Chikhaldara Hill Station

Chikhaldara is a famous city located on a plateau in Amravati district in the Vidarbha region of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is one of the beautiful hill stations and the only coffee growing area in the state. Replete with captivating precipices and highpoints offering a panoramic view of the serene surroundings, the place homes waterfalls, lakes and exotic wildlife too.
Chikhaldara is the only hill station in the area offering a plethora of biodiversity. Located at an altitude of 1118 meters, it is the most favored summer retreat for the people of nearby areas. Captain Robinson of the Hyderabad Regiment discovered this destination in the year 1823. Travelers can know more about the city with the help of Chikhaldara travel guide.

Attractions in Chikhaldara                                                                                                               

Bhim-Kund(Kichakdara), Chikhaldara

It is pilgrimage site of mythological importance. Bhima killed Kichaka and threw his body in the valley called 'Kichakdara' and took a bath in the nearby lake. This is why the place came to be known as Bhim-Kund. This place is situated in the south near Alladhoh village on the way from Chikhaldara to Pratwada. Bhim-Kund is 3500 ft. deep and offers a fascinating view to the tourists.

Museums In Chikhaldara, Chikhaldara

here are two museums in Chikhaldara area; one of them is located at Maharashtra Forest Ranger’s College, Chikhaldara. Another museum that is also worth visiting is situated at Tiger Project.

Hurricane Point And Devi Point In Maharashtra, Chikhaldara

The scenic beauty of the lofty mountains with rich flora and fauna can be observed from the Hurricane Point, Prospect Point and Devi Point.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit Chikaldhara hills is between October to June.

PLACES OF INTEREST                                                                                                                 

Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary 

This sanctuary in the Amaravati district of Vidarbha region is named after "Keechaka" which attracts lot of wild life lovers. You can get to see Panthers, Sloth Bears, Sambar, and Wild Boar. One can even spot Wild Dogs over here.

Melghat Tiger Reserve

This is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Chikaldhara situated in Dharni tehsils of Amaravati district in Satpuda hill range. This tiger reserve of 1676.93-sq-km is one of the last remaining habitats of Indian tiger in Maharashtra.

Bhimkund

Bhimkund situated at a distance of about 2 kms from the village has a deep valley of about 3500-foot and a stream which is believed to be the place where Bheema is said to have washed his hands in a pond after killing Keechaka.

Panchbol Point

This is one of the famous and important points, The five hills edges are connected naturally and it becomes a common huge valley, sound echoes five times hence its called panch valley.

Wan Sanctuary

This is an extension of the Melghat Sanctuary on southeastern part of Melghat area.This area is known for a rich biodiversity.

Gavilgadh Fort

Shrouded in mist and myths is the Gavali tribal fort of Gavilgad or Gavaligad, on the Chikhaldara plateau, now under the Melghat Tiger Project. Featured in the epic, the Mahabharata, this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a Herculean bout and then threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as Keechakadara - Chikhaldara is its corruption.

Devi Mandir

This mandir is a cave temple which lies under three huge slabs of rock. This is close to shakkar lake from where water continuously seeps through the ceiling of the cave.

Shakkar Lake

This lake is near Devi point and on the way to Gavilgad fort. Boating is available here.

Hariken Point


This hill is named after the mythical cobra – Karkotaka and also has famous nag temple.The presiding deity of this temple is Nag Karkotaka Maharaj which is visited by a number of devotees on Rishi Panchami.

HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION

1.The MTDC has resorts in Chikhaldara with excellent accommodation facilities. Othert options include Economy Lodges, Semadoh Forest Lodge, etc.

2.Satpura Retreat
Chikaldara Hils

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Nearest airport is Akola 150-km.

By Rail

Nearest railway station is Badnera at 110-km on the Central Railway branch line.

By Road

Nearest bus depot is Amravathi 100-km. Regular State Transport buses connect Chikhaldara to Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha, Akola and other cities of the state.

More info about Chikhaldara Hill Station:

http://onlinetravelguide.blogspot.in/2014/11/chikhaldara-travel-guide-maharashtra.html