After visiting Khajjiar, Dr Von Huelst, leader of the Indo-German Agriculture Project which remained in operation in Mandi and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh for over a decade during the sixties had once remarked, “I have gone across the world and I can say with certainty that this is one of the most beautiful spots on the earth.”
located at an altitude of 6,600 ft and spread over 5 km circumference amidst the thickest sloppy fringes of deodar forests along the snowline is a lush green plateau of Khajjiar, an enchanting tourists resort in the foot-hills of Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Its location is in the backdrop of Himachal’s thickest cedar forest Kala Top. As evident from its name (Black Hat) the forest is so dense that inside the forest it is all black and dark.
Khajjiar is a rare blend of three eco-systems comprising lush green forests, emerald sprawling pastures and a blue verdant lake fed by perennial cluster of small streams captivating the tourists converging from all parts of the country and abroad.
This queen of hill stations is known as mini-Switzerland and had officially been baptised as such by the then Swiss Ambassador to India during his visit to this beauty spot on July 7, 1992.
Khajjiar is a lovely and attractive place to watch and enjoy. It is a famous picnic spot. Many photographers swarm around the tourists pleading and alluring them to have photographs in traditional attire of Chamba. A small lake in the centre with a floating Island adds glamour to this dream spot.
The sanctuary area has well laid out trekking trails both at Kalatop and Khajjiar having dense Deodar and Fir forests. Himalayan Black Beer, leopard, Barking Dear, Goral, Marten, Serow and multi-coloured Pheasants are some of the common animals found here. The sanctuary lies in the catchments of Ravi amidst coniferous and oak forests.
This sanctuary is located in Khajjiar Valley. It is hot favourite with the tourists. The sanctuary should best be visited during the months of April to June and then from October to November. A permit is easily available from the Forest Department. Once inside, one can forget all tension. Well laid out trail of trekking routes take visitors deep inside the sanctuary and increase your chances of having a glimpse of Ibex, Deer, Bears and leopards and multi-coloured pheasants. But beware of the Black Bear which can suddenly appear and attack.
Another added attraction of Khajjiar is the nine-hole golf ground, but it is no more in regular use. The State Government has plans to develop and de-silt the lake to make it as the Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh.
There is a historic Subhash Bauli located about 1 km from the lake. It is a lonely and lovely natural spot. Netaji Subhash Chander Bose had 7-month long sojourn in Dalhousie in 1937. He used to meditate here for most of the time by the side of this natural spring amidst dense cedar woods. Even some most confidential meetings of the activists of Azad Hind Fauj had been held here.
There is also a temple built about 200 years ago in the vicinity at Sadar Bazar, barely 200 meters from Subhash Chowk, which enshrines an elegant image of lord Vishnu.
Another prominent monument on Subhash Chowk is St Francis Church built in 1894 by voluntary contributions made by residents including Army and Civil officers at Prtrain Hill. The architecture of the church is similar to those of England.
The scenic beauty of Khajjiar is superb. This tranquil, secluded and charming retreat is an excellent site for day-long excursion. Many come here from the neighbouring places like Chamba and Dalhousie for picnics. Some also have overnight stay here. A steep 1-km trek through Bakrota Hill leads to Tagore Chowk and Kamla Nehru Park. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore had spent some of the finest months of his life here along with his father in Snowdun Cottage in Upper Bakrota.