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Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in
Amaravati district of Vidarbha region. The
only hill station in the Vidarbha region offers one an abundance of
wildlife, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls. This sanctuary is named after
"Keechaka". This is the place where Bhima killed Keechaka and
threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as "Keechakadara"
and Chikhaldara is its corruption. This is the only coffee growing area in
Maharashtra.
Tourists can find Panthers, Sloth Bears, Sambar, and Wild Boar. One can
even spot Wild Dogs over here. Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger
Project in Dhakana-Kolkaz National Park, a natural habitat centre for
about 82 tigers.
Tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of this hill resort from Hurricane
Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point.
Other
interesting excursions include Gavilgad and Narnala Fort, the Pandit Nehru
Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum and the Semadoh Lake located near the
sanctuary.
Chikaldhara's cool breezy climate makes it an excellent place to repose in summer and the best time to eaxploreit is in between the months from October to June.
Air: Nearest airport is Akola,
which is 150-km from the sanctuary.
Rail: Nearest railway station from the sanctuary is Badnera at
110-km on the Central Railway branch line.
Road: Nearest bus depot is Amravati,
which is 100-km from the sanctury. Regular State Transport buses connect
Chikhaldara to Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha, Akola and other cities major
cities of the state.
The MTDC has resorts for accommodation purposes in Chikhaldara.