Chikhaldara: Vidarbha's Misty Hill Retreat

Tucked into the Satpura ranges of the Vidarbha region, Chikhaldara is the only hill station in Maharashtra's vast, often-scorching Amravati district - and the state's sole coffee-growing area. Sitting at roughly 1,100 metres, it offers a genuine relief from the heat of the surrounding plains, with mist-draped valleys, dense forest and a tangle of scenic viewpoints. Local lore links the place to the Mahabharata, claiming it was here that Bhima slew the demon Keechaka and flung his body into the valley, giving rise to the name 'Keechakadara', later softened to Chikhaldara. Today it is best known as the gateway to the Melghat Tiger Reserve, one of India's original Project Tiger reserves, sprawling across the rugged hills nearby. Weekenders come for crisp air, sunrise and sunset points perched over deep gorges, cascading monsoon waterfalls, and the chance to spot wildlife in the buffer forests. It remains refreshingly low-key compared with the Western Ghats hill stations - fewer crowds, modest infrastructure and unhurried pace. Whether you come to photograph the rolling green ridges after the rains, sip locally grown coffee, or simply unwind far from the city, Chikhaldara makes an easy, affordable getaway from Nagpur or Amravati.

Top Attractions

Melghat Tiger Reserve

One of India's first nine Project Tiger reserves, declared in 1973-74, Melghat blankets the rugged Satpura hills around Chikhaldara with dry deciduous forest. Beyond tigers, it shelters leopards, sloth bears, sambar, gaur and rich birdlife. Core and buffer zones offer jeep safaris through dramatic terrain. Sightings of big cats are far from guaranteed, but the wild, remote landscape and forest drives are rewarding in themselves.

Bhimkund (Keechakadara)

A deep pool fed by a stream, wrapped in the Mahabharata legend that Bhima bathed here after killing Keechaka and threw the demon's body into the gorge below. The spot combines mythology with a striking natural setting of cliffs and forested slopes. It is a quiet, atmospheric place that feels worlds away from the busier viewpoints, especially when the surrounding greenery is at its peak after the rains.

Gavilgad Fort

A historic hill fort with origins going back to the medieval period, later expanded under the Bahmani and subsequent rulers. The ruined ramparts, gateways and cannons crown a ridge with sweeping views over the Satpura valleys. It saw action during the Anglo-Maratha wars. The climb and exploration reward history buffs and photographers alike, blending crumbling stonework with panoramic forest vistas.

Sunset & Panorama Points

Chikhaldara is ringed by viewpoints such as Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, Devi Point and Panorama Point, each framing the deep green gorges and ridges of the Satpuras. They are prime spots for sunrise and sunset, when mist drifts through the valleys and the light turns the forests gold. Easy to reach by road, they make for a relaxed circuit over a single afternoon and evening.

Vairat Point

The highest point in the Chikhaldara region, Vairat offers the most expansive panoramas across the Melghat hills and, on clear days, distant ranges. The cool breeze and uninterrupted horizon make it a favourite for photographers and anyone chasing a sense of altitude. According to local belief it is linked to the Pandavas' time in exile, adding a mythological layer to the sweeping scenery.

Chikhaldara Lakes & Gardens

Spots like Shakkar Lake and the manicured municipal gardens give the town a gentle, restful side. The lakes occasionally offer boating, while the gardens are pleasant for a slow stroll, picnic or family outing. They are easy add-ons between viewpoint visits and especially appealing for travellers with children or those simply wanting to unwind amid greenery and cool hill air.

Food & Local Flavours

Chikhaldara's food is hearty Vidarbha and Maharashtrian fare, with a few hill-station treats and its own locally grown coffee.

Practical Information

Interactive Map

Explore Chikhaldara on the map.