Lake is a small lake surrounded by a saucer-shaped meadow and a floating island. The growth of a weed called vacha has made the earth spongy. Over time, the banks have been covered by a thick layer of earth formed by years of dust settling on the weeds.
=Khajji Nag temple=
A little away from the lake stands the Khajji Nag Temple, built in the 12th century CE by Prithviraj Singh I, the king of Chamba. The temple features a golden dome, also known as Golden Devi Temple. Inside mandapa, 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 is carved from wood. This temple is dedicated to snake (Nāga) worship, and it houses several snake idols. Additionally, there are idols of Shiva and the Goddess Hadimba. Every person in Chamba worship for them.
Trekking
Khajjiar offers numerous trekking opportunities. One of the popular treks is from Khajjiar to Dainkund, a {{convert|3.5|km|adj=on}} trial of easy to moderate difficulty. The trek begins {{convert|6|km}} from Khajjiar on the Dalhousie-Khajjiar road and ends at the Pholani Devi Temple in Dainkund. With a well-defined trail and moderate ascent, this trek is mainly for beginners and children. Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with stunning views and a beautiful camping spot.{{Cite web|url=http://www.inditramp.com/magazine/dainkund-to-khajjiar-day-trek|title=Lookup Caller ID Instantly | Phone Number Search}}
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
References
External links
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
- [http://expertbulletin.com/khajjiar-himachal-pradesh/ Expert Bulletin Khajjiar Travel guide]