Introduction

The legend of Khajjiar has it that a great sage once lived at this beautiful spot. One day, a powerful serpent, arriving there, liked the place and wished to make it his own. The sage tried to prevent this and a fierce struggle ensued. In the end the sage lost and had to give up the spot to the serpent. While conceding defeat, the sage declared, “Now you eat and you live – “Kha aur ji”. And that is how Khajjiar is said to have got its name. The serpent is worshipped as 'Khajji Nag' and there is an attractive temple that enshrines an image at Khajjiar. The temple has a sanctum with an intricately carved ceiling (though much of the fine woodwork is hidden by a coating of fumes); the ‘verandah’ before the sanctum has life-size carvings in wood of the Pandava brothers who are said to have visited this spot during their exile, an episode from the epic, Mahabharata.

At a distance of 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) from Dalhousie, the attractive saucer-shaped glade of Khajjiar has a circumference of about five kilometres. Along the edges of the glade, thick forests of deodars, Himalayan cedars drape the slopes and are criss-crossed by narrow walk trails. These forests are part of the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary. Fringes over foreheads, the snow line frames this picture of pastoral beauty which is often enhanced by flocks of sheep and goats moving to different pastures. In the centre of the glade, rests a large pond which is fed by the springs and brooks that traverse the glade's green carpet. A mini-golf course maintained by the army is in one corner. An attractive cobbled path, complete with a tiny stone bridge goes along the meadow – and pony rides are available along this.

The spot is often called ‘a mini Switzerland’ – and this is a status that has been officially bestowed upon it. The legend of Khajjiar has it that a great sage once lived at this beautiful spot. One day, a powerful serpent, arriving there, liked the place and wished to make it his own. The sage tried to prevent this and a fierce struggle ensued. In the end the sage lost and had to give up the spot to the serpent. While conceding defeat, the sage declared, “Now you eat and you live – “Kha aur ji”. And that is how Khajjiar is said to have got its name. The serpent is worshipped as 'Khajji Nag' and there is an attractive temple that enshrines an image at Khajjiar. The temple has a sanctum with an intricately carved ceiling (though much of the fine woodwork is hidden by a coating of fumes); the ‘verandah’ before the sanctum has life-size carvings in wood of the Pandava brothers who are said to have visited this spot during their exile, an episode from the epic, Mahabharata.

At a distance of 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) from Dalhousie, the attractive saucer-shaped glade of Khajjiar has a circumference of about five kilometres. Along the edges of the glade, thick forests of deodars, Himalayan cedars drape the slopes and are criss-crossed by narrow walk trails. These forests are part of the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary. Fringes over foreheads, the snow line frames this picture of pastoral beauty which is often enhanced by flocks of sheep and goats moving to different pastures. In the centre of the glade, rests a large pond which is fed by the springs and brooks that traverse the glade's green carpet. A mini-golf course maintained by the army is in one corner. An attractive cobbled path, complete with a tiny stone bridge goes along the meadow – and pony rides are available along this.

The spot is often called ‘a mini Switzerland’ – and this is a status that has been officially bestowed upon it.

Special Attributes

A beautiful large glade surrounded by forest.

Nuisance

The men and boys who give rides on their ponies can become pestering.

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable

Connectivity

Taxi or bus

Enjoyed by

Nature and general interest

Exposure

Exposure during the summer months and when there is snow on the ground.

Avoidable Season

None except the height of winter (January- February) when snow may hamper movement.

Facilities

Restaurants, hotels and parking.

Things Not Allowed

No shoes in the temple

Tip

Try and do some walks

Type of site

Nature