Inside Chikhaldara: Vidarbha’s Only Hill Station

thenewsdirt
Apr 18
6 min read

Perched at a height of over 1,100 metres, Chikhaldara draws attention for reasons that stretch beyond its altitude.

Located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, this hill station remains outside the glare of mass tourism.

The area is shaped by a rare confluence of topography, climate, biodiversity, and historical associations, which have helped define its role in the region.

Historical and Ecological Setting

The name "Chikhaldara" combines two Marathi words: "chikal", meaning mud, and "dhara", referring to a stream or fall.

The area’s history, however, is linked not only to language but also to older forms of storytelling. References to the Mahabharata identify this location as the site where Bheema is believed to have defeated Keechaka.

The tale has influenced the naming of local sites, including Keechakadara, which is said to be an older form of Chikhaldara’s current name.

The broader region was earlier known as Melghat, and changes in settlement names over time reflect shifts in administration, population, and usage.

Manjarkapdi village was once called Majkur, a change recorded as having occurred around 1950. These toponymic adjustments point to a layered history, though archaeological traces supporting mythological claims remain limited.

Ecologically, Chikhaldara holds a key place in Vidarbha due to its forest cover and the variety of wildlife found within it. The hill station sits near the Melghat Tiger Reserve, which covers over 1,600 square kilometres across the Satpuda hills.

This reserve spans Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils and includes parts of the Gugamal National Park and the Semadhoh Tiger Project.

The reserve is known to support species such as the Bengal tiger, sloth bear, panther, sambar deer, wild boar, and several species of wild dogs, among others.

The area's biodiversity also includes endemic flora and smaller faunal populations, which are supported by the relatively undisturbed forest patches.

The tiger population, noted to be around 82 individuals, positions the reserve among key conservation areas in Maharashtra. While direct sightings remain infrequent, the presence of these large carnivores shapes the approach to land use, tourism, and development across the buffer zones.

Several parts of the forest are accessible for safaris and wildlife photography under regulated conditions, balancing visitor interest with preservation requirements.

Local Life and Visitor Experience

The population of Chikhaldara has remained modest. As per the 2001 census, fewer than 5,000 individuals reside in the town. Marathi is the official language, and local customs follow regional patterns.

The hill station does not experience the scale of festival gatherings seen in larger towns. Religious activity primarily revolves around temple events, especially at Jain sites, where regular pujas are organised. These provide one of the few communal spaces for local gatherings and occasional visitors.

Religious landmarks include Vairat Devi Temple, Mahadev Mandir, and Muktagiri, which continue to attract pilgrims throughout the year. Jain temples in particular maintain a pattern of ritual activity, often attended by families from nearby districts.

These places contribute to the area’s social routine, although tourism remains the larger external influence on Chikhaldara's economy.

Historical monuments add another layer to the visitor experience. Amner Fort and Gawilgad Fort are two of the region’s notable hill forts.

They are positioned on elevated points and provide views of the surrounding landscape. Their architectural features reflect the military requirements of earlier periods. The forts are mostly in ruins but remain accessible, serving as visual markers of the region’s political past.

Natural sites remain the main draw for visitors. The town and its outskirts are known for their viewpoints, including Mozari Point, Hariken Point, Goraghat Point, and Malviya Point.

Each of these offers wide views of the surrounding valleys and wooded hills. Panchbol Point, in particular, is recognised for its acoustics, where echoes can reportedly be heard multiple times. Shivsagar Point, Monkey Point, and Prospect Point are additional high ground locations visited by travellers.

Water bodies also feature on the local itinerary. Lakes and reservoirs such as Bhimakund (also known as Kitchakdari), Kalapani Dam, Shakkar Lake, and Vir Dam offer short excursions, boating activities, and spots for rest.

These areas tend to receive more visitors during the post-monsoon months, when water levels are high and plant growth is thick around the banks.

Facilities in the area are built to support light recreation. The Forest Garden and Government Garden are maintained as open spaces for walking and picnics.

The Wildlife Museum holds specimens and displays related to the forest ecosystem, providing context for the animal and birdlife found across the region. Boating, horse riding, and guided treks are available in different parts of the town, depending on the season and local conditions.

A point of distinction for Chikhaldara is its cultivation of coffee. It remains the only area in Maharashtra where coffee is grown commercially.

Though production volumes are limited, this feature has introduced the potential for small plantation tours and sampling sessions. The coffee grown here supports local economic activity and marks an unusual agricultural practice for the state.

Terrain, Weather and Elevation

Chikhaldara is set within the Satpura mountain range and reaches its highest point at around 1,188 metres.

This elevation gives it the unique identity of being the only hill station in Vidarbha.

Its coordinates at 21°13′N 77°43′E place it close to the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The geography is marked by steep valleys, heavily forested hillsides, and changing gradients, all contributing to the complex terrain that surrounds the settlement.

Rainfall is a key feature of the region’s environment, with an annual average of 154 centimetres. This level of precipitation sustains a dense forest cover and supports agricultural activities, including a small but significant coffee-growing zone, the only one of its kind in Maharashtra.

Weather conditions shift across the year, with summer temperatures rising to 39°C and winter lows reaching 5°C. While these figures may seem extreme, the area remains breezy across most months, providing a cooling effect that defines its outdoor environment.

The changes brought about by the monsoon are visible in the state of local lakes and watercourses.

From October to June, conditions are suitable for visitors, though the post-monsoon period is particularly noted for revealing a refreshed landscape.

The wet season fills up lakes and triggers the flow of local streams, affecting the ecology as well as the accessibility of certain zones.

Transport and Access Routes

Reaching Chikhaldara involves a combination of rail, road, and air connections. The nearest railway station is Badnera Junction, situated about 100 kilometres from the hill station. An alternative railhead is Amravati station, located around 90 kilometres away. From Mumbai, travellers typically use overnight trains.

One such service is the 12101 Aneswari Deluxe, which departs from Lokmanya Tilak Terminal at 8:30 PM and reaches Badnera Junction by 6:45 AM.

Road links connect Chikhaldara to Paratwada (30 kilometres), Amravati (90 kilometres), and Nagpur (approximately 230 kilometres).

Bus services operate on these routes, with Paratwada serving as a regular transit point. Travellers can also opt for private taxis or shared vehicles from these towns. Road conditions vary depending on the season, especially during and after the monsoon.

Air connectivity is limited to the nearest airport in Nagpur, located roughly 230 to 240 kilometres away. From Nagpur, the onward journey to Chikhaldara typically takes six to seven hours by road.

The relative distance from air and rail hubs has kept the hill station outside of regular weekend travel circuits, although improvements in road conditions have made the journey more manageable over time.

Seasonal shifts influence both travel patterns and local activities. Tourist traffic generally increases from October to June, with peaks during the cooler months and school holidays.

The presence of multiple natural sites, religious locations, and recreational options supports varying travel purposes, though the town’s infrastructure remains basic. Accommodations are limited to guest houses and small hotels, most of which cater to families and small groups.

As the only hill station in Vidarbha and the sole coffee-producing region in the state, Chikhaldara occupies a specific place in Maharashtra’s geographical and cultural profile.

While not heavily commercialised, it's growing visibility has begun to draw attention from visitors looking beyond conventional destinations.

The area’s appeal rests in its blend of landscape, biodiversity, and modest cultural life, all shaped by the physical and historical setting of this highland zone.