Chikhaldara - The Coffee Pocket of Maharashtra..
Unique in its own way in many aspects Chikhaldara is truely a destination off the beaten track. Chikhaldara the only coffee growing area in Maharashtra is also the only hill station in Vidarbha. Chikhaldara is popular amongst the wildlife enthusiasts for the Melghat Tiger Reserve and sanctuary with over 75 tigers. At about 1100 mts above sea level Chikhaldara has a salubrious weather which adds to the charm of Chikhaldara as a tourist destination.
Dense jungles, water falls, historic forts placid lakes and thin mountain air - this summarizes Chikhaldara. Chikhaldara is a destination that can surprise you with its beauty and charm. Chikhaldara is the only hillstation in the Vidarbha region replete with numerous panoramic view points offering grand sights of the Satpura range like the Devi point and Prospect Point. Chikhaldara, predominantly a tribal belt the museum at Chikhaldara is also wort a visit.
Melghat Tiger Reserve..
A southern offshoot of the Satpura hill range Melghat Tiger Reserve, also called the Gavilgarh hills, was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1974. The reserve spreads over 1676.93 sqkm with Gugarnal National Park as the core of the sanctuary. With tropical dry deciduous forests this reserve boasts of tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, sambar, gaur, and many other speacies of wild fauna.
Chikhaldara in the Vidarbha region is quite far from Mumbai and Pune and the nearest major town is Amravati which is about 90 Kms from Chikhaldara. Aurangabad is approximately midway between Pune- Mumbai and Chikhaldara and can be the perfect stop over enrote Chikhaldara if you are traveling by road. At 80 kms from Chikhaldara, Bantera is the nearest rail head.
There are numerous view points in Chikhaldara which offers magnificent views. Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, Devi Point are some of them which you shouldnt miss. There is a botanical museum and a tribal museum which are worth a visit. The Semadoh lake and the Bhim kund are places not to be missed during a Chikhaldara vacation however the highlight of Chikhaldara is the Melghat reserve.
Gavilgad Fort..
There are three historic forts in Chikhaldara region - Gavilgad, Narnala, Amner. Though all the three forts near Chikhaldara are in ruins Gavilgad fort features few monuments worth a visit. There are a few cannons, sculptures of elephants, bulls, tigers and lions and a few inscritions on the walls.
Sightseeing in Chikhaldara..
Distance from Major cities..
