Chikhaldara

Rich with mythology, Chikhaldara (Chikhaldhara) is known as the only hill station in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state. Situated at an altitude of 1118 meters high in the Gavilgarh Hills, a branch of the Satpura mountains, it is 28 km north west of Achalpur in the Amravati district. 

Also famous as the only coffee growing area in the state, Chikaldara was established by the British in 1839 as a sanatorium and a site for coffee plantations. Still today, one can find many British Bungalows in Chikhaldara. A British-made water treatment pump still functions in the Mariampur Village.

The hill station derives its name from Kichaka, who was killed by Bheema, one of the Pandava brothers, for having insulted Draupadi, and threw his body down the vally Kichak Bara now known as Chikaldara.

Chikaldara is a popular destination for nature lovers also. The hillstation boasts colourful birds and animals including Magpie, Barbet, Oriole, Panthers, Sloth Bears, Sambars and Wild Boars. The famous Melghat Tiger Reserve with a population of 82 tigers is located nearby. The reserve boasts Sloth Bear, Hyena, Gaur, Sambhar, Nilgai, Four - horned Antelope, Boar etc. Apart from rich wildlife, the hill station offers its visitors breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls during the monsoon and the surrounding mountains spread out to the horizon far below, many valleys and lakes. The climate is always breezy and often covered with a light morning mist. 

There are number of scenic points spread all over Chikhaldara. Places of interest in and around Chikhaldara are the Gawilgad fort, Bhima-kund, Shakkar Lake, Melghat Tiger Project etc. Besides these tourist attractions, tourists can visit the famous sight seeing points such as Hariken Point, Panchbol Point, Sunset Point, Goraghat Point, Monkey Point, Malviya Point etc.

Also, there are lots of adventurous activity to be enjoyed here. Its hills and ravines are a challenge for the trekkers. Tourists can enjoy Jungle safari and trekking at Melghat tiger reserve, water sports activity in Shakkar Lake etc. Chikaldhara is a good site for basic paragliding, paramotoring and para-winching. During Chikhaldara Festival, adventure activities such as Para-gliding and rock climbing, exhibition showing the local arts and artifacts and many other events.

Tourist Attractions in Chikhaldara

Bhimkund 
Located south near Alladhoh village on the way from Pratwada to Chikhaldara via motha., Bhimkund is where Bheema washed his hands after killing Keechaka. Nearly 3500 ft deep, it offers fascinating view of the waterfall mainly during rainy season. 

Gavilgadh Fort
It is situated 3 km to the south west, at a slightly lower elevation. Constructed in 1425 by the Bahmani Governors, it was later occupied by the Gonds. Now in a ruined condition, it features beautifully carved idols and sculptures which is believed to carve during the period of the Nizams. The fort also has Hindi, Urdu and Arabic scripts. There are 10 cannons in the fort, made of iron, copper and brass. Within the fort lie two lakes - Bamnitaloa and Khambtaloa. The fort is at present under the Melghat Tiger Project.

Tourist Attractions in Chikhaldara

Melghat Tiger Reserve
One of the main tourist attraction in Chikaldara, Melghat Tiger Reserve was established as wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and was declared as Tiger reserve in 1974. Covering an area of 1676.93-sq-km area, these tropical dry deciduous forest boasts mainly Lagerstroemia parviflora, Lannea coromandelica, Emblica officinalis, Anogeissus latifolia, Boswelia serrata, Wrightia tinctoria, Mitragyna parviflora, Adina cardifolia, Schleichera oleosa etc. The reserve is home to over 648 species animals like tiger, sambar, chital, barking dear, chinkara, wild boar, gaur, turtle, snakes, lizards, fishes etc. The reserve boasts about 2,000 gaur the second largest in India It remains open from October to June. The reserve offers jungle safaris (Jungle Safari Rs. 18/- per head) during December to June. One can also see Gavilgarh fort on the Chikhaldara plateau and Narnala fort in the southeastern part of Melghat Tiger Reserve. 
Entry Fee Rs. 20/-per adult, Rs.10/- per Child.

For more details Contact: Conservation of Forests and Field Director, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Camp Amravati-444 602. Ph: 0721- 2662792. 

Gavilgadh Fort
It is situated 3 km to the south west, at a slightly lower elevation. Constructed in 1425 by the Bahmani Governors, it was later occupied by the Gonds. Now in a ruined condition, it features beautifully carved idols and sculptures which is believed to carve during the period of the Nizams and Hindi, Urdu and Arabic scripts. There are 10 cannons in the fort, made of iron, copper and brass. Within the fort lie two lakes - Bamnitaloa and Khambtaloa. The fort is at present under the Melghat Tiger Project.

Devi Mandir
It is a cave temple which lies under three huge slabs of rock. Situated near to Sakkar lake and 1.5km. from Chikhaldara Bus station, one have to careful while enter enter the temple because the height is very short. Since it is very close to Sakkar Lake, the overflow water falling inside the temple is looking like a waterfall. In January month there is a festival held at this temple site. 

Vairat
It is situated at a distance about 10 km. form chikhaldara. In Vairat, there is an ancient Devi Temple and a small natural pool.

Sakkar Talao
Situated near Devi point on the way to Gavilgad fort, the lake believed to have powers to cure the wound from a dog bite. Boating facility is available here.

Hariken Point
It is situated at southern region of the upper plateau of chikhaldara near government garden. The point offers fine view of the fort at Gavilgarh fort, Mozari village, Vairat hills and the huge area of the under the hills side.

Panchbol Point
It is one of the major sightseeing in Chikaldara. The five hills edges are connected hence its called Panchbol Point. Also known as Echo point, one can hear five different echoes from this point. It also offers spectacular views.