Chikhaldara

Hill stations always attract a significant number of tourists, and Chikhaldara ranks amongst the finest of the lot. Located in Maharashtra, the region offers some stunning viewpoints and rich mythology. The pleasant weather conditions are a bonus for the tourists. If you have not visited yet, you must plan this trip as a weekend getaway from Mumbai.

Historical Background:

Chikhaldara has great mythological significance. People believe that Pandavas of the Mahabharata fell in love with Chikhaldara. During their ‘adyatvas’ by the Kauravas, they spent a good deal of their time here. That is when Bheema killed the evil Keechaka in this region and threw him down into the valley. Over time, the government developed the area to be a tourism attraction and blessed with the best characteristics of a hill station Chikhaldara makes a profound impact on travelers.

Hidden Facts:

The city was hidding by forest and mountain range, and access was nearly impossible. And it took the British to ‘rediscover’ the town in the 1800s. They found it before ‘petrol’ was available, so there were no buses or motor cars to transport them there, in fact, there were no roads! The place captivated Britishers to the extend that all the development work was done by engineers and others going on elephant backs to Chikhaldara. It reminded them of home that they seriously pondered moving the capital of their Indian Empire to Chikhaldara! Hence, even today, there are ruins of British-style mansions dotted here and there, replete with fireplaces and huge ballrooms.

Still unknown to many, but Chikhaldara has the added dimension of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra. Chikhaldara receives an annual rainfall of 154cm. And temperature varies from 39C in summer to 5C in winter.

Things to do and Major Attractions:

Chikhaldara tourism has a lot to offer to the weary tourist in terms of natural beauty. However, the history lovers will not go home disappointed as well. The Gawilgad Fort stands in all its glory, bearing the legacy of the ancient past. The fortress ruins of Gavilgad will also interest those who take a keen look at the history of a place. For nature lovers, Chikhaldara is an absolute paradise. Some mesmerizing viewpoints make it worth your travel. Mozari Point, Goraghat Point, and Bhim-Kund Point are the best in this region, and each offers you unforgettable views of the surroundings.

A popular tourist attraction in Chikhaldara is Shakkar Lake, a magnificent water body adding color to the region. You can walk down to this lake for a fun afternoon or simply spend your leisure time admiring the beauty of the area. Your trip will not be complete without visiting some other viewpoints in the region, such as Hurricane Point, Devi Point, and Prospect Point. In addition, the tourists are known to visit the Nehru Botanical Garden. If you have an interest in local history, you can head to the Tribal Museum as well.

Also read about 15 amazing hill stations around Mumbai, here.

People and Culture:

Like in most such quiet hill stations, most of the locals are in some way involved with tourism. People here lead simplistic lives and abide by their cultures and traditions. They speak Marathi and Hindi languages. You will always find some to understand English as well. The region is known to be safe for tourists and so, you can travel without worry.

Local Food and Popular Shopping Items:

You will find the usual vegetarian food all around the place in some fantastic restaurants. Expect the typical Maharashtrian specialty dishes such as Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, etc.

It is not particularly noted as a shopping destination, but you can always try out your luck at the local stores.

Best time to Visit:

One of the best things about Chikhaldara is comfortable weather conditions all through the year, but most utilize the region as a summer retreat. So, we would recommend traveling anytime you want as Chikhaldara awaits you with its rich bounty.

Availability of Accommodation Type

The quaint hill station has no shortage of living arrangements. Homestays are available, and there are comfortable hotels and resorts as well. Some of the notable attractions of this region are Satpura Retreat, Amruta Homestays, Melghat Resort, and many others.