History

Located in the district of Amravati, in the state of Maharashtra, Chikaldhara is a city and municipal council. It is a plateau and one of the coolest places of Maharashtra where Cotton is grown. Mythology says that, Lord Krishna carries away Rukmini from this place. This is also the only place where coffee is grown in Maharashtra.

Chikaldhara is the only hill station in the Vidarbha region and it is filled with numerous dense forests and trees, greenery and small mountains, lush greenery, wildlife, and waterfalls. Tourists who come here will definitely enjoy this virgin unexplored land which has abundant nature and life. The name Chikaldhara has been named after Keechaka, whom Bheem, the Pandava killed and threw him into the valley. There are plenty valleys in this small place which is endowed with full of greenery.

Chikaldhara is situated at an altitude of 1,118 m. The climate is wonderful, full of breeze and often clouds come in the way of people walking in the valley.

It is municipal council with a religious history. The weather condition of the place is very good and is favorable for visitors to visit at perfect time.

How To Reach

Road

The Hill station is well connected by all major roads and cities. There are a number of buses which connect Amravati to Chikaldhara, From Mumbai, it is at a distance of 763 kms, from Nagpur it is 230 kms and from Amravati it is 100 kms.

Rail

The railway closest to Chikaldara is Badnera which is at a distance of 110 kms on the Central railway Branch line.

Air

If Tourists would like to come by air, the nearest Airport to the hill station is Nagpur.

The various mode of transport is well connected throughout place that makes very easy for people to travel form one place to another.

Places To Visit

Melghat Tiger Project

Maharashtra has the highest number of tigers. Its wildlife sanctuary has a count of 82 tigers, besides which it also has animals like the Panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild bears and wild dogs in it. The Tiger Sanctuary in Chikaldara is worth visiting by all tourists.

Narnala Fort

The Narnala fort, also known as the Shahanur fort is a historical monument ser up at Akot, Maharashtra. It is situated at a distance of 15 kms from the nearby town. It is said to be constructed by the Gond rulers, and further re modified by the badshah Shahbudeen Ahmadhaha during 15th Century.

The Pandit Nehru Botanical garden is located amongst dense trees in the upper plateau of chikaldara. This garden consists of many flowers, the maximum being a rare species of rose. A toy train with a guard in it attracts kids and the garden is worth visiting by all tourists.

The Gawilgadh Fort is situated in the chikaldara plateau. This is a historical monument which provides attraction to the tourists’ .It is said that Gawali King, a descendant of Yadavas of Devgiri, founded Gawilgadh Fort in 12th century. The fort is built with mud and bastioned by the Bahamani being Ahmad Shah Wali. It underwent further fortification during 1471.It is placed on a high mountain and has an inner fort as well.

There various attractive sightseeing options available that make tourists visit the place more and more.

Weather And Best Time To Visit

The best time for tourists to visit Chikaldara hill is during the months Oct- feb.The climate is cool and crisp. The temperature during the months of Dec to Jan fall below 10 degree, It is very cold during this time. Winter clothing is very necessary during this time.

The months of March to mid June are warm in the day and cool during the evenings. It is advisable to carry a light jacket at night,

During the months July- Sep there is rainfall. Tourists are advised to carry their raincoats along. Jackets are required during evening.

Very bright clothes are not recommended in this area as this a forest area. Light colors go well with the surroundings.

Climate should be favorable to move around the place and watch beautiful places.

Video

Accommodation

MTDC: MTDC or Maharashtra Tourist development Corporation offers rooms at reasonable rates for tourists. There are 10 blocks for self contained rooms and 1 dormitory for 50 tourists. If you require private rooms there are self contained rooms of 20 blocks.

MTDC Hotel Chikhaldara

Chikaldara, near Amravati,
Maharashtra, India.

Festivals And Activities

Chikhaldara Festival (Mahotsav)

Chikaldara organizes its own festival every year in the month of December. The festival contains lot of activities, cultural events and adventure activities such as Para gliding, rock climbing, hiking, trekking,. The local people shows off their hand created art and artifacts also. Numerous numbers of tourists visit this place. The tourists are well treated and the event is well maintained by the locales.

Hotels

Harshawardhan Hotel, Chikhaldara

Chikhaldara, Amravati Dist. Maharashtra - 444807, India
Tariff: Rs. 1500 - 2200
Includes: Double Room Only

Satpura Retreat, Chikhaldara

Upper Plateau, Circuit House Road, Chikhaldara, Maharashtra - 444807, India
Tariff: Rs. 2000 - 2000
Includes: Double Room Only

Green Vallies Resort, Chikhaldara

Chikhaldara, Dist- Amarvati, Maharashtra, India
Tariff: Rs. 500 - 2500
Includes: Double Room Only

Get Around

Since there is no local transport in Chikaldara, People have to use their own transport like cycle, bikes, etc.There are buses which ply from one place to the other but having an own transport is recommended to tourists.

Get out

Muktagiri

Muktagiri, also known as s Mendhagiri, is a beautiful mountain., surrounded by a waterfall. The place is of serene beauty and the waterfall is visible if there is enough rainfall in the areas. there are 52 temples in the mountain. If one wants to see the temple, he should visit Muktagiri in the period of June to September. Lot of monkeys can be seen during this period.

Achalpur is also a beautiful city, and it is situated in the Amravati district of Maharashtra.A twin city known as Paratwada, adjoins it. It is in an average height of 369 meters above sea level. It is very close to Madhya Pradesh  so travelling to MP also becomes very easy.

Shopping

Tourists need to search carefully to shop. If properly searched lot of antiques and collectibles are found. However there is not much to shop for souvenirs in chikhaldara.

Location Map

Photo Gallary