Khajjiar is arguably one of the most picturesque places in India. The landscape is chocolate-box perfect. There is a large glade which is some five kilometers in circumference and is covered with soft green grass nurtured by ground-water springs. Along the sides is a thick forest of majestic deodar (Himalayan cedar) trees – which are a part of the Kalatop Sanctuary. Along one edge of the glade, is the highway that runs between Dalhousie and Chamba. Along the other side, shaded by the trees is a charming path that is partially paved with flagstones; small arched bridges of stone span a couple of slim brooks along this path. The picture of pastoral perfection is completed with the small cottage that is the forest rest house, a temple, a large pond in the centre and the occasional flocks of sheep and goats that graze in the area. Jagged snow peaks frame the picture.Hotels in Khajjiar is often likened to the landscapes of Switzerland and this is a status that has been officially bestowed upon it by the Swiss authorities.
Khajjiar is not a town or even a small village – though there are a few decent hotels and some shops. This is nature at its finest and still relatively undisturbed by man.
Khajjiar is not a town or even a small village – though there are a few decent hotels and some shops. This is nature at its finest and still relatively undisturbed by man.
History
There is an interesting legend told about the origin of the place name ‘Khajjiar’ Somewhere in the mists of antiquity, a sage lived in the glade. One day a powerful sepnet arrived there and wished to take control of this exquisite place. The sage refused to part with it or leave. A fierce battle ensued between the two. The serpent was victorious and the sage had to leave. While departing, the sage cried out, “Kha aur Jee” – ‘Now you eat and live.’ And that is how Khajjiar is believed to have got its name. The serpent is worshipped in human form and there is a beautifully carved stone image of the 'Nag devta' - holding a mace in one hand and a khanda in the other - within the temple. Also within the temple are five wooden life-size statues of the five Pandava brothers. These were installed in the sixteenth century during the reign of Raja Balbhadra Varman of Chamba.Khajjiar was a part of the princely state of Chamba. Chamba is regarded as one the oldest ones in north India and is dated to between the middle or the end of the sixth century AD. It is surmised that this came into being with the fragmentation of India after the collapse of the Gupta Empire and the inroads made by the Huns. In its early years, Chamba was either a part of the kingdom of Kashmir or was a feudatory that established moments of independence whenever the central power was weak. There are references to Chamba in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, a primary source of the period. About the middle of the twelfth century, in the wake of the Muslim invasions and the ensuing disorder across north India, Chamba struck out on its own. The areas’ geographic inaccessibility ensured that it remained undisturbed until the emperor, Akbar brought the state under Mughal sway around 1560-80 AD. When Ahmed Shah Durrani took hold of the Punjab in the mid-eighteenth century, Chamba also passed into his hands. Later, with the rise of Sikh power, Chamba was subject to the Lahore Durbar – and then, along with the Punjab, this passed under British paramountcy.
Getting Around
Khajjiar itself is best covered on foot and should you care to, by pony; ponies with attendants are available for rides within the glade and some offer longer rides into the woods. Otherwise, you can hire a taxi or travel by bus to either Dalhousie or to Chamba, the two closest towns.Tourist Traps in the City
The pony attendants and taxi drivers can occasionally become pestering or overcharge.Local Custom
None as such, but dress conservatively in public.Shopping
Limited. But at nearby Dalhousie and Chamba a variety of shopping can be done. The handicrafts of Chamba are considered among the most varied in Himachal and they cover a substantial range. The Chamba ‘Rumal’ is perhaps the most famous of Chamba’s crafts and is embroidered with a double satin-stitch, 'dorukha'. A range of items using this are available – caps, hand-fans, pillow-cases and wall hangings. Fine metal work has been executed in Chamba for centuries while its paintings have a strong Sikh influence. Other crafts of Chamba include basket making, clay ware and ceramics, leather items, weaving and an elaborate range of jewellery. Almost all are available at different shops in Chamba, especially at the Handloom and Handicraft Emporium. A few of these items, like the Chamba 'rumal' are available in the shops at Khajjiar.Communications
The prominent GSM service providers include BSNL, Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea among others.There are a couple of internet cafes and as elsewhere Hotles in Himachal Pradesh, BSNL is the main service provider and provides broadband connectivity. You can browse the net, send e mails and upload photographs. The cyber cafes may ask for an identification document eg. passport, driving licence etc.
