📍 Location: ~60 km from Shimla, ~1,881 m elevation, Shimla District
📅 Season: April–June & September–November for orchard walks and cultural immersion
A town of trench-carved palaces and Devta lore, where arrows fly in festivals and apples blush in prayer
🏰 Kotkhai Palace – The Cliffside Crown
Built by Rana Sahab in the 12th century, the Kotkhai Palace (locally called Bussa) is a pagoda-style fort perched dramatically on a cliff above the Giri River:
- Constructed in Tibetan architectural style, with wooden carvings, multi-tiered roofs, and stone foundations
- Still inhabited by the Rana family, preserving centuries of royal tradition
- Offers panoramic views of apple orchards, pine forests, and valley mist
🪵 The palace is a living relic—not a museum, but a home where history breathes
🏹 Thoda Festival – Archery of the Ancients
Kotkhai hosts the traditional Thoda archery festival, where Rajput warrior clans (Khoonds) compete in ritual combat:
- Played with blunt arrows, aimed at the legs to symbolize non-lethal skill
- Accompanied by folk music, masked dances, and Devta processions
- Held during local fairs, especially in summer and post-harvest seasons
🎯 The game blends martial art, mythology, and community bonding, unique to Himachal’s warrior heritage
🍎 Apple Orchards & Horticultural Legacy
Kotkhai is one of Himachal’s largest apple-producing regions, with over 23,000 hectares under cultivation:
- Known for Royal Delicious, Golden, and Granny Smith varieties
- Orchards offer apple-picking experiences, farm stays, and organic tastings
- Kiari village (~12 km) is famed for its lush orchards and pine groves
🌳 Apple farming here is not just livelihood—it’s legacy, passed down through generations
🛕 Temples & Dev Bhoomi Traditions
Kotkhai is deeply devotional, with each village honoring a unique Devta (local deity):
- Mahamai Temple: A goddess shrine with seasonal fairs and masked rituals
- Lankra Veer Temple: Dedicated to a warrior deity, revered during Thoda
- Dhilon Pond & Kiala Forest: Sacred natural sites believed to hold divine energy
🪔 Devtas are carried in palanquins, consulted for village decisions, and honored with music and offerings
🧭 Plan Your Visit
| 🗺️ Travel Tips | 🏡 Stay Options |
|---|---|
| Reach via Shimla–Theog–Kotkhai Road (~60 km) | Homestays in Kotkhai, Kiari, or forest cottages near Kiala |
| Nearest airport: Shimla (Jubbarhatti, ~90 km) | Combine with Cheog, Fagu, or Tani Jubbar Lake |
| Best time: Spring & Autumn | Request orchard access in advance; respect Devta customs during festivals |
✨ Why It Belongs in Your Guide
Kotkhai reflects:
- Shimla’s royal and horticultural heritage
- A living archive of Devta worship and martial tradition
- A sanctuary of stone, orchard, and spiritual rhythm
It’s not just a town—it’s a cliffside crown of cedar and culture, where arrows fly and apples fall in prayer.
