Overview
What is Chikhaldara?
Chikhaldara is a hill station in the Amravati district of Maharashtra and the only one in the entire Vidarbha region. It sits at roughly 1,118 metres in the Satpura ranges, which keeps the air noticeably cooler than the plains below for most of the year.
Two things make it unusual. First, it is Maharashtra's only coffee-growing area — you can walk a real coffee estate here. Second, it wraps around the Melghat Tiger Reserve, one of India's original Project Tiger reserves, so the forest and its wildlife are never far away. Green hills, mist, valley viewpoints and birdsong define the place.
When to go
Best time to visit Chikhaldara
Chikhaldara is enjoyable for much of the year, but the comfortable window runs roughly October to June.
October – March (most pleasant)
Cool, clear days and crisp mornings. This is also the prime window for Melghat safaris, when wildlife sightings are at their best.
April – June (summer peak)
The busiest season. While the plains are scorching, Chikhaldara stays relatively cool, making it a popular summer escape. Book ahead.
July – August (heavy monsoon — caution)
The hills turn lush and green, but rainfall is heavy, roads can be slippery, and the tiger reserve is typically closed. Lovely scenery if you don't mind the wet.
Getting there
How to reach Chikhaldara
By road from Amravati
The nearest major city, about 100 km away — roughly a two-and-a-half to three hour drive up into the hills.
From Nagpur
About 230 km, the closest large airport hub. Drivers usually route via Amravati.
By train
The nearest railway stations are Badnera and Amravati; continue by road from there.
Once you reach Chikhaldara, getting between viewpoints and attractions is easiest by car or local taxi. We're happy to help arrange a pickup or local driver — just ask when you book.
What to see
Top things to do in Chikhaldara
Melghat Tiger Reserve safari
The headline experience: a jeep safari through one of India's oldest tiger reserves. Tigers, leopards, sloth bears and hundreds of bird species call it home.
Gavilgad Fort
A historic hilltop fort with old ramparts and wide views over the valley. A rewarding morning walk into the area's past.
Bhimkund
A deep natural pool set in a gorge, linked in legend to the Mahabharata. A striking, photogenic stop.
Coffee estate walk
Stroll through Maharashtra's only coffee-growing area — a rarity in the state and a calm, fragrant way to spend an hour.
Pandit Nehru Botanical Garden
Laid-out greenery and viewpoints — an easy, family-friendly outing right in town.
Semadoh Lake
A peaceful lake within the Melghat landscape, a popular spot to pause on the way to or from a safari.
Where to stay
Staying in Chikhaldara
Chikhaldara has a handful of places to stay, from basic guesthouses to small resorts. If you want somewhere quiet and personal, Navin's Resort is a family-run property of under fifteen rooms set in the cool hill-station air — an easy base for forts, viewpoints, the coffee estate and Melghat safaris.
Booking directly with us means no travel-site commission, so you get our best rate, and we can help plan your days on the ground.
Make Navin's Resort your Chikhaldara base
Cool climate, forest on the doorstep, and hospitality from the family who run the place.