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Chikhaldara
 This is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Heechaka in a Herculean bout and threw him into a valley. It came to be known as Keechakadara - Chikhaldara is a corruption. But there's more to Chikhaldara.
The only hill resort in the Vidarbha region, it has the added distinction of being the only coffee growing area in Maharashtra. It abounds in wildlife- panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, even the rarely seen wild dogs.
Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger Project which has 82 tigers. The scenic beauty of Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point and Devi Point.
Other interesting excursions include Gawilgad and Narnala fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum and the Semadoh Lake.
Weather
 Chikhaldara has an annual rainfall of 154 cms. Temperatures vary from 39 C in summer to 5 C in winter. October to June is the best time to visit.
Getting There
The nearest railhead is Badnera on the Central Railway branch line, 110 kms. Chikhaldara, 763 kms from Mumbai, is connected to most major cities by road. Regular ST buses connect Chikhaldara to Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha, Akola and other cities.
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