Chikhaldara: 10 Places to Visit in Vidarbha’s Only Hill Station + How to Reach
Most people planning a hill holiday in Maharashtra immediately think of Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, or Matheran. Very few realise that eastern Maharashtra has its own cool mountain retreat. Chikhaldara, the only hill station in Vidarbha, sits in the Satpura ranges at an elevation of around 1,100 metres and combines forests, waterfalls, viewpoints, wildlife and coffee plantations in one destination.
Unlike many famous hill stations, Chikhaldara still feels relaxed. Instead of spending hours in traffic or waiting in long queues, visitors can enjoy quiet viewpoints, historical forts and one of Maharashtra’s oldest tiger habitats. Whether someone is planning a family holiday, a short monsoon break, or a road trip, this hill station deserves far more attention than it receives.
Chikhaldara is the only hill station in Vidarbha, located around 230 km from Nagpur and about 100 km from Amravati. It is known for the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Gawilgad Fort, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and beautiful viewpoints. The monsoon and winter seasons are particularly popular for sightseeing and nature lovers.
In this Blog
Why Chikhaldara Is the Only Hill Station in Vidarbha?
The biggest reason people remember Chikhaldara is its location. While western Maharashtra has several famous hill destinations, Vidarbha has only one recognised hill station, making it special for travellers from Nagpur, Amravati, Akola and nearby cities.
The town stands inside the Satpura mountain range, surrounded by thick forests that form part of the famous Melghat Tiger Reserve. Its cooler climate is a welcome change during summer, while the rainy season turns waterfalls and valleys into beautiful sightseeing spots. Another interesting fact is that Chikhaldara is also Maharashtra’s only coffee-growing region, something many visitors do not expect.
How to Reach Chikhaldara
Reaching Chikhaldara is straightforward, although the final stretch involves climbing through winding mountain roads.
By air, the nearest airport is Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, about 230 km away. Taxis and buses are available from the airport.
By train, Badnera Junction and Amravati Railway Station are the nearest major railheads. Both have regular road connections to the hill station.
By road, visitors travelling from Nagpur usually take around five to six hours. From Amravati, the drive takes roughly three hours and becomes increasingly scenic as the road climbs into the hills.
10 Best Places to Visit in Chikhaldara
1. Melghat Tiger Reserve
No visit to Chikhaldara feels complete without spending time around Melghat Tiger Reserve. It is one of India’s earliest Project Tiger reserves and covers forests filled with teak, bamboo and several wildlife species.
Although tiger sightings depend entirely on luck, visitors frequently spot deer, gaur, langurs, peacocks and many colourful birds. Morning safaris often bring pleasant weather and clearer wildlife activity. Photography enthusiasts particularly enjoy the changing light across the valleys during the first few hours after sunrise.
Things to do in Melghat Tiger Reserve
- Jeep safari
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
- Nature drives
2. Gawilgad Fort
History lovers should make time for Gawilgad Fort, located high above the surrounding valleys. Large stone gateways, ancient walls and impressive viewpoints make this one of the most rewarding places around Chikhaldara.
Unlike many forts that require long treks, reaching most sections of Gawilgad is relatively comfortable. During the monsoon, clouds often move between the old fort walls, creating unforgettable views.
The fort also reminds visitors that this region has witnessed several important chapters of central India’s history.
3. Bhimkund
Bhimkund is linked with stories from the Mahabharata and remains one of the area’s best-known natural attractions.
A deep valley and seasonal waterfall combine to create dramatic views, especially after steady rainfall. Standing near the viewpoint, visitors can hear the sound of water echoing through the rocks long before they actually see the falls.
Instead of rushing through, spending fifteen to twenty minutes here gives enough time to appreciate the surrounding forest and changing cloud cover.
4. Hurricane Point
Among all viewpoints in Chikhaldara, Hurricane Point stands out because of its strong mountain winds.
The open valley stretches for kilometres, giving visitors wide views of the Satpura ranges. During the rainy season, clouds frequently drift across the viewpoint, changing the scenery every few minutes.
Early mornings generally provide the clearest visibility, while evenings create beautiful colours before sunset.
5. Devi Point
Devi Point is another favourite among photographers.
Unlike viewpoints that only face one valley, this location provides several angles of surrounding hills and forests. After rainfall, dozens of temporary waterfalls become visible across distant cliffs.
Families often spend more time here because there is enough open space to sit quietly while enjoying the mountain air.
6. Prospect Point
Prospect Point is among the finest viewpoints in Chikhaldara, particularly for visitors who enjoy wide valley views. On clear mornings, the Satpura hills stretch across the horizon, while during the monsoon, drifting clouds create a constantly changing view. It is quieter than many viewpoints in western Maharashtra, allowing visitors to spend time without large crowds.
Things to do in Prospect Point
- Watch the sunrise
- Photography
- Short nature walks
- Relax with valley views
7. Mozari Point
Mozari Point is another excellent stop for photography. It is especially popular during sunrise and sunset when the changing light falls across the hills and forests. During the rainy season, small waterfalls appear on distant slopes, making every visit slightly different.
