Khajjiar, often dubbed the "Mini-Switzerland of India," is a charming town situated about 20 kilometers from Dalhousie, perfect for a day visit or an overnight stay. Renowned for its picturesque grassy meadows, Khajjiar features Khajjiar Lake at the center of these fields. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty by camping or participating in various adventure activities such as paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding.
Perched at an elevation of 6,500 feet, Khajjiar also boasts a nine-hole golf course surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscapes. However, access to Khajjiar can be restricted during winter due to heavy snowfall. This hill town is a popular destination for workations, offering numerous homestays with stunning views of Kailash Parbat. On the route from Dalhousie to Khajjiar, you can also explore the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.
Khajjiar's enchanting scenery has historically influenced various kingdoms, including the Rajputs and Mughals. The 12th-century Khajji Nag Temple continues to attract devotees to this day.
Mythology of Khajjiar: Centuries ago, there used to be Ranes in Chamba district. His eyes fell on a light burning on the mountain in front of a village called Lily. Thinking it was a treasure, they dug it and four snake gods appeared from there.
All four were put in the palanquin and brought from there. The serpent gods said, wherever our palanquin becomes heavy, we will be separated. At a place called Sukrehi, the palanquin became heavy and from there everyone got separated. The eldest of the four brothers settled in Naghui, Jamuhar, Khajjiar and Chuwadi respectively.
Vajjiyar was earlier owned by Sit Baba. Khajjinag defeated them in Sarpaase (a type of game) with the help of his elder brother and won this place. Siddha Baba said after the defeat that now you are here as "Sya" and "Ji". Since then it was named Vajjinag and the place was named Swajjiyar. The mythological name of Khajinag was Poopar Nag.
Importance of Lake: This lake formed in the plain is also endless in its beauty, it holds many secrets within itself. It is believed that Sheshnag incarnation Vajji Nag himself resides in Haja Kahab Hawar and has also appeared personally to the local people. In this lake, Parvi appears during the bath of Manimahesh, that is, a holy bath is taken here also. According to a fact, a shepherd (Gadatti) passing through here, feeling thirsty, started drinking water from the hazel and the earrings in his ears fell into the lake. Chalte-2 When that shepherd started drinking water at the Panihar built at a place called Sultanpur (Chamya), he
Both the earrings fell into her hands. Before doing any auspicious work, the local people definitely attend the court...
Read moreVisiting the Mini Switzerland of India was like stepping into a postcard — the scenic beauty, fresh air, and serene surroundings were beyond anything I had imagined. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges, this destination perfectly blends natural splendor with a sense of tranquility that instantly rejuvenates the mind and soul.
The first thing that strikes you is the breathtaking landscape — rolling green hills, snow-capped mountains, and meandering streams that sparkle in the sunlight. The beauty is reminiscent of Switzerland, hence the nickname, but it carries its own unique Indian charm. Every corner of this place is Instagram-worthy, with colorful flowers, lush meadows, and quaint villages adding to the picturesque scenery.
One of the highlights of the visit was experiencing the fresh mountain air and the peaceful environment. Unlike crowded tourist spots, this place feels untouched and pure. Walking along the trails, I could hear the sound of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant gurgle of rivers — a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The local culture and hospitality also stood out. Small cafes and tea stalls serve delicious local delicacies, and the warmth of the locals makes the experience even more memorable. The architecture of the cottages and homes, often built in traditional Himachali style, adds charm and authenticity to the surroundings.
For adventure enthusiasts, there are opportunities for trekking, paragliding, and nature walks, which make the trip both relaxing and exciting. Whether you’re capturing the sunrise over the valleys or enjoying the sunset from a hilltop, every moment here feels magical.
In short, the Mini Switzerland of India is a perfect blend of natural beauty, calmness, and adventure. It is a must-visit for anyone who wants to reconnect with nature, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and create memories that...
Read moreMini Switzerland is an amazing open ground area for tourists and explorers and picnic planners. This open ground has it all! It is called mini Switzerland and it is not very cold during summers but gets quite cold in winters. I visited it in this summer and it was quite cool but not as windy. I wouldn’t recommend carrying a jacket to this place during summers. I recommend to carry an umbrella just in case of rain. The ground has up and down terrain but is quite manageable. The whole area is open and bordered with a walking/jogging track and a fence. There is ample of seating space on benches which are situated near the footpath surrounding the ground. There is a food court area at the entrance where there is washroom but beyond that there is no washroom in the ground. While exploring the ground area, please CHECK the grass you walk on before stepping. There is muddy and marshy wet grass regions there which you do not want to step on as they sink you in and your shoes become extremely muddy even filled with the dirt water. There is also many activities there such as paragliding and bubble rolling. You can carry your own equipment for sports as well to enjoy. There is also horse riding which is outside the ground fence but worth the price. You can bargain to some extent for the price as well. Average cost for horse riding the entire play ground should be around ₹500 to ₹1000. They all charge more for tourists from other countries but it is definitely worth trying to bargain a bit. If you have a pet, you should definitely bring them to this open ground to have fun and mix around. This is an amazing ground for photography and making memories. I recommend visiting this place in summers like I did this time because during winters it gets too cold (speaking from last years experience...
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