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Chikaldhara

''Chikhaldara is a famous city located on a plateau in Amravati district in the Vidarbha region of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is one of the beautiful hill stations and the only coffee growing area in the state. Replete with captivating precipices and highpoints offering a panoramic view of the serene surroundings, the place homes waterfalls, lakes and exotic wildlife too.
Chikhaldara is the only hill station in the area offering a plethora of biodiversity. Located at an altitude of 1118 meters, it is the most favored summer retreat for the people of nearby areas. ''

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.

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 climate is always breezy and walking on the clouds often becomes a reality.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Chikhaldara is between October and April. During these months the climate remains pleasant. Tourists generally plan their visit the hill station during December to attend the Chikhaldara festival.

PLACES AROUND CHIKHALDARA

Muktagiri - It is Jain religious place which falls in M.P. but it is just 7kms. from paratwada. The 52 small temples constructed on the high slopes connected by stairs with the magnificient waterfall providing background to the entire landscape is the major attraction during Monsoon.

Bakadari and Kalalkund - This again is a high waterfall. This magnificient waterfall can be reached from Aadnadi along the mandatory string about five kilometers.

Dharkhura - It is about 10Kms from Paratwada. It has large waterfall and cascade during rainy season's.

Musiams - There are two musiam at chikhaldara area, one of them is at Maharashtra Forest Rainger's College, Chikhaldara. The sample of wild animals and plants are also available to see. One of the rare 'focils' is also available. Another musiam is of Tiger Project, for that we have to go through the way which is turning from 'Yoga Training Center'.

Bhim-Kund - It is pilgrimage site of mythological importance. Bhima killed Kichaka and threw his body in the valley called 'Kichakdara' and took a bath in the nearby lake. This is why the place came to be known as Bhim-Kund.

Gugamal National Park - Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amaravati district in Satpura hill range. This tiger reserve of 1676.93-sq-km is one of the last remaining habitats of Indian tiger in Maharashtra.

Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary- Chikhaldara Wildlife tour will take you to Amaravati district of Vidarbha region. This sanctuary is named after "Keechaka".The main attractions of Tourists includes Panthers, Sloth Bears, Sambar, and Wild Boar. One can even spot Wild Dogs over here.

CLIMATE

Seasonal climate with real burning hot summers.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air: The nearest airport is at Akola, located about 150 km away. The airport is well connected by flights to Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and other cities. Nagpur, located about 250 km away, is also a good option. From the airport, one can get taxis to reach Chikhaldara.

Rail: The nearest major rail head is at Badnera, about 110 km away. Trains from Pune, Akola, Kolhapur, Jodhpur and Mumbai halt at the station. One can hire taxi or board state-run buses to reach Chikhaldara.

Road: Chikhaldara is well connected by road. One can take state-run or private buses from Nagpur, Amravati, Akola, Wardha and other cities to reach Chikhaldara.