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FACTS & FIGURES
Languages : Hindi
and Himachali
Best time to visit : March-June
STD Code : 01899
THE SYLVAN MEADOW
Khajjiar is a small grassy meadow located in
the picturesque Chamba valley. It is an important picnic
spot whose quiet environs beacon the tourists traveling
between Dalhousie and Chamba. The stopover at Khajjiar
is a welcome break for the weary tourists.
LOCATION
Khajjiar is located in the northwestern part
of the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the northern region
of India. It is perched at an altitude of 1951 m above
sea level. Khajjiar is 22 km from Dalhousie and 24 km
from Chamba. The climate of Khajjiar is alpine. Summers
(April–June) are mild and winters (November–February)
are cold and bitter. It experiences southwestern monsoon
rains in July–September.
VISITING TIME
The best time to visit Khajjiar is between
March and June
THE PAST
The history of Khajjiar is linked to
the rulers of Chamba. The local Rajput rulers ruled
Chamba valley in the 6th century ad and made it their
capital city. This region became the part of the Mughal
Empire in the medieval period and later came under various
Sikh kingdoms. Finally, it was taken over by the British.
It became a part of the state of Himachal Pradesh when
it came into being on April 15, 1948.
TOURIST SPOTS
Khajjiar is a small grassy meadow (1
× 1 sq km) between tall deodar trees. This emerald
opening amidst the woods has a small pond at its center.
There are two floating islands in the middle of the
pond; they are sometimes hidden from view by the tall
grass that grows on them.
Khajjiar, known as one of the “most charming
spots in the Himalayas,” derives its name from
its ancient, golden-domed temple of Khajinag. The 12th-century
Khajinag temple is a small shrine dedicated to the local
Goddess or the Devi. This temple is also known as the
Golden Devi temple, as it is adorned with a golden dome
and spire. Pilgrims visiting the Chamba valley often
come to this temple.
A nine-hole golf course is an added attraction at Khajjiar.
SITES NEARBY
The town of Chamba is 24 km from Khajjiar.
Chamba is located in a picturesque valley, amongst the
Shivalik ranges and is famous for its medieval temples.
It is also known for its local festivals.
The hill station of Dalhousie is 22 km from Khajjiar
and is a popular summer retreat set amongst the lower
Himalayan ranges.
HOW TO REACH
Khajjiar is a small tourist spot, and
can only be reached by road. It is well connected with
other towns in the Chamba valley. Buses from Chamba
(1½ hour) and Dalhousie (1½ hour) stop
at this picnic spot. Travelers can also hire taxis from
either Dalhousie or Chamba to reach here. One can explore
the pristine beauty of this spot by taking a walk in
the meadow and around the small pond.
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