Chikhaldara is a hill station located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1,118 meters above sea level and is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather. Chikhaldara is named after the Marathi words "Kaldara" which means a rocky cliff and "Chikhal" which means a pot. It is believed that the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata lived in the area during their exile.

Chikhaldara is a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra and attracts visitors throughout the year. The hill station is known for its natural beauty, including waterfalls, lakes, and wildlife. The area is also famous for its coffee and cotton plantations.

Factors That Make it a Must Visit Destination

Chikhaldara, Maharashtra is a must-visit destination for several reasons. Here are some factors that make it an attractive tourist destination:

1.    Natural Beauty: Chikhaldara is known for its natural beauty, with lush green forests, waterfalls, and lakes. The area is surrounded by the Satpura mountain range, which adds to its scenic beauty.

2.    Pleasant Weather: Chikhaldara has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with cool temperatures that make it an ideal escape from the heat of the plains. The monsoon season from June to September adds to the beauty of the area with its lush greenery and waterfalls.

3.    Historic and Cultural Significance: Chikhaldara is steeped in history and mythology. According to legend, the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata lived in the area during their exile. The area is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Gawilgadh Fort.

4.    Wildlife: The Melghat Tiger Reserve near Chikhaldara is home to several endangered species, including tigers, leopards, and Indian bison. Visitors can take a safari through the reserve and see these animals in their natural habitat.

5.    Adventure Activities: Chikhaldara offers several adventure activities, including trekking, camping, and boating. Visitors can trek to scenic locations like Bhimkund-Kichakdara and Panchbol Point.

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Chikhaldara:

1.    Chikhaldara is the only coffee-growing area in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The coffee grown here is known for its unique flavor.

2.    The area around Chikhaldara has been mentioned in the Indian epic Mahabharata. According to legend, the Pandavas lived in the area during their exile.

3.    Chikhaldara is known for its wildlife, including tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and sloth bears. The Melghat Tiger Reserve near Chikhaldara is one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild.

4.    The area around Chikhaldara is rich in mineral resources, including coal, limestone, and iron ore.

5.    Chikhaldara is one of the few places in Maharashtra where snowfall is seen occasionally during the winter months.

6.    The Bhimkund-Kichakdara trek near Chikhaldara is named after Bhima, one of the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata.

7.    The Gawilgadh Fort near Chikhaldara was used by the Maratha Empire during their battles with the Mughals in the 17th century.

8.    Chikhaldara is also known for its cotton plantations, which produce high-quality cotton that is used to make textiles.

Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists

Chikhaldara offers a range of activities for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular activities:

1.    Wildlife Safari: Visitors can take a safari through the Melghat Tiger Reserve and spot tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

2.    Trekking: Chikhaldara offers several trekking trails, including the Bhimkund-Kichakdara trek, Panchbol Point trek, and Kalapani Waterfall trek. These treks take visitors through scenic locations and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

3.    Boating: Visitors can enjoy boating in the serene waters of the Shakkar Lake and the Devi Point Lake.

4.    Camping: Chikhaldara offers several camping sites where visitors can enjoy a night under the stars in the midst of nature.

5.    Sightseeing: Chikhaldara is home to several historic landmarks, including the Gawilgadh Fort, the Narnala Fort, and the Gavilgad Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can also explore the local markets and taste the local cuisine.

6.    Bird Watching: Chikhaldara is home to several species of birds, including the Malabar Pied Hornbill, the White-naped Tit, and the Indian Scimitar Babbler. Bird watchers can enjoy spotting these birds in their natural habitat.

7.    Photography: Chikhaldara's scenic beauty makes it a popular destination for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can capture stunning photos of waterfalls, lakes, forests, and wildlife.

Top Attractions and Must Visit Places

Chikhaldara is home to several must-visit attractions that offer a unique experience to visitors. Here are some of the top attractions and must-visit places in Chikhaldara:

1.    Melghat Tiger Reserve: This wildlife sanctuary is one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild. It is also home to several other species of wildlife, including leopards, Indian bison, and sloth bears.

2.    Gawilgadh Fort: This historic fort was built by the Maratha Empire in the 17th century and played an important role in the battles between the Marathas and the Mughals.

3.    Shakkar Lake: This scenic lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for boating and fishing.

4.    Panchbol Point: This viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls, valleys, and mountains.

5.    Bhimkund-Kichakdara: This trekking trail takes visitors through scenic locations, including waterfalls and forests, and is named after Bhima, one of the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata.

6.    Kalapani Waterfall: This waterfall is located in the midst of lush green forests and offers a serene and peaceful environment.

7.    Narnala Fort: This historic fort was built by the Sultan of Berar in the 15th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

8.    Gavilgad Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary is home to several species of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and Indian bison.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chikhaldara, Maharashtra is from October to February, which is the winter season. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 12°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Apart from the weather, there are also several events and festivals that take place in Chikhaldara, which can make the experience even more enjoyable. Some of the popular events and festivals are:

1.    Bhimkund-Kichakdara Trek: This trek takes place in January and is one of the most popular trekking events in the region.

2.    Nag Panchami: This festival is celebrated in August and is dedicated to the worship of snakes. Visitors can witness the unique rituals and traditions associated with this festival.

3.    Winter Festival: This festival takes place in December and features traditional music, dance, and food, providing visitors with a glimpse of the local culture.

How to Reach

1.    By Air: The nearest airport to Chikhaldara is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, which is around 230 km away. From there, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chikhaldara.

2.    By Train: The nearest railway station to Chikhaldara is Badnera Junction, which is around 90 km away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Chikhaldara.

3.    By Road: Chikhaldara is well connected by road to major cities in Maharashtra. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from Nagpur, Amravati, or other nearby cities to reach Chikhaldara.

4.    By Car: Visitors can also drive to Chikhaldara as it is well connected by road to nearby cities like Nagpur, Amravati, and Akola. The roads are well-maintained and offer a scenic drive through the countryside.