Offbeat Hill Stations In Maharashtra: Learn All About Chikhaldara

Beyond your regular vacation spots, Maharashtra is home to many stunning hill stations that remain relatively unexplored. Chikhaldara is one of these, and here’s all you can explore when visiting.

Published On Aug 06, 2024 | Updated On Sep 03, 2024

Image

Looking for a quick escape from the clamour and chaos of city life but bored of your regular vacay spots? Chikhaldara is the place you’re looking for. Nestled in the Amravati district, Chikhaldara is relatively unexplored, and one could ask what makes it such a great destination, and we’re here to tell you exactly why.
Wildlife so rich, landscapes that stun themselves, climate that is assured to be pleasant for the nature lover in you, and any adventure enthusiast looking to immerse themselves on a trip to the valleys at an altitude of 1,118 meters above sea level, Chikhaldara has a lot going on for it.

Image

Chikhaldara hill station can be reached from major cities like Paratwada, Amravati, Akola, Betul, Khandwa and Burhanpur by its connectivity through roads. If you are opting to travel by air, you’ll have the nearest airport which is 229 km away via the Paratwada-Chandur Bazar-Katol route and 231 km via the Paratwada-Amravati-Kondhali route. If you’re eyeing for other options you’ll find the closest railway station Bandera on the Central Railway branch line, just about 110 km away from Chikhaldara.

Image

For any history enthusiast, one of the places to visit in Chikhaldara to embrace the tales of a bygone era is the Gawilgarh Fort. This fort was built in the 12th Century by a tribe known as the Gawli tribe. A trip to this fort offers a fascinating insight into its history as one can wander through and admire the architecture and the landscape that surrounds it. Make sure to be in comfortable clothing, with special attention to the kind of shoes you’d wear and lather yourself up in sunscreen, and don’t forget a hat.

Image

If you’re a safari person, look no further! The Melghat Tiger Reserve is one of the places to visit in Chikhaldara and a spot you would not want to miss out. Imagine the thrill of having encountered diverse wildlife such as tigers, sloth bears, leopards and a bunch of bird species en route Chikhaldara hill station.

Does something strike as you read the word 'Panchbol' out loud? Well well well now that is because this specific place’s name literally translates to 'Five Echoes', signifying the five hills that let your voice echo through the wind 5 times. It is one of the best places to visit in Chikhaldara, however, something that you must note is that it's best recommended that you visit this place before 7 am for a phenomenal experience and breathtaking scenery. 

Image

With calm surroundings letting your mind get some ease, Bhimkund is perfect for a visit for some self-reflection among the places to visit in Chikhaldara. Add this to your list of scenic viewpoints of the waterfall and the valley. A little history to give you more insight- this place has mythological importance linked to the epic Mahabharata. Don’t hesitate to look up more for an interesting read onto the mythological significance of the place.

If you’re looking for a fun activity at Chikhaldara like exploring a coffee plantation, here’s your stop. Chikhaldara is known to be the only coffee-growing region in all of Maharashtra. Now imagine how cool it would be to go on a nice, cute fam date where you learn about the coffee-making process. 

Two lake spots at Chikhaldara, Amravati you would not want to miss are the Shakkar and Bir lakes where you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride.

Image

Bag some local souvenirs to take back home as you pick on local handicrafts and traditional textiles at your visit to the local markets in Chikhaldara hill station. Don’t forget to also have a look at the fresh produce stocked up if you’re in the mood to cook something as you head back to your place of stay.

Apart from Chikhaldara information about tourist attractions, we’ve also some suggestions for you of some of the well-known foodie hotspots at Chikhaldara if you’re a foodie and love indulging in regional hotspots around. Red Chilli Chicken Biryani Corner is your go-to if biryani is what you’re craving for. You also might want to check out Orange Restaurant in Chikhaldara, Amravati which offers a vibrant yet unique dining experience with its citrus-themed decor and menu full of Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. 

Image

The general belief is that the best time to visit Chikhaldara is from October to June, which means that it is pleasant enough for outdoor activities. However, if you’d like to know what the peak season is, that would be October to Feb, followed by a moderate season from March to June, wherein the temperatures will be warmer and fewer crowds will be present, so it will make for a reasonable budget trip to Chikhaldara hill station.


Photo: Shutterstock