Khajjiar

2000 meters) 22 km. from Dalhausie and 23 km. from Chamba) A little out of Dalhousie is a beautiful, charming retreat that makes an ideal day excursion or even an overnight visit. Far from any major town, this tranquil spot has a small lake in the centre, on which is a floating island. Fed by slim streams, this small lake rests in the centre of the large glade of Khajjiar. The glade and the lake are held sacred to Khajjinag - after whom the place is named. Khajjiar has the thick forest of the Kalatop sanctuary surrounding its soft green grass. It is 1.5 km long and 1 km wide. It is surrounded by cedar (deodar) forest. This is like a magical paradise. A temple dedicated to Khajjinag is also located there. Khajjiar is also called "Mini Switzerland". The lake remains full of water in all the seasons and requires no rainwater for survival.

Khajjiar: General Information

Altitude: 2,000 meters
Headquarter: Chamba (altitude 1006 meters)
Location: In district Chamba.
Access by Air: Nearest airport is Gaggal ( Kangra ) 134 km. via 'Siunta' and Amritsar 213 km.
Access by Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station is at Pathankot 142 km.
Access by Road: Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads.
Distance: Amritsar 213km., Chamba 23 km., Chandigarh 322 km., Delhi 585 km., Jammu 210 km., Jalandhar 214 km., Manali 382 km. and Pathankot 102 km.

Khajjiar : a journey through photographs

Beautiful Journey: - Going from Dalhausie to Khajjiar is a soothing experience as you drive through the beautiful Bakrota Hills. As you keep on going, after some time, you enter the 'Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary' and you also see the beautiful 'Lakkad Mandi'. The whole journey is enjoyable because the road leads you through the magnificent 'Deodar' forests. You can easily notice the deep quietness in the environment, which adds to the beautiful experience of the entire journey to Khajjiar.

Towards Khajjiar Lake: - As you keep on moving, you approach the point from where you can have the bird's eye view of the 'Khajjiar ground and the lake in the middle. Honestly, it seems like a dream from far. So you should stop at this point and have a view of this wonderful creation of the Mother Nature. After that you move towards the Khajjiar Lake and the ground.
Beautiful Khajjiar Lake and Ground: - No wilderness in Himachal is so easily accessible and beautiful. It is the magical paradise which quickly makes you realise that there is no place like this in the whole world. The magnificent of majestic 'deodar' is at its best here. Khajjiar lake is associated with a legend, it is associated with Khajjinag, the deity that is enshrined in the temple here.

Khajjiar: Journey through photographs
Kailash View and Horse Riding :- On a clear day, you can see the Mountain Kailash from Khajjiar ground. You can also enjoy the horse riding here. Some local people are engaged in this business and you can ride the whole Khajjiar ground (from outside) for a nominal charge. The riding is very enjoyable, also the horses are well trained and do not scare you away.

Enjoyable Moments: - Everyone is enjoying in Khajjiar in his/her own way. Some people are just resting behind the deodar trees and watching the hide and seek of the sunshine through trees, some people are having the unforgettable horse ride, while some people are just walking down the whole ground. some local girls are also enjoying the sunshine while their cattles are grazing and one of them is applying "Menhdi" on her hands. The people of Khajjiar area are very gentle and helpful. With the usual smiling face, they answer every question you ask.

'Panch Pandav' Tree: - On the left side is the photograph of one of the rest houses in Khajjiar. This one is special because the tree near the rest house is of a very different kind. It is called the "Panch Pandav" (Five Pandavs). Though the main root is the same but the base of the tree is divided into five parts, which make it one of the kind. It is also one of the main attractions when you begin to explore the Khajjiar ground on your feet. Near this rest house is the way leading to a small village and Khajjiar School.

Moments of Fun: - Khajjiar is really one of the best places in the world to enjoy the beauty of nature. People from near and far come to Khajjiar for the everlasting fun. The beauty of Khajjiar is matchless and so is the joy.

Unforgettable Experience: - Every corner of Khajjiar ground has its own attraction. You can see many small groups enjoying the blessing environment of Khajjiar. The fresh cool breeze is blowing throughout the day and refreshing the whole region. A day in Khajjiar is a very different kind of experience that should never be missed. The wilderness is truly one of its kind and the presence of Khajjiar ground and the lake adds to the beauty of Khajjiar.

Khajjiar Rest Houses: - There are many rest houses situated just outside the Khajjiar ground and some of them were built during the British era. - a very old rest house; the construction of the rest house is very interesting. Local people tell some interesting stories about the rest house (something supernatural). However it looks very beautiful in the far most corner of the Khajjiar ground.

Khajjiar Villages: - Besides the view of the Lake in the middle of the ground, there is a lot more to explore. Outside the Khajjiar ground is thick deodar forest and amidst the forest, there are various small villages i.e. khajjiar village, rota village, ladi village etc. (mainly situated near the slopes) Villages are situated far from each other, but not too far from Khajjiar ground. There are many apple orchards in Khajjiar area. A small village named ladi and you can see many apple trees when the season comes, they are full of apples. The location of the village is striking. You can have the breathtaking view of the hills from here. No doubt, the whole Khajjiar area is a magical paradise.