Situated at an altitude of 1,118 m , Chikhaldara is the only hill resort in the Vidarbha region, and has the added distinction of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra. Chikhaldara is full of deep valleys, and these valleys are full of velvet mist and majestic trees. All this makes it a very popular summer retreat. With abundance of natural scenery, exciting wildlife, breathtaking waterfalls and a placid lake, the beauty of Chikhaldara is overwhelming. The scenic beauty of Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point and Devi Point.
It is named after "Keechaka". This is the place where Bheema killed villainous Keechaka and threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as "Keechakadara" - "Chikhaldara" is its corruption.
Tourist attractions around Chikaldhara
Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary : Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Amaravati district of Vidarbha region. This sanctuary is named after "Keechaka".Tourists can find Panthers, Sloth Bears, Sambar, and Wild Boar. One can even spot Wild Dogs over here.
Melghat Tiger Reserve : Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amaravati district in Satpuda hill range. This tiger reserve of 1676.93-sq-km is one of the last remaining habitats of Indian tiger in Maharashtra.
Wan Sanctuary : Wan sanctuary is located in Melghat area of Amravati District. It is an extension to the Melghat Sanctuary on southeastern part. This area is part and parcel of Melghat and is rich in floral and fauna biodiversity. The hilly rugged terrain possesses Tropical Dry Deciduous forests.
Points in Chikaldhara
Gavilgadh Fort: Shrouded in mist and myths is the Gavali tribal fort of Gavilgad or Gavaligad, on the Chikhaldara plateau, now under the Melghat Tiger Project. Featured in the epic, the Mahabharata, this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a Herculean bout and then threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as Keechakadara - Chikhaldara is its corruption.
Bhimkund:Located 1.5 km from the village, this is the place where Bheema is said to have washed his hands in a pond after killing Keechaka. A 3500-foot deep valley and a stream on the left of the valley are the attractions
Devi Mandir:This point is nearer to the shakkar lake, the cave temple lies under three huge slabs of rock. Water from the shakkar lake continuously seeps through the ceiling of the cave.
Shakkar Lake:This lake is near Devi point. It is on the way to Gavilgad fort. Boating is available here.
Hariken Point:It is situated at southern region of the upper plateau of chikhaldara near government garden. One can see the Gavilgarh fort, Mozari village, Vairat hills and the huge area of the under the hills side.
Sunset –Point:The point is situated on the Vairat hills at Vairat. Which is considered to be King's Vairat capital in the Mahabharata era. Sunset is very attractive to see. Chikhaldara in the east from here and on west lays the numerous hill ranges befitting the name Satpuda's
Panchbol Point: This is one of the famous and important points, The five hills edges are connected naturally and it becomes a common huge valley, sound echoes five times hence its called panch valley...
