Kotkhai : an old folk tale (part 1 of 2)

The  people of the ghail valley have long been known for their wit and acumen.

Many hundred years ago the kotkhai region was free from the rule of any king.the people  in ghail in ghail realized that progress can only be made under the governance of a rule rand that it would  instill a sense  of discipline among the people. A troupe of learned and wise men approached the king of sarahan and humbly asked to take over the  governance of the region. The king readily accepted the offer anddecided to pay a visit to Ghail.

The king was carried on a palanquin from sarahan to kajuber,where a temple of godess kaali is situated. A holy man asked the king to walk his way through the peripheryOf the temple. The high headed king thought other wise and challenged the mighty godess instead . he spread his palms wide open and asked the godess to place small apples in his palm and that only then will he dismount from his palanquin. Instantly .to the shock of the king his hand was filled with small apples. The king humbly got down and made his way on foot from that point onward

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kotkhai

The beauty of the flower is unfolded slowly and steadily as it turns from a bud to a flower. Like wise, the beauty of Himachal Pradesh is incomplete in its first glance. To know, appreciate and enjoy Himachal it has to be explored and known thoroughly and Kotkhai, situated 70 kms. away from Shimla is an ideal destination to feel the real spirit of Himachal.

The place is called Kotkhai due to the palace of the king on the cliff (Kot – Palace, Khai – Cliff). The old palace is situated beautifully on a cliff with a tributary of Giri Ganga flowing below it. 12 km from Kotkhai, is a village called Kiari. Lush green apple orchids,pine trees and a picturesque temple of Godess Mahamai and Lankra Veer are the main attractions here. One can enjoy absolute
tranquility and peace of ‘Nera-Ghati’ and the ‘Kiala Forest’.

A beautiful pond named ‘Dhilon’ is situated in the centre of the forest and believed to be divine by local people. Also all modern amenities are available here, but a major the tourism is not well developed and is compensated by the generous and extremely helpful people who generally shelter people from outside.

Every month and season had its own specialty here, so a visit at any time of the year will give you maximum satisfaction. The nearest rest house is Murti Guest House in Kothai and Hotel Apple Crown at Dumehar.

Vinayak Chauhan