A refuge from the cities

Chikhaldara's allure transcends its intriguing mythological roots. Nestled at a cool 1118 meters, this hill station beckons weary souls seeking refuge from the relentless Indian summer. Lush greenery unfolds in every direction, a haven for diverse plant and animal life.

But Chikhaldara's story holds another layer. In the 17th century, a British officer named Captain Robinson, stationed with the Hyderabad Regiment, stumbled upon this hidden paradise. Enchanted by the scenery, he found an uncanny resemblance to the cool climes and rolling hills of the English countryside. The charm was so undeniable that Chikhaldara was even briefly considered as a potential seat for the Government of India!

This verdant tapestry of Chikhaldara's character, making it a destination rich in myth, natural beauty, and a touch of unexpected colonial influence provides a tranquil escape, allowing visitors to truly unwind and reconnect with the serenity of the mountains.

A sanctuary for all

Chikhaldara boasts of eclectic wildlife, with tigers, panthers, sloth bears, wild boars, and wild dogs, among others, inhabiting the Gugamal National Park. The park is a protected area under the Melghat Tiger Reserve, one of the first nine tiger reserves recognised under Project Tiger to conserve and protect Bengal tigers, housing around 82 tigers. To explore this flora and fauna, one may even take a mini train ride through the Government Garden, or visit the museum at the Maharashtra Forest Ranger’s College to study samples of wild species of plants and animals. Chikhaldara also abounds in lakes and waterfalls, where one can indulge in relaxation activities such as bird watching and boat rides

An adventurer's dream

The gentle beauty of Chikhaldara can be witnessed from its various vantage points that provide the best views. For those who seek adventure as part of their vacation, Chikhaldara provides an optimum locale for activities such as hiking and trekking. The base camp for the Chikhaldara trek is set up at Amravati, making its way around the Melghat Range of hills, and offering adventure activities such as ziplining, the Burma bridge, and valley crossing.

A haven for coffee lovers

Chikhaldara also has the privilege of being the only coffee-growing region in Maharashtra, so caffeine lovers can tour the coffee plantations and taste the richness of the region’s offerings. The British introduced coffee cultivation to the area in the year 1840 after finding it ideal for the purpose due to its chilly climate, high altitude, and abundant rainfall.

From fortresses to faith

Chikhaldara has something to offer everyone. For the history aficionados, there are various forts located in and around the place, setting up the scene for heroic battles and royal business. These include the Gawilgadh Fort and the Narnala Fort, both well-fortified mountain strongholds of the Maratha Empire, with the architecture possessing both Hindu and Islamic features.

One can also visit Muktagiri, the famed Jain pilgrimage centre located on the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh border, made up of 52 temples, situated amidst scenery that is enough to evoke one’s spiritual sentiments, with serene waterfalls and verdant greenery.

A tale come to life

There are few places so multifaceted as to appeal to every one’s inclination, and Chikhaldara is one of them. Stories that ground it in Indian history give it a fantastical and charming air that is impossible to resist. With fine weather to account for most of the year, the area offers exquisite panoramic views of the surrounding hill ranges and valleys, the evergreen waterfalls, and architecture from a time gone by, Chikhaldara has everything.