Thursday, 10 September 2015

Chikhaldara - Hill station (A perfect place for a Naturalist)



Chikhaldara is situated at central part of India, in Amravati District (Maharashtra)



In Mahabharat during the anonymity (Agnyatavas) of Pandav's, Bhima has killed Kichaka (King Virat's brother in law & army commander of state)  known to be Kichaka Vadh.It is believed that this is the place where Bhima has killed Kichaka. After killing thrown his body in the deep valley and washed his blood filled hands in the waterfall. It thus the place to be named as Kichakdhara. Now it is known as Chikhaldara.

Chikhaldara situated in the Satpuras (Satpura - A Devnagari word means Seven mountains, the Satpura Range is a range of hills in central India) at a height of 1118m. Chikaldhara is the only hill station in the Vidarbha region. It is filled with numerous dense forests and trees, greenery and small mountains, wildlife and waterfalls. There are plenty valleys in this small place which is endowed with full of greenery. It is the only Coffee growing region in Maharashtra.

Chikhaldara is surrounded on three sides by the borders of the Melghat Project Tiger Area. Melghat region is one of the forests in India. It is situated in the mountain region, the Gavilgarh hills of Satpura from Chikhaldara and Dharni tahsils of Amravati District of Maharashtra state.

These parts of Satpura are known as Melghat and consist of succession of hills and valley.
Melghat derived from marathi word Ghatancha mel (meeting of the ghats), referred for range of mountains. Melghat Tiger Reserve, is one of the first 9 tiger reserves of the country declared in 1974. It is one among the largest tiger reserves of India. It consists of the Gugamal National Park, Melghat wan, Ambawarba and Narnala sanctuaries and the reserve area falls in Amravati, Akola and Buldana Districts. Melghat Tiger Reseve is the treasures of the biodiversity and culture. It has a large tract of unending hills and ravines scarred by jagged cliffs and steep climbs. The exquisite hill forests, thick undergrowth and moss-covered trees underscore its virgin confines. It lies at the northern extreme of the Amravati District on the border of Madhya Pradesh, in the southwestern Satpura mountain ranges.

There are number of sight scenes & view points spread allover Chikhaldara. Apart from the sightseeing tours, many study tours arranged by various schools/colleges for students to study various plants & medicines founded in that region.


Melghat Tiger Reserve : One of the main tourist attraction in Chikaldara is Melghat Tiger Reserve, a perfect place for a nature lover. As name indicates Tiger Reserve,  it is a wealth of various wild animals including Tiger, Leopard, bear, Wild dog, Jackal, Sambar, Gaur, deer, Nilgai, Chital, Flying squirrel, Wild boar, Langur, monkey, Antelope, Porcupine, Pangolin, hare. The reserve also offers jungle safaris during the seasons.

Gawilgarh Fort : Several Forts can be viewed around melghat region. In 13th century Devgiri's yadav (gawali) family has control over Satpura. It is belived that during this period this fort has been constructed. Gawilgrah fort stand on a lafty mountain on consists of a inner fort.The Fatheh Darwaza, Kichakdara Darwaza and Delhi Darwaza. The Delhi Darwaza consists of three gateways. The outer most gateways has a symbol with a pam tree with on a both either side tiger holding in its close and mouse five elighants. The Gawilgarh Fort is regarded as suparior fort in strength and lafty.


Gugamal National Park : It is completely free from all kind of human interferences. As a result this area has become a true representative of a ‘nature reserve’ where nature is at its best.

Botanical Garden : This Garden is known as Government Garden or Company Garden. Some sporadic plants and flowers obtainable at this garden and also popular for many categories of rose flowers. Various flowers and plants are available in the garden. The special area of this garden is saved for rose tree. Many rare plants in cold air region can be seen. The mini train is the special attraction of this garden.

Wildlife museum - The sample of wild animals and plants.





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Bhim Kund : A place where Bhima washed his hands off the blood of Keechaka. It is nearly 3500 feet deep. It offers facinating view of the waterfall and cascades during rainy season.



Panchbol Point (Five Eco Point) :  A very deep valley. When someone shouts louded the sound is reflected back and heard five times. That's why this point is known as Panchbol Point. Cofee plantation can be seen on the way going towards this point.

Sunset Point : The sunset is very beautiful to see.

Bir Dam (Lake) : A lake is built in besalt.

Semadoh Lake : Provides the amazing amenities for boating and fishing makes the travelers to be enjoyed.

Dharkhura - A large waterfall and cascade during rainy season's.

Bakadari  & Kalalkund - The most magnificient waterfall in the whole area .

Kalapani Lake and Shivsagar Point : A point from many layers of Satpuda parwat can be seen. The sunset is also very beautiful to see from this point.

Mahadev Mandir (Temple) : A temple of Mahadev. Large no. of peoples visits in the month of 'Shrawan' on every monday.

Hariken Point : A huge area of the under the hills side.

Devi Point : Holyplace for 'Korku' (Tribals in that region). A temple of Goddess inside the huge stone. The water is falling continuously from that stone inside the temple.

Shakkar Lake : Speed Boat, Pidal Boat, Scooter Boat can be enjoyed.

Thakur point - A large view of Semadhoh deep forest.



Narnala Fort (shahanoor fort ) : A famous fort which is very deep and with dense forest land situated at the hilly side of the Melghat.

Muktagiri - A religious place of Jain's. Temples constructed on the high slopes connected by stairs with the magnificient waterfall providing background to the entire landscape is the major attraction during Monsoon.

Best period - To visit this place the best period is between October to February.
Various hotels are available to stay in Chikhaldara.

Nearby touriest places -

How to reach Chikhaldara -

  • Flights - Nearest Airport Nagpur ( 240 KM)

  • Trains -  Chikhaldara is not on railway route, nearest railway station is Amravati (90km), Badnera (100km), Khandwa (M.P.) 75 kms. 

  • By Bus - Nearest city is Paratwada (40 KM). Buses are available from Paratwada, Amravati, Nagpur, Akola, Betul (M.P.),Khandwa (M.P.)
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