Khajjiar - Mini Switzerland of India
In terms of stunning scenery, Switzerland is probably the benchmark. Long rolling meadows, snowy mountain peaks, and postcard-perfect landscapes have made it a dream destination. However, you were not aware that there is a Switzerland-like place in India that is located in Himachal Pradesh. Welcome to Khajjiar, a small hill station in the proximity of Dalhousie, fondly termed as the Mini Switzerland of India.
Khajjiar has it all- the charm, beauty, and calm of, say, a European holiday without the hassle of travelling. And, of course, it has its own Himalayan taste. We will reveal the reasons why this small heaven received its popular nickname and how you can organize a visit with the help of the right flight booking.
The Swiss Envoy Willy T. Blazer toured Khajjiar in 1992 and was so entranced by its similarity to the Alpine meadowlands of Switzerland that he dubbed the place the Mini Switzerland of India. He even placed a stone that was called Khajjiar brought there because the symbol of the connection.
It was no mere flattery–the likeness is too obvious. Khajjiar and its surrounding scenery of a vast meadow with towering pine and cedar trees, and mountains with hanging snow in the background, reminds us of the magic of the alpine valleys of Switzerland.
Accessing Khajjiar is not as difficult as it sounds, particularly with a well thought-out trip.
Air: Gaggal Airport, Dharamshala is the closest airport, 120 km away. It is easy to find a low fare flight to Dharamshala via big cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh or Amritsar using HappyEasyGo. As soon as you land, a picturesque mountainous route takes you to Khajjiar.
Air: The nearest railroad station is Pathankot railway station, which is 95 km away.
Via Road: Khajjiar is just a 22 km away, which is ideal when visiting Dalhousie on a quick trip or a weekend getaway.
Khajjiar is surprising on its accessibility whether you first obtain a last minute flight ticket or book in advance.
The most prominent feature in Khajjiar is its large meadow that is in the form of a saucer. In summer covered with lush green grass and in winter with snow, it resembles the well-known Alpine pastures of Europe.
Deep within the meadow lies the peaceful Khajjiar Lake, which reflects in the quiet waters the deodar trees that are extremely high. It is tiny, but it brings in incomparable beauty, as the peaceful lakes found throughout Switzerland do.
You are able to see on a clear day the great Dhauladhar ranges around Khajjiar, which makes it look just like the Swiss Alps. During the winter the snow makes the whole valley look like a miracle.
Similar to Switzerland, Khajjiar is not simply about picturesque–it is also about experiences. Zorbing in the meadow, horse riding over the valley and paragliding, all these and more here will be accompanied by jaws-dropping scene.
Wooden cottages, Himachali houses and deodar and pine forests make Khajjiar have an Alpine feel. It is not surprising that tourists can immediately draw parallels with the Swiss countryside.
Stroll the Meadows: There is nothing like popping out into the open field and walking across the grass with the mist drifting by.
See Khajji Nag Temple: This 12th-century temple of the serpent god is a mix of both Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Lake picnic: Grab a picnic basket and have a picnic as you bask in the scenic breath-taking views.
Trek to Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: A few minutes drive away, it has winding hiking paths and an opportunity to observe Himalayan wildlife.
Take Your Moment: Khajjiar is packed with endless picture-perfect frames, whether you are a professional photographer or an Instagram-obsessed amateur.
Summer (Mar-June): A good time to go out and explore, the meadows are in full bloom.
Monsoon (July-September): Cloudy view, but it may not be very easy to travel because of the rain.
Winter (October-February): Ideal when there is snow. The fields become a snowy miracle making the Swiss connection even more evident.
Day 1
Land in Dharamshala (using that low fare flight you have booked at HappyEasyGo).
Head to Dalhousie, check into your hotel and relax in the evening.
Day 2
Morning trip to Khajjiar. Take hikes over the meadows, see Khajjiar Lake, ride horses.
Lunch at a local cafe.
Before Dalhousie, evening visit of Khajji Nag Temple.
Day 3
Visit Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.
You have time to go back to Dharamshala, and then fly home in the evening.
Khajjiar is not a matter of checking through tourist lists. It is about losing oneself in the landscape which is too beautiful to be real. It is less crowded than the hill stations, more intimate, and pleasantly undisturbed. To this add the ease of accessibility by getting flight tickets at reasonable prices and it makes it one of the best weekend getaways in India.
Khajjiar is a place that you can slow down, relax, and reconnect with nature and self, whether you are with family, couples, or even travelling alone.
Khajjiar might be tiny, yet it has an international name due to the incredible similarity to Switzerland. It is the Alps in India, from the snowy mountain peaks to the pine forests, everything about this hill station is one big slice.
The next time you are searching through flights and you are thinking of going on holiday, why not choose Khajjiar? When you book the right flight on HappyEasyGo, you will find that even without stamping a passport, the Swiss experience can be found here, in Himachal Pradesh.
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