Khajjiar - History, Timings & Entry Fee
Adventure / Trekking | 
Lake / Backwaters
#2 of 7 Places to Visit in Dalhousie
Distance (From Dalhousie): 21 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 4 Hours/Half Day
Place Location: Between Dalhousie & Chamba
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab
Travel Tips: This place can be visited while travelling to Dalhousie / Chamba with 2 hours effort
At a distance of 20 km from Chamba, and 21 km from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the scenic hill stations near Chandigarh, and among the must-include places in Dalhousie sightseeing packages.
Often known as the Switzerland of India, Khajjiar is situated at an altitude of 1,951 m in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas and is part of the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary. Khajjiar was a part of the erstwhile state of the Rajput rulers of Chamba. It served as the capital of Chamba rulers. Thereafter, it was taken over by the Mughals, from which the rule passed over to various Sikh kingdoms. Subsequently, it was taken over by the British.
Khajjiar is a picturesque spot with an emerald saucer shaped meadow amidst a dense forest. Khajjiar Lake is a small lake covering an area of about 5000 sq. yards. On the lake, some clusters of grasses and weeds have grown that appear like a floating island. A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag belonging to the 12th century AD. This temple is dedicated to the Lord of Serpents. The Nag that is worshipped here has a human form. The stone idol has a mace in one hand and a khanda, a double dagger in the other. In the mandapa of the temple, one can see the images of the Pandavas and Kauravas near the roof of the circumambulatory path.
Among the top places of sightseeing in Dalhousie, Khajjiar is also called the Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh and serves as the starting point for treks to Chamba, Dalhousie, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary among others. Khajjiar to Dainkund is a 3.5 km easy to moderate trek. The trek starts 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. Zorbing is a popular recreational activity during April and May.
The best time to visit Khajjiar is during summers, which extends from the month of March to June.
