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Chikhaldara Hill Station
Chikaldara is an interesting hill station where Madhya Pradesh begins, and Maharashtra ends. The tranquil hill station of Chikhaldara is perched at an elevation of 1,088 meters above sea level and is encircled by the sprawling Melghat Tiger Project Area. Chikhaldara offers some of the delightful must-visit places. Resting in the district of Amravati, Chikhaldara is mentioned in the epic text of the Mahabharata. According to this, Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a herculean bout and then threw him into the valley in this exact place.
The valley is 1066 meters deep and known as Bhim Kund, which is a spiritually significant site. Chikhaldara hill station inherited the name from Keechaka. The only hill resort in the Vidarbha region is situated at an altitude of 1118 meters, with the added dimension of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra.
Chikhaldara hill station has an annual rainfall of 154cm. Temperatures vary from 39 °C in summer to 5C in winter. The scenic beauty of Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point. Other interesting excursions include Gavilgad and Narnala Fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum, and Semadoh Lake.
History of Chikhaldara hill station
Chikhaldara plateau in the Amaravati district is the exclusive coffee-growing region and a popular tourist destination due to its pleasant weather in the state. But its imprints have been prominent for eons, since the ancient Vedic age. It was Chikhaldara who witnessed Lord Krishna carrying his wife Rukmini. The name Kichakdara, the Valley of Kichak, originated when the erstwhile king Kichak was killed by Bheema and his body was surrendered to the depths, as described in the ancient, mythological epic of the Mahabharata.
Chikhaldara hill station was rediscovered by Captain Robinson, a British soldier serving in the Hyderabad Regiment, in the year 1823. Upon rediscovery, Chikhaldara hill station became an instant hit amongst the English, due to its lush green hills, reminding them of their homeland, especially during the autumn.
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Chikhaldara National Park
Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known national park that was first designed as a tourist spot by English army officer Captain Robinson. It is a very green town full of natural beauty. There are several national parks, reserves, and museums dedicated to wildlife here. Melghat Tiger Reserve is the most prominent one and a part of ‘Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation project. Chikhaldara Wildlife area has a variety of fauna like panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, and even the rarely seen wild dogs. Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point are the three perfect places where visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary. With the thick foliage of trees as the bountiful surrounding, the Government garden, formerly known as the Company garden, has a variety of fauna and flora. It holds out, coupled with a thrilling train ride, besides visiting the museum at Maharashtra Forest Rangers’ College. It houses samples of wild species of plants and animals.
If you are in Chikhaldara on a day trip, Sunset Point is a must-see destination. Vairat Sunset Point is situated on Vairat Hill, located at a distance of about 10 km from Chikhaldara hill station, and is considered the late capital of King Vairat during the Mahabharata time. The viewpoint offers attractive views of the sunset settling within the numerous surrounding hillsides.
Chikhaldara Trekking
The Chikaldara trek starts from the base camp near Amravati. Visitors can explore the scenery and beauty of the Chikhaldara hill station region in the Melghat Range of hills. Get assisted by the professional guide included in the package, along with transfers and expertise fees. At the end of the day, visitors can enjoy a dazzling campfire near the Melaghat range. Participate in a number of adventure activities, curated for the guests, like Zipline, Valley Crossing, and Burma Bridge.
Chikhaldara Places to visit
Chikhaldara tourism always attracts tourists and travel guides from all around the world to explore the beauty of Amravati. There are a number of places to visit near Chikhaldara hill station.
Bir Lake
Bir Lake is a serene and beautiful place to travel, located in the Satpura Range of hills. The best time to visit the lake is during the monsoon season, when the area is lush and covered with greenery. The lake is also a great place to go bird watching, as there are many different species of birds that can be found here. Basic amenities are also available near the lake, such as a few food stalls and a few basic shops. The lake is made by the British in the year 1890. This lake was initially used by the British soldiers and supplied water to the entire Chikhaldara hill station.
Panchbol point
The magical Panchbol Point is best visited during the summer for the ecstatic views. It is a scenic point 4 km away from Bir Lake. The place provides a panoramic view of the surroundings, with one side, the coffee plantations, and another side, there are close to five hills that come together to form a huge valley, which can be observed from this point.
Mozari point
Situated close to Mozari Village, Mozari is famous for scenic views of the Devi Point areas and the west side of Gawilgarh Fort. To reach Mozari, take the Devi Point Road near Chikhaldara Town Hall and then turn right and move past the Kalapani Tank to reach Mozari Point. There is a permanent Helipad facility available here. Another scenic point is Hurricane Point, from where one can see the Lush green natural beauty of the Chikaldara valley.
Chikaldara Skywalk
Devi Point and Gawilgarh Fort
Devi Point is of prime tourism spot for the stone idol of the Goddess, sharing proximity with the lake of Shakkar. The area is beautified by the overflowing Shakkar Lake, which resembles a gushing waterfall. Apart from this, Dharkura is also one of the most interesting weekend getaways in Chikhaldara hill station. Known for the large milky waterfall and the beauty of pretty cascades during the monsoons is the best tourist destination in Chikaldara. The historical fort of Gawilgarh is worth seeing, which was built in the 12th century. Referred to as one of the strongest forts ever built, Gawilgarh was established by the descendants of Yadavas.
Also known as Satpura ki Rani, Pachmarhi is best enjoyed from June to October. The hill station is filled with waterfalls, natural pools, and caves, while Chikaldhara has a large number of attractions to offer and is mostly one of the best places for Sightseeing. Chikhaldara comprises Tourist places of Gugamal National Park, Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary, Chikhaldara waterfalls, and Melghat Tiger Reserve. With its deep valleys, distinct wildlife, and serene lakes.
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Best Time to Visit Chikhaldara Hill Station
Chikhaldara is prettiest during the autumn season when the Chikhaldara hills burst with foliage, and the streams and waterfalls come alive. Winter (October to March) is also the best season to visit the hill station. One who loves the rains on the hills can visit the Chikhaldara in the monsoon. Chikhaldara hill station is well connected through road and rail transport with cities like Nagpur, Amaravati, and Paratwada. One can also reach it via air connectivity. Nagpur is the nearest airport to Chikaldara hill station.
