Khajjiar Lake – Mini Switzerland in Land of Gods

Surrounded by Cedar forest and beautiful hills, Khajjiar Lake is situated 24 kilometers from Dalhousie on Chamba road. The Lake is located at an altitude of 1950 meters. Due to its beauty and peaceful environment, Khajjiar hill station has earned the title of ‘Mini Switzerland’.

Impressed by its nature, the Swiss Envoy Willy P. Blazer put a signboard indicating ‘Khajjiar’ as ‘Mini Switzerland’ and showing the actual distance from Swiss Capital Berne to Khajjiar (6194Kms). He also put the Khajjiar in Himachal on the world map.

Below you will find the certificate

The Himachal government is working on the beautification of the place to make it a major tourist attraction. It has been designated as a ‘special development area’ under the Town and Country Planning Act. A body named ‘the Khajjiar Development Board’ looks after the cleanliness, maintenance and development of the region, which also regulates the Hotels in Khajjiar.

Check out the picture below. The buildings with green roofs are hotels owned by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department. You can expect a fair deal and good quality but you will have to bear with the slow service of Himachalis working there

The lake never dries even in the summers, as its water is believed to be independent of the rain to survive. A tiny island keeps floating in the lake for divine reasons. Zorbing balls rolling on the surrounding ground backed by lush-green trees makes the view of lake even beautiful. One can enjoy horse ride circumambulating the lake.

If you feel like ‘touching’ the nature to feel it.. Kaladrop sanctuary in the backdrop of photograph below is an option worth trying!

About a kilometer from Khajjiar on Chamba road, you can observe great 81 feet high statue of Lord Shiva. Presence of Lord Shiva in such form makes the atmosphere even peaceful and awe-inspiring.

How to reach: Khajjiar is well connected from Chamba and Dalhousie from either side. One can enjoy a drive of 24 kilometers through the beautiful and green Khajjiar wildlife sanctuary on Dalhousie Khajjiar road. Another way is from Chamba, if you choose to reach Chamba via Jot.

Nearby places: If you are on a visit to Khajjiar Lake, there are a number of places of interest in the surroundings, which you may add to your tour. One of the most popular places includes Dalhousie, a beautiful town on the hill. You can enjoy a peaceful stay at Dalhousie and picturesque views including that of great Maharana Pratap Lake. Chamba town, situated on the bank of River Ravi is another place to visit. Chamba is an important place from cultural and industrial point of views. Famous Chamera Power Project of NHPC is based on beautiful Chamera Lake.

When to visit: Although Khajjiar remains open for tourists throughout the year, it is better to visit this place during summers when you fed up with high temperatures of plain areas. The natural beauty of the Lake becomes tranquilizing with snowfall in winters.

Here is one photograph taken during the winter season.

The peak commands some majestic views of Great Himalayan Ranges in Himachal Pradesh as well.

There is serenity, peace and some beautiful colors all around Khajjiar Lake ground.

Feel free to drop questions, suggestions, appreciations and criticisms