The deep smoggy valleys of Chikhaldara has a new shade in every fold unwrapped. Chikhaldara (chikaldara or chikhaldhara) is situated in the Amaravati district of Vidarbha region. It is the only hill station in the Vidarbha region which offers you an abundance of wildlife, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls. Chikhaldara has too many things to be explored. It gives you a sense of pious and positive atmospheric vibes that you always wish to see anywhere you go.
The place is named after “Keechaka” and Chikhaldara is full of deep valleys, and these valleys are full of velvet hazy and majestic trees. Chikhaldara is situated at an altitude of 1,118 m and has the added distinction of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra region. All these things make it a very popular summer retreat for tourist especially. With loads of natural scenery, exciting wildlife, breathtaking waterfalls and a placid lake, the beauty of Chikhaldara is overwhelming and at the same time calm and peaceful. The climate is always breezy and walking on the clouds often becomes a reality for those who take a visit.
7 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN CHIKHALDARA ARE :
1.) BHIMKUND
Bhimkund is a Natural blue water lake situated at a distance of around 78 km from Chhattarpur district, on the way from Chikhaldara to Pratwada. It is also the mythological important place for pilgrims as it is being said that at this place Bheema killed villainous Keechaka and threw him into the valley. And from then the place came to be known as “Keechakadara” which is now known as Chikhaldara. He then took a bath in the nearby lake and it is thus called as ‘Bhimkund’.
It is believed that the depth of lake can’t be measured while the locals observed the water level of Bhimkund rising to 30 metres when the Tsunami hit the shoreline in 2004. However, It offers fascinating view of the waterfall and cascades during rainy season.
2.) NARNALA FORT
The Narnala Fort stands as a testimony to the Mughal’s rich history and their remarkable architecture, resting tall and strong on an unaccompanied hill of the Satpura mountain range. This gallant fort was one of the thirteen ‘sarkars’ of Berar Subah and the houses were the intriguing evidences of the majesty of the Mughal Dynasty, including the famous 27-foot cannon- Kadak Bijli. Perched upon a secluded hill at a height of 973 meters, the Narnala Fort provides you with a panoramic view of the Satpura ranges. Surrounded by a blanket of green and with a backdrop of the bright blue sky, the mesmerizing glory of the fort is truly iconic.
This enormous fort is composed of the three smaller forts- Zafarabad on the east, Narnala in the middle and Teligarh towards the west. It was built by the Gond Dynasty in 10 A.D. and was named after the prestiged Rajput King, Narnal Singh. Not just that, it was also the birth place of the Emperor Aurangzeb’s very own great grandson. The renowned Muslim saint, Hazrat Burhanuddin Bagh Sawar Wali, used to set camp at the fort quite often and also claimed to have spotted many white tigers roaming about in the fort.
3.) MUKTAGIRI
Muktagiri is one of the famous Pilgrimage Centre, which is dedicated to Jainism located in Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh border in the central part of India. It is a collection of 52 temples situated on the Satpura Mountain ranges amidst lush greenery and very close to a breathtaking waterfall. The picturesque location is mind-stirring, especially during monsoon period when the waterfall gushes with gallons of clear water and the vegetation is dense and verdant green. Since the temple is situated on a hill, devotees have to climb up the hill. There are almost 350 steps to reach up the top and the panoramic view of the entire complex from the top, under the lovely skies is sure to uplift you with a sense of experience like never before. The place is also recognized as Mendhagiri or the Digambar Jain Siddha Kshetra Muktagiri.
Many followers believe that many miracles have happened at this place and hence come here to attain peace. Some religious texts also state that many saints have attained salvation at Muktagiri. The divine vibe of the temple won’t go unnoticed, and you are sure to feel a step closer to Nirvana.
4.) PANCHBOL POINT
This is one of the famous and important points of the Chikhaldara. There is a tar road from the Bir Lake that goes towards this valley from the north side. You can also spot coffee plantations on the way while you go towards this point.
This is at 4km of distance from a Bir Lake. This is a very profound valley. The five hills edges are connected naturally which altogether connects valleys and You can hear at least 5 reflected sounds when you give out a voice, it is way too prominent here. That’s why this point is also known as Five Eco Point or commonly called Panchbol Point as one can hear four return voices, the fifth one is not clearly heard.
5.) AMNER FORT
The fort is located beyond village ‘Kalamkhar’,near village ‘Zilpi’ about 10 km from ‘Dharni’ on ‘Barhanpur Road’. It is constructed in burnt bricks and is located at the confluence of rivers Tapti, Sipna and Gadga.
The view from the top of the Fort of the confluence from the height of more than 100ft. gives one an idea of the magnificence of the fort.
6.) GUGAMAL NATIONAL PARK
In the serene hilly terrain of Amravati District of Maharashtra, Gugamal National Park, is situated in the Chikhaldara and Dharni Tehsils, spreading over a whopping 1673.93 square kilometres. As a part of the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Gugamal National Park attracts tourists in large numbers; the place is known to be among the last ones to the house of Indian tigers. Surrounded by the rugged hills of the Melghat region, the forest comes under the Southern dry deciduous forest category. Some of the trees that you can find here are Ain, Tectona grandis, Lendia, Tiwas, Aola, Dhawada and Kusum. It boasts of an extravagant fauna of which wild mammals such as Bengal tiger, sloth bear, Indian Jackal, striped hyena, fishing cat, Indian leopard, flying squirrel, nilgai, python, rhesus monkey, wild boar and langur are an integral part.
7.) VAIRAT GODDESS
Vairat is a small village nearly about 10kms from Chikhaldara region. In between Chikhaldara and Vairat a natural pool is there, which is very beautiful to see. Ancient Goddess temple is situated in west to Vairat hills that is why it came to be known as Vairat Goddess. One has to pass the valley with the help of the rope to reach the mount of underground way, and after passing 100 to 150 ft. underground area, one can finally reach to the original temple.
