Khajjiar
Khajjiar :-
Khajjiar Wetland
Khajjiar wetland is a part of the Ravi basin, located in the north-east of Dalhousie
town, Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Water body is in the center of gently
Rolling Meadows covered with lush green grass. Beautiful glade is surrounded by a
thick cover of deodar forest. A few streamlets enter the waterbody crossing through
the saucer shaped glade and feeding the discharge into the wetland mainly from the
rainwater and snow melt water. It receives a high volume of surface runoff water
during rainy season. It is presumed that the wetland is fed by perennial natural
sources of ground water in the center which maintains its water level. The scenic
beauty of the area earned Khajjiar the name of Mini-Switzerland. The Khajjiar
wetland named after the Khajji Nag Temple. The temple is in the glade of Khajjiar
wetland. For the local people this wetland holds sacredness and they believe that it is
unfathomable. Alarge number of people residing in the vicinity of the wetland
depends on it for theirlivelihood; they are mainly involved in tourism activities like
horse ridding for tourists, hotelier occupation, etc. The livestock of the nearby
villages are also depending upon the wetland for grazing purposes. The sheep, cows,
mules are the main grazers of the Khajjiar wetland glade grass.
- Location: Chamba district
- Latitudes: 32° 32’46.52” N
- Longitudes: 76°03’29.09” E
- Area: 1.770 ha
- Elevation: 1940 m
- Source of Water: Rainfall,
- Catchment runoff& Snowfall.
- Value and benefits: Source of
- fresh water, Tourism and
Recreation. - Threats: Heavy Siltation of the reservoir, Littering & Grazing
Flora and Fauna - Tree species: Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii), Deodar, Fir and Spruce etc.
Medicinal Plants: Patish, Barian, Chora, Shafoo, Rasount, Juhi, Asmanibooti, Karu,
Kaur, Salam misri, Kuth, Barhmi, Banfasha, Ashwagandha, etc.
Animal species: Leopard, Himalayan Fox, Black Bear, Stripped Hyena, Goral,
Barking Deer, Hanuman Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Flying Squirrel, etc.
Bird species:Black Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Egyptian Vulture,
Lammergeier, Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Koklass, Wedge-tailed GreenPigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Plum-headed Parakeet, Slaty – headed Parakeet,
Eurasian Cuckoo, Asian Barred Owlet, Large-tailed Nightjar, House Swift, Great
Barbet, Scaly bellied Woodpeckers, Grey-headed Woodpeckers, Himalayan
Woodpeckers, Red-ramped swallow, Black bulbul, Variegated laughing thrush,
Streaked Laughing thrush, Rufous Sibia, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Common Chiffchaff,
Greenish Warbler, Golden-spectacled Warbler, Plumbeuous Water Redstart, Spotted
Fork tail, Grey Bushchat, White- capped Water Redstart, Blue-capped Rock Thrush,
Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, White-collared Blackbird, Grey-winged Blackbird,
Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Green-backed Tit,Spot-winged Tit, Black-throated Tit,
White-cheeked Nuthatch, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, House Sparrow, Russet Sparrow,
Black-and-yellow Grosbeak, Yellow- Breasted Greenfinch, Rock Bunting, Crested
Bunting etc.
Which is the best time to visit in Khajjiar :-
The best time to visit Khajjiar is during the summer months, from March to June, and in the autumn season, from September to November. These months offer pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to August) as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can hinder travel and outdoor plans.
How you reach Khajjiar :-
To reach Khajjiar, you can follow these general steps:
1. *By Air:*
The nearest airport to Khajjiar is Kangra Airport (Gaggal Airport) in Dharamshala, which is approximately 120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Khajjiar.
2. *By Train:*
The nearest major railway station is Pathankot Railway Station, located about 120 kilometers from Khajjiar. From Pathankot, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Khajjiar.
3. *By Road:*
Khajjiar is well-connected by road. Yoc can rent BIke and car form The Himalayan Calling .You can also reach Khajjiar by bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Dalhousie (24 kilometers away), Chamba (23 kilometers away), or Pathankot. The road journey offers scenic views of the Himalayan mountains and lush green landscapes.
If you’re traveling from Delhi or other major cities, you can take a bus or drive by car to reach Khajjiar via Chandigarh or Pathankot. The road journey from these cities is picturesque but may take several hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.
How you can rent a Bike or car From The Himalayan Calling :-
To rent bikes or cars from Himalayan Calling, you typically follow these steps:
1. *Visit their Website:*
Start by visiting the Himalayan Calling website to explore their available rental options and prices.
2. *Choose Your Vehicle:*
Select the bike or car you want to rent based on your preferences and requirements. They usually offer a variety of options, including different models and sizes.
3. *Check Availability:*
Check the availability of your chosen vehicle for the dates you plan to rent it. Make sure it’s available during your desired time frame.
4. *Make a Reservation:*
Once you’ve chosen your vehicle and confirmed availability, proceed to make a reservation. This may involve providing your contact details, rental duration, and any other required information.
5. *Payment:*
Complete the payment process as per the rental terms and conditions. This could involve paying a deposit or the full rental amount, depending on their policy.
6. *Pick Up:*
On the scheduled day, visit the Himalayan Calling rental location to pick up your bike or car. Make sure to carry any necessary documents such as your driving license, ID proof, and reservation confirmation.
7. *Return:*
Enjoy your rental vehicle during the rental period, and return it to the designated location at the agreed-upon time. Ensure that the vehicle is in good condition and has the same fuel level as when you received it to avoid any additional charges.
8. *Feedback:*
After returning the vehicle, you may be asked to provide feedback or reviews about your rental experience with Himalayan Calling.
It’s always a good idea to read through the rental terms and conditions, including insurance coverage, fuel policy, and any additional charges, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.