Grand nicknames of places might not always convince you. "Venice of the East," "Paris of the Plains." Don't they also always promise too much? You probably think that they are setting the bar too high, which later results in some kind of disappointment. However, when you get to know about the mini Switzerland of India, a resort lying far away in the Himalayas called Khajjiar, you might decide to follow your curiosity rather than your skepticism.
The very name brings to mind the greenest of the meadows, dense pine woods, and refreshing pure air. You definitely need to find out if this particular part of Himachal Pradesh can really be compared to Switzerland. It won't be a mere casual trip; rather, it will be a rapid search for the authentic, unspoiled magic, a jewel hidden away from the noise of the main tourist circuit, and what you will discover will utterly demolish your low expectations.
Where Exactly is This Mini Switzerland of India?
Before the packing, the very first step is to answer a very basic question: where is mini Switzerland in India? Your investigation will lead you to the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, not far from the hill station of Dalhousie, which is more popular. You will soon find that getting there is an adventure in itself, and it is a necessary part of the pilgrimage.
The journey from Pathankot, the road twisting up the mountains with the tall deodar and pine trees on either side, is amazing though slightly intimidating. A driver, a local who has been doing this for years, will drive his car through the continuous hairpin bends with a calm, almost indifferent manner, which only years on these peaks could give.
The First Glimpse of the Meadow
At last, or at least it seems like it, after the road has been going up and round for what looks like hours, the way suddenly opens up. It is quite sudden and without any sort of warning. One moment you are surrounded by thick woods; the next moment you are looking at a huge, bright green plateau. It will be too much for your senses.
The vastness of the Khajjiar ground, which is absolutely perfect in being bordered by the dark, tall conifers, will literally take your breath away. It looks just like a film set of an old European love story. It is right there, the place that local people are proud to call the mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar. The shocking contrast between the emerald grass and the deep blue sky looks like something two-dimensional, almost made by an artist's hand. It will be very obvious at once that it is something extraordinarily rare, a natural arena for happening forged by nature itself.
The Perfect Weather
Among the reasons for visiting Khajjiar can be mentioned its pleasant and moderate climate. If you are the one planning a trip, the weather will mostly cooperate with you. You would want to come at the time of year between April and July, as the weather during this period is ideal. It is cool and very agreeable, thus it is perfect for long walks and general sightseeing. Moreover, one can enjoy the clear sky and take the most colorful pictures.
For those who are extremely adventurous, the cold months may bring some snow. December and January are the months when Khajjiar can change into a real fairyland covered with white, thus showing you the mini Switzerland of India, Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh, but in a different way, equally beautiful. Just be sure to bring the heavy kind of winter clothes; it gets really cold up there.
What Makes it So Special?
Khajjiar's charm comes from its geological finesse. At its core, it is a saucer-shaped, green, and very fertile meadow. The shape, which is surrounded by thick pine and deodar forests, turns the meadow into a natural amphitheater of calm. The whole environment is centered around one main attraction: the beautiful Khajjiar Lake. The lake in the middle of the meadow is actually quite small and shallow, yet it brings an enormous charm to the surroundings.
What makes it absolutely unique are the small, floating islands of grass, which drift slightly with the wind. When you come to visit, there will be no other thing to do but surround the whole area with picnicking families, people taking photos, and those simply letting the peace of the place affect them. This is the sort of place that immediately slows down your rhythm and makes unwinding inevitable.
Exploring the Meadow and Forest
Besides just looking at the view (which is really hard not to do), Khajjiar provides countless ways of easy and relaxing activities you ought to do. One afternoon is definitely not enough for you to finish exploring the meadow walk; you really ought to take the whole circuit of the meadow. The track is peaceful and made of natural earth, and the atmosphere is extremely fresh and pure.
The comparatively tall and thick deodar forest surrounding the valley is as spectacular as the valley itself, moreover, provides a perfect setting for leisurely walks. The smell of pine is so intense and refreshing; it is natural aroma therapy at its best. This simple activity of walking is still the greatest means of admiring the enormity of the mini Switzerland of India.
Adrenaline Rush: Paragliding and Horse Riding
Are you wondering about adventure sports? Good news for you. Khajjiar paragliding mini Switzerland of India, is a major attraction. There underfoot and above the meadow, you will find bright and vibrant gliders flying low and far. Few might see the paragliding leap experiments and the extreme elation that they experience, rolling down the sky, as the reason for the loud shouts that can prompt them to try it themselves as well.
Horse riding, on the other hand, is a very good source of fun and thrill. You can take a short ride on a train around the meadow, which is a perfect way for the kids and the elderly to enjoy the vastness of the area with minimum physical exertion.
A Touch of Culture: Temples
Khajjiar is not only a place but also a little local reverence. Closest to the lake is the Golden Devi Temple. It is a tiny, pretty one, made out of wood, with an extremely shining golden dome that radiates brilliantly in the sun. Located at a stone's throw from the Khajjiar lake, the temple is a very short and easy walk, packed with a little bit of cultural context amidst nature's stunning creations.
Besides that, people can go for the next visit to the Khaji Nag Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to the serpent god, whose eccentric wooden architecture differs a lot from the commonly seen one.
Chamba district is home to Khajjiar
You know that it looks like such a secluded place, but surprisingly, it is quite reachable. Pathankot is the nearest railway station, about 100 kilometers away, thus allowing easy access to the major Indian cities. One can simply take a taxi or a local bus from Pathankot to reach Khajjiar.
The bus journey from Pathankot goes directly through the allured hilly area. The closest airport to Khajjiar is Gaggal in Kangra, roughly 120 kilometers away. Dalhousie is not far away, approximately 24 kilometers, so the trip is very popular among those looking for a quick getaway.
Accommodation
While Khajjiar is an ecologically sensitive zone, it still doesn't lack the charm of small-scale accommodation options that are predominantly eco-friendly. Most of the accommodation feels like living in a modern homestead, but is still warm and welcoming, with natural surroundings. The perfect stay right beside the meadow is the world-famous Khajjiar Tourist Bungalow. It is a place of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) run by them, offering the first accommodation to nature lovers.
Your day at the mini Switzerland of India will start right from the tourist bungalow, as you are the first to the site, and after the dormitory will bustle. Also, Dalhousie has a large variety of hotel choices, ranging from backpacker hostels to prestigious hotels, and can be used as a drop-off point for a short drive to the meadow.
Conclusion
It is very doubtful that you will still question whether or not to compare the meadow to Switzerland, as soon as you lay eyes on the meadow. Khajjiar does not pretend to be Switzerland; it just happens to have the same level of stunning and rare beauty: perfect harmony of the meadow, forest, and mountains. The place is very akin to one that hasn't been touched yet, but rather, cleaned. Very out of this world. What you will do is leave with your photo gallery full and your mind very clear, while carrying the memory of that strong pine scent and the sight of the dark green trees framing the brilliant green grass. The mini Switzerland of India is a jewel that lives and thrives, waiting for you to unveil it.