Unlike many commercial viewpoints, Mozari Point still retains a peaceful atmosphere, making it suitable for families and nature lovers alike.
Things to do in Mozari Point
- Sunrise photography
- Sunset views
- Family picnic
- Birdwatching
8. Panchbol Point
Panchbol Point is famous for something unusual. If someone shouts loudly into the valley, the sound echoes back several times, giving the viewpoint its name.
Children particularly enjoy this natural echo effect, while adults appreciate the sweeping views of the valleys below. It is one of those attractions that combines fun with beautiful scenery.
The best time to visit is during the early morning when visibility is generally better.
Things to do in Panchbol Point
- Experience the echo
- Photography
- Valley viewing
- Family outing
9. Shakkar Lake
Shakkar Lake provides a calmer experience compared to the viewpoints. Surrounded by greenery, it attracts many birds throughout the year, making it a pleasant stop for birdwatchers.
The lake is particularly attractive after rainfall when the surrounding trees reflect on the water. Visitors often spend time walking around the area before continuing to other attractions nearby.
Things to do in Shakkar Lake
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Short walks
- Family outing
10. Coffee Plantations
Many people are surprised to learn that Chikhaldara is Maharashtra’s only coffee-growing region. The cool climate and altitude allow Arabica coffee to grow successfully here, making it unique within the state.
Several plantations welcome visitors for guided walks where they can understand how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed. Freshly brewed local coffee is often available, giving visitors a chance to taste beans grown only a few kilometres away. Local coffee from Chikhaldara has also been receiving wider recognition in recent years for its quality.
Things to do in Coffee Plantations
- Coffee plantation walk
- Taste locally grown coffee
- Photography
- Buy locally produced coffee
Best Time to Visit Chikhaldara
Although Chikhaldara welcomes visitors throughout the year, every season offers a different experience.
The monsoon between July and September fills the valleys with waterfalls and greenery, making it the favourite season for photographers.
Winter, from October to February, brings pleasant weather that is ideal for sightseeing, wildlife safaris, and visiting forts.
Summer is also comfortable compared with many cities in Vidarbha because the higher altitude keeps temperatures relatively pleasant.
Suggested Two-Day Itinerary for Chikhaldara
Day 1
Begin with Gawilgad Fort before heading to Hurricane Point and Devi Point. After lunch, visit Bhimkund and finish the evening at Mozari Point for sunset.
Day 2
Start early with Melghat Tiger Reserve, followed by Panchbol Point, Prospect Point, Shakkar Lake and finally a coffee plantation tour before returning home.
Travel Tips for Chikhaldara
- Carry light rainwear during the monsoon.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for forts and viewpoints.
- Book accommodation early during weekends and holidays.
- Start sightseeing early to enjoy clearer valley views.
- Carry binoculars if visiting Melghat Tiger Reserve.
- Respect wildlife by maintaining distance and avoiding loud noises.
Conclusion
For anyone searching for a refreshing hill holiday without the heavy crowds found at many famous destinations, Chikhaldara deserves serious consideration. As the only hill station in Vidarbha, it combines history, wildlife, coffee plantations, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints in one compact destination.
Visitors can spend the morning watching wildlife inside Melghat Tiger Reserve, the afternoon walking through centuries-old forts and the evening enjoying panoramic views across the Satpura hills. The combination of natural beauty, historical importance and peaceful surroundings gives Chikhaldara its own character.
Whether someone is planning a family holiday, a weekend road trip or a photography tour, places to visit in Chikhaldara provide enough variety for a memorable experience. With better tourism facilities continuing to develop, this lesser-known hill station is becoming one of Maharashtra’s most rewarding destinations without losing its relaxed atmosphere.
Explore our villas in Alibaug, Nashik and Karjat with best Hill Views in Monsoon
FAQs
Chikhaldara is famous for being the only hill station in Vidarbha, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Gawilgad Fort, beautiful viewpoints and Maharashtra’s only coffee plantations.
Visitors can reach Chikhaldara by road from Amravati or Nagpur. The nearest railway stations are Amravati and Badnera, while Nagpur Airport is the nearest major airport.
Yes. The monsoon is one of the best seasons to visit because waterfalls, forests and viewpoints become especially attractive after rainfall.
Two days are sufficient to visit most major attractions, including Melghat Tiger Reserve, Gawilgad Fort, viewpoints and coffee plantations.
Hurricane Point, Mozari Point, Prospect Point and Panchbol Point are among the most popular viewpoints.
Yes. It is one of India’s earliest tiger reserves and is home to tigers, leopards, gaur, deer and many bird species. Wildlife sightings always depend on natural conditions.
It is the only officially recognised hill station in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, situated in the Satpura ranges at an elevation of about 1,100 metres.
Yes. Choosing a villa in Chikhaldara is a good option for families and larger groups looking for spacious accommodation, peaceful surroundings and easy access to nearby attractions.
Blog Article Written by Ruben Saha
