Himachal Pradesh Tourism – The Serene Town of Kotkhai

Kotkhai is a small city, which rests at an altitude of 1,800 mt and is located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. The place derives its name from the palace of the king located on a cliff.The literal meaning of Kot is palace and Khai is cliff. The natural beauty of the place and its peaceful environment attract tourists from the far-flung areas.One of the places to visit in Kotkhai is its apple orchards which are spread across an area of 23,000 hectares. Travellers can visit these orchards by availing prior permission from the owners. Horticultural activities are prominent in the region of Kotkhai. Nera Ghati is noted for its breathtaking beauty. It is an ideal place for picnic with your family. You can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding areas and relax in the arms of nature here. It is also a place of interest for photographers who can capture the panromic view of the region from here.Photo Courtesy: Rocky Nelina Lankra Veer Temple is a famous temple in Kothai. The tranquil and serene surroundings of the place adds to its charm. It is dedicated to Lankra Veer who is a God of the local clans that live here. Take a trip here to be refreshed spiritually by the chants that can be heard loudly in the otherwise calm region.Photo Courtesy: Chanchal Rungta Kotkhai Palace constructed by King Rana Saab, is the prominent attraction of Kotkhai, which rests on an old mountain cliff. The palace offers magnificent views of the River Giri Ganga that flows through the foot of the cliff. The palace portrays the Tibetan style of architecture with pagoda style roof. It is built on a raised platform and has a wooden structure, which depicts the artistic excellence of artisans in the ancient era.Photo Courtesy: Rocky Nelina Kiala Forest is renowned for its scenic beauty. The cool and serene environment of the place attracts tourists from all over the country. It attracts a lot of nature and wildlife enthusiasts who can explore these wilderness to capture different species of fauna and flora.Photo Courtesy: Chanchal Rungta The Dhilon Pond is a beautiful water body situated amidst the forests in Kotkhai. The natives of the region believe that the water of the pond is divine. It is not a developed tourist spot and is still untouched by commercialisation.Photo Courtesy: Chanchal Rungta By Air: The nearest airport to Kotkhai is Shimla Airport, which is directly connected to major cities in India like Kullu and New Delhi. Travellers coming from abroad can easily avail connecting flights from New Delhi to Shimla.By Train: The railway station at Shimla is the nearest major railhead to Kotkhai. It is directly linked to the Kalka Railway Station, which is a narrow gauge.By Road: Direct buses for Kotkhai are available from Shimla. Travellers can easily avail buses, taxis and cabs to reach Kotkhai.Photo Courtesy: Abhishek Shirali