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ToggleAll You Need to Know About Khajjiar Lake Chamba
Located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India, Khajjiar Lake is a picturesque and serene lake situated in a lush green meadow. The lake is surrounded by thick forests and snow-covered mountain peaks, making it an ideal destination for those seeking some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Let’s take a closer look at this beautiful spot!
Khajjiar Lake is said to be very ancient in origin and legend has it that the lake was formed when a meteorite hit the area. The water of the lake is crystal clear with no visible source, and it never dries up. Visitors to this spot can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing and horse riding. The lake also has a few temples around its fringes, as well as some cafes for visitors to rest and refuel after a long day out in nature.
The beautiful meadows surrounding Khajjiar Lake are known as “Mini Switzerland” due to their resemblance with the country’s lush green landscape. During winter months, these meadows transform into ski slopes for skiing enthusiasts! Apart from its snow-covered mountain peaks, the area is also known for its wildlife. Visitors can spot rare species of birds and animals such as musk deer and barking deer in the forests near the lake.
Khajjiar Lake is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this spot has it all! If you ever find yourself in Himachal Pradesh, make sure to take some time out to explore Khajjiar Lake. You won’t regret it!
The History Behind Khajjiar Lake
Khajjiar Lake has been around since the 12th century AD. Its name is derived from ‘Khajjair’ which translates to ‘a bowl’ in local dialects. The lake was once part of a large fort built by Raja Sahil Varman of Kahlur (now known as Bilaspur). It is believed that the lake was created when a huge piece of rock fell off this fort. Over time, the lake grew bigger and eventually filled up with water.
Since its origin, the lake has remained untouched and is now a popular tourist destination. The area around it was declared as a national park in 1992. Today, Khajjiar Lake is a symbol of peace and tranquility, offering visitors an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Reasons to Visit Khajjiar Lake
Khajjiar Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Visitors come here to enjoy its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning views. If you’re looking for something adventurous to do while visiting Khajjiar Lake, there are plenty of activities available ranging from trekking and zorbing to horse riding and paragliding. For those who just want to relax, there are plenty of scenic spots around the lake where you can sit back and take in the beauty of nature.
What Else Is There To See?
Apart from its natural beauty, Khajjiar Lake also offers visitors unique cultural experiences such as local festivals like Minjar Fair held every year at nearby Chamba Town. There are also several ancient temples nearby such as Chamunda Devi Temple dedicated to goddess Durga located about 8 km away from Khajjiar Lake. Other places worth visiting include Dalhousie Hills which offer breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys, Bhuri Singh Museum which houses centuries-old artifacts related to Hindu culture, as well as Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot various species of birds and animals including leopards and black bears!
Khajjiar Lake truly is one of Himachal Pradesh’s hidden gems – offering travelers both adventure and relaxation! Whether you’re looking for a tranquil escape or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Khajjiar has something for everyone! With its lush greenery, stunning views, unique cultural experiences, and plethora of activities available – there’s no doubt that it’s worth adding this destination to your travel bucket list! So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags today – let’s go explore beautiful Khajjiar!
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Tour Plan and Itenary
Khajjiar Lake is situated in Khajjiar, in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It's approximately:
- 16-20 kilometers from Dalhousie.
- 25 kilometers from Chamba town.
Khajjiar earned the moniker "Mini Switzerland" due to its striking topographical resemblance to the landscapes of Switzerland, particularly near Interlaken. This designation was officially given by Mr. Willy P. Blazer, the then Vice Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland, on July 7, 1992. He even placed a yellow Swiss sign for a "hiking path" at Khajjiar, marking it as one of the 160 places in the world that bear a remarkable resemblance to Switzerland.
Khajjiar Lake is a natural lake. It is believed to have been formed by dust settling on weeds and decaying vegetation over time, creating a soft, squashy land that eventually turned into a lake.
The best time to visit Khajjiar Lake is generally from April to June (summer) and September to October (autumn/post-monsoon).
- Summer: The weather is pleasant (14°C to 28°C), ideal for outdoor activities, and the meadows are vibrantly green.
- Autumn: Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and lush landscapes after the monsoon.
- Monsoon (July-August): While the area is incredibly lush and beautiful, heavy rainfall can make roads slippery and increase the risk of landslides.
- Winter (December-February): Khajjiar experiences snowfall, turning it into a winter wonderland. It's ideal for snow lovers, but temperatures drop below freezing, and some activities might not be available.
- Photography: The scenic beauty makes it a photographer's paradise.
- Boating: You can enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake. (Note: The size of the lake for boating can vary depending on water levels.)
- Horse Riding: Horse riding is very popular around the meadows surrounding the lake.
- Zorbing: Roll down gentle slopes inside a giant transparent ball for an exhilarating experience.
- Picnicking: It's a perfect spot for a relaxed family picnic.
- Nature Walks/Trekking: Explore the surrounding deodar forests and meadows.
- Visit Khajji Nag Temple: A 12th-century temple dedicated to the serpent deity, Khajji Nag, located near the lake.
- Visit Golden Devi Temple: A small temple with a golden dome located near the lake.
Yes, boating is generally available. Boat rentals (rowboats and paddleboats) typically range from ₹200 to ₹500 per hour, depending on the type of boat. However, note that the lake has significantly shrunk over the years, and boating might be on a smaller scale or occasionally unavailable if water levels are very low.
The average depth of Khajjiar Lake is stated to be around 13 feet (approximately 4 meters). The lake's approximate area is about 5,000 square yards (roughly 0.004 sq km or 0.4 hectares). It's important to remember that the lake has considerably shrunk over the years.
- Littering: Visitors are urged not to litter to preserve the natural beauty.
- Monkeys: Be cautious of monkeys, especially if carrying food.
- Road Conditions: Roads leading to Khajjiar, particularly during monsoon or heavy snowfall, can be narrow and challenging.
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