I was spellbound by the beauty of Hills of Dalhousie completely and the surreal views that my hotel offered. It was my birthday and I
had saved the best for this very day -“Khajjiar
– The mini Switzerland of India!”.
In addition visiting the highest peak of the Dalhousie region – “The Dainkund Peak” was on the cards as
well. Thus after breakfast we set forward for our journey !
.jpg "Khajjiar") |
| Khajjiar - Mini Switzerland of India |
We headed towards the Dainkund Peak. The major town of
Dalhousie is situated at an altitude of roughly 6000 feet above sea level,
whereas the peak is situated at the height of 9000 feet above sea level. The
journey to travel the additional 3000 feet is in itself very exhilarating.
On
the way to Dainkund there is a boarding school, Dalhousie Public School where
the famous song “Mai nikla, O Gaddi leke” from the epic movie “Gadar – Ek Prem
Katha” was shot. The school looked in good shape and also had the Indian
Tricolor which ,amidst the hilly background, looked fabulous.
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| School where Gadar was shot |
As soon as we started approaching the peak, we could feel
the temperature dropping down further and air pressure increasing. We also saw
a herd of sheep in distance just beneath the Dainkund peak. As we progressed, the
route started to become steeper and more orbicular.
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We reached till the point where we were greeted by the board
of Indian Air Force – “No thoroughfare”. Actually there is an IAF station at
the top of Dainkund Peak and for security reasons normal tourists are not
allowed to go there. For this reason we had to park our car at some distance
away and then trek some 1.5 kms to reach the top.
The sight of the mountains and the region nearby was giving a peaceful
feeling to my mind. There was no one except us present there and all you could
feel was air hitting the trees and chirping of birds! This is the kind of peace
I was looking for! We again met with the herd of sheep at the entry point of
the trek.
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.jpg "Herd of Sheep")
Dainkund Peak is surrounded by forests all
around and the way to the top is also through the woods. We started our trekking
with great zeal. Reaching midway we could feel the serenity of the place
already.The Pir Panjal Range in the background with snow capped peaks , the
vast meadows as seen from there were just fabulous. Pictures will help you to
grasp the feel!
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.jpg "Pir Panjal Range") |
.jpg "On the way to Dainkund Peak") |
| On the way to Dainkund Peak |
Once we reached the top it was literally giving us the feel
of being on the “top of the world”! I wasn’t able to believe and digest the
views that I was witnessing and feeling. It took me a little bit of time to get
engulfed in the beauty, peace and calmness of the place. We sat there quietly and just absorbing what was there on offer. A perfect "Peaceful
Vacation" spot! We could also see the IAF station in distance.
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| Hut on the peak |
Our next stop was Khajjiar. It is a hill station that is
surrounded by vast green meadows and dense forests. It is a place with a rare
combination of three ecosystems : a lake , pasture and a forest.
It is because of its appearance it has found its place in the 160 places in the world which strike topographical resemblance to Switzerland (yes there are 160!!). Vice Counselor of Switzerland in 1992 erected a signboard in Khajjiar showing the exact distance of Switzerland from the place.
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As soon as I reached there my senses were in for the best
thing they have ever witnessed in my life till now. Such large meadows
surrounded throughout by thick Deodar Forests and a lake in between. It was a
painting made by the world’s greatest and the best painter!
For such places to exist there indeed is “someone” above who is the architect of such places! I found few rabbits there and got hold of one. They were ultra cute and super soft. On one side few of the local boys were even playing cricket.
.jpg "Divyam holding a cute rabbit")
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There was a provision of try your hand at Jorbing balls. You
are seated inside a big rubber ball and then rolled down the slope. It is the
same thing that is very popular in the Solang Valley , Manali. I had done that
before so I chose to admire the beauty of the place. There are few government
approved as well as local restaurants and eateries that come handy in case you
want to grab some food.
I sat there observing the nature and different type of people that came and went. We also spotted a balloon seller with all his balloons which looked very eye catching because of the superb background and colorful balloons he was carrying.
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Once again time ran very fast and it was about to be sunset.
So we had to leave the mesmerizing and romantic Khajjiar and head back towards the
hotel. But these scenes are the ones that are still fresh in my memory and I
believe that they will remain etched forever.
Though I left that place,I made a
promise to myself that I will definitely return one day to explore more of Khajjiar (Golden Devi Temple, Lord Shiva Temple and Khajji Nag Temple).
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5 comments:
Now I think If i can visit switzerland without burning my pocket then Khajjiar is the place.
A peaceful place to visit!
This is a place for those who are looking for freshness, peace and a break away from the noise, pollution and overcrowded Delhi.
It truly is the mini Switzerland. Reading the whole blog, I was like, "Did not Switzerland had copied paste our Khajjiar over there??"
Wow! Will surely visit Khajiaar in this december!!! Such an amazing place! Nice work again Holiday Plans
"Fantastic blog! Khajjiar really lives up to its 'Mini Switzerland' title, and Dainkund offers breathtaking views. A perfect guide for anyone planning to explore these hidden gems in the Himalayas!"
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