Khajjiar, The Mini Switzerland of India
Dreaming of a vacation in Switzerland? Right now, if it is not materializing, you need not worry. You can still pack your bags and have a short trip to Khajjiar the ‘Mini Switzerland' of India.
Khajjiar, a Himalayan hamlet, in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, is known as the ‘Mini Switzerland' of India because of its topographical resemblance to that of Switzerland. It is a plateau with lush green pastures, a stream-fed lake, the rolling-meadows, surrounded by forests of pine, deodar, and fir climbing up the slopes to meet the sparkling white snow line. The snow-capped Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas at the backdrop brews up the magic.
Khajjiar has been a significant spot on the world tourism map since 1992, when the Swiss Envoy, Willy P.Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India, called it the ‘Mini Switzerland'. There is a cute signboard of yellow Swiss hiking footpath showing Khajjiar's distance from Berne, the Swiss Capital – 6194kms.


Picturesque Khajjiar has been a favourite shooting spot of Bollywood. Kajol-Shahrukh starrer ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', Sonakshi-Ranveer starrer, ‘Lootera', and Pankaj Kapoor's starrer, Vishal Bhardwaj's movie ‘The Blue Umbrella' based on Ruskin Bond's novel, are some of the popular Bollywood movies shot here. Khajjiar has a few cottages owned by Himachal Pradesh Tourism and a few by PWD and Forest Department which are cozy and good but require pre-booking for accommodation. There are a few private ones too which are able to provide just the basic amenities.

Let's move on to the things to see and do at India's ‘Mini Switzerland'. Most of them can be covered in a day.
The Khajjiar Lake
It is a small lake with a floating island, filled with weeds, surrounded by saucer-shaped lush green pasture. Adventurous sports like horse riding, paragliding and zorbing are common activities around the lake. Tourists can even dress up in traditional Himachali attires to click photographs.



The Temples near the Lake
The 12th century Khajjinag Temple has its sanctum carved out of wood. There are images of Snakes, Lord Shiva, Hidimba Devi, the Pandavas and the defeated Kauravas on the temple. The Golden Devi Temple is also another temple near the lake and is popular for its golden spire.

The Panch Pandav Tree
This is unique deodar with 6 stems. Locals say the 6 stems stand for 5 Pandava brothers and their wife, Draupadi.


Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary (8200 feet)
Khajjiar is a part of Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary, an almost 31 square kilometer animal sanctuary with Himalayan black bear, deer, jackal, leopard, wild cat, deer, serow and Himalayan marten. The sanctuary has well laid out trekking trails amidst dense deodar, blue pine, oak, and fir forest. There are a few wooden cottages and the Forest Rest House for accommodation. Pre-booking is necessary if one wants to stay in these. The forest rest house is 15kms from Khajjiar Lake.




Khajjiar Villages
Trek to the scenic villages of Khajjiar- Ladi, and Rota. Have a feel of the laid back simple lifestyle and absorb nature's bliss. These villages are famous for apple orchards and mid September-October is the best season for apples.

Dainkund Peak
The trek route from Khajjiar to Dainkund peak is one with easy to moderate level of difficulty. It's a beautiful camping site offering a 360degrees panoramic view.
Best time to visit Khajjiar, the ‘Mini Switzerland' of India
Khajjiar can be visited at any time of the year. The spring and autumn bring colourful blooms all around, while the summer is cool and comfortable. However, if you are looking for a winter wonderland, do visit Khajjiar between December and February. Rolling on the snow on the slopped terrains of Khajjiar, with your family and/or friends is going to be a lifelong memory. Walking on the 3 inches snow carpet is alluring enough to bring you back every year for the Desi-Swiss experience.
How to reach Khajjiar, the ‘Mini Switzerland' of India?
Khajjiar can be reached from Dalhousie (22kms) or Chamba (23kms) by road, by local bus or taxi.
The nearest railway station is Pathankot, Punjab, which is 96kms away from Khajjiar. Pathankot is well connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Bhatinda. From Pathankot, one has to take a cab to Khajjiar or alternatively a bus to Dalhousie or Chamba and then a cab or bus from there.
The nearest airport is Kangra Gaggal Airport at Dharamsala which is 118kms away from Khajjiar. There are buses and cabs available from Dharamsala to Khajjiar. Ideally, one should plan Dalhousie and Khajjiar together.
Khajjiar, the ‘Mini Switzerland' of India, is not just a site seeing spot from Dalhousie. It deserves an exclusive stay. Experience it for yourself.
Read about more Travel Blogs in our Travel and Living Section.
Sounds like a really awesome place. So tranquil and picturesque
Indeed…it is a magical place 🙂
Wow, what a relaxing and amazing place to stay! This place looks like an absolute dream.
Mini Switzerland Khajjiar was unknown to me, now getting this writing and picturesque it’s awesome like heaven. I am charming and deciding to go to that heavenly Khajjiar.
I’ve been to Switzerland. I’ve never been to India. I’d love to visit.
I’m just hearing about these……where do you live in Switzerland of India????
The Author stays in India
Wow. It feels like you are in Switzerland! I love to go there and see it for myself. 🙂
i would love to visit both india and switzerland. the photo of the valley and lake looks stunning. especially the one with the fog.
What amazing pictures! The temple is beautiful. This is another lovely plae that I haven’t heard of yet. I am learning so much!
There are so many hidden gems, all across the globe 🤗
Pingback: 10 Best Places to Visit in Dalhousie, India - Kuntala's Travel Blog
Oh wow. The place looks lovely! It sure deserves to be called “Mini Switzerland.” If I would have the chance to visit, I would like to go and spend my birthday there. It would be a very memorable birthday for me. The place is so idyllic!
Wow! Khajjiar looks like a paradise for me. It looks like Switzerland countryside! I hope to see it soon!
I am loving all your pictures right now. This is such a beautiful place…Switzerland is on my must travel list for sure xx
mmm interesting, didn’t know that we have two Switzelands LOL… but I would love to visit both of them!
This was really interesting – I didn’t know about this side to Switzerland. So many places to add to places I want to visit.
Ashlee | ashleemoyo.com
It’s crazy to think just how beautiful and varied the landscape shape of India actually is, lovely photos
Thanks…India has cried landscapes, varied climates. From burning sand deserts to cool beaches, from serene hills and forests to the majestic snow covered mountains. There are plethora of options for vacation in India. Incredible India she is 🙏🏻
A feeling of tranquility watching those pics