The name of Chikhaldara has its origins in epic legend. Kichakdara and Bhimkund are names derived from the epic Mahabharata
Chikhaldara is a hill station that feels like a secret whispered by the Satpura ranges, tucked away in the eastern reaches of Maharashtra, not far from the place where Maharashtra meets Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. It is a refreshing getaway into misty mountains, lush coffee plantations and ancient legends, just 160 km, a pleasant drive of about two and a half hours, mainly in lush green forests, from Nagpur, central India’s largest city.
The only coffee-producing hill station in Maharashtra, situated 1,188 metres above sea level, Chikhaldara is a unique gem just waiting to be found. The very name of Chikhaldara has its origins in epic legend. Kichakdara and Bhimkund are names derived from the epic Mahabharata, which states that Bheema defeated the powerful Kichaka here and threw him into the valley.
Located on the path to Paratwada, approximately 2 km south of Alladhoh village, is Bhimkund, a blue, crystal-clear pool surrounded by rocky cliffs. It is thought that the pool is about 1,070 m deep, and the surrounding cascades and waterfalls provide a serene, picturesque and spiritual environment. Beyond the legends, Chikhaldara has several real attractions and sites that await the modern adventurers.
Relics of the past: Gavilgad Fort
Gavilgad Fort, which is situated at a height of about 1,100 m atop the Satpura range, will appeal to history buffs. The impressive Bara Darwaza gateway, ancient cannons and Persian inscriptions adorn this 12th-century fortification, which is situated close to the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh border.
Coffee and big cat
The coffee plantations in Chikhaldara are a distinctive feature. The town’s slopes are covered in emerald-green plantations, as it is the only area in Maharashtra that grows coffee. A treat for all coffee lovers, guided tours let guests see the process from bean to brew while the aroma of freshly roasted coffee lingers in the crisp mountain air.
A major attraction here is the Melghat Tiger Reserve, a component of the broader Melghat forest ecosystem, that will excite wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve, which is dispersed over rolling hills and thick forests, is home to deer, tigers, leopards, Indian bison and an impressive array of birds. At the reserve’s Semadoh Lake, mist rises from the water and the forest comes alive with birdsong and the occasional sight of wildlife, early mornings are enchanted.
Lakes, points and panoramic vistas
Chikhaldara is full of beautiful vistas and tranquil lakes. In the midst of the beauty of nature, Shakkar Lake and Semadoh Lake are ideal for a peaceful picnic or a leisurely boat ride. Hariken Point is a must-see for anyone looking for expansive views. The scenery here is breathtaking, with undulating hills and thick forests blending into the horizon. It is best viewed as the sun sets and the sky turns twilight.
Panchbol Point, renowned for its distinctive acoustic phenomenon, is another must-see location. The name Panchbol or ‘Five Echo Point’ comes from the fact that your voice echoes back five times when you shout into the valley. Four mountains encircle the deep gorge, which is particularly alluring at sunrise and sunset when the surrounding area is illuminated by warm, golden light.
How to get to Chikhaldara?
The third-largest city in Maharashtra, Nagpur, provides easy access to Chikhaldara. The trip is easy and worthwhile whether you choose to take a bus, a train and taxi combination, or a scenic drive of roughly 160 km. Once in Chikhaldara, it is easy to explore the area’s many attractions thanks to the local taxis and autorickshaws.
Beyond its main attractions, Chikhaldara enchants with its rustic peace. Explore the British-era Bir Lake, go to local museums that highlight the area’s abundant wildlife and plants, or just unwind in one of the many gardens and vantage points scattered across the hillsides. The town’s eateries, like the well-known Coffee Blossoms, provide mouthwatering Maharashtrian and other Indian cuisines to make sure guests are properly fuelled for their activity-filled explorations.