Chikhaldara – Discovering the Undiscovered
1. Melghat Tiger Reserve – Meeting of Ghats
Melghat in Sanskrit means ‘Meeting of
Ghats’, when you observe from top of the
hills you will notice various ghats melting into the water streams. Be lucky to
go here in monsoons, it feels like heaven.
Melgaht tiger reserve is a trip in itself.
If you want to only spot a Tiger on your
jungle safari, then this is a wrong place for you. But this place is an experience in itself,
you can spot giant flying squirrel, the mouse deer and many other rare
creatures along with the Royal tigers if you are lucky.
The
spectacular view of the Tapi River will make your trip worth the double. The
safari remains closed from June – September but do visit it for the Tapi River.
2. Panchol Point – Where the mountains calls you
back
Panchol or the Set of 5 mountains is standing
tall in such a position that when you call out your name loud, it calls you
back. It is not this usual, 5 hills calls you back in 5 different styles of
echo. Something you must experience in a lifetime.
Chikhaldhara is also a coffee growing hill
station of Maharashtra. Yes, very few people know this. When you take this
scenic drive to Panchol, check out some of the beautiful coffee plantations
that will make your day alive.
3.
Muktagiri – Set of 52 Jain Temples
After
you visit Muktagiri, your computer wallpaper will change. Muktagiri is a group
of 52 elegant Jain temples with a backdrop of a waterfall. This sight will stay
in your memory for many years to come. Built on a hill, the pristine white
Muktagiri stands out while surrounded by shades of green forest and milky white
waterfall.
Even
if you don’t believe in temples and stay away from religious places, do visit
this for its unbelievable scenic view.
4.
Bhim Kund – Lake from Epic Mahabharata
It is said that Bhima, the strongest among 5
Pandava brothers once had an encounter with Keechaka(the evil). It is after killing Keechaka that Bhima
washed his hands at this place. It is since then that this place is called as
BhimKund.
Visit Bhimkund for a trilling drive, be
careful of the sharp turns along the ghat which can be slippery in monsoons.
The view of the valley is breathtaking for sure.
5.
Kalapani Lake – Real color of Sunset
It
is because of the Settings of hills around that make this lake look black. It
is a must see place when you are in Chikhaldara. An adventurous road ride takes
you from the muddy and narrow roads from around the satpura ranges. En route to
Kalapani Lake, check out the Shivsagar point which is an ideal place to catch a
sunset view. The whole satpura range looks Deep Orange. You will spend all your
time clicking pictures till it gets dark.
6. Gawligarh Fort – A
glimpse of Maratha Glory
This
fort dates back to the rules of Great Maratha Empire. It is not just a fort.
It’s a mirror of a magnificent fort showing us a mirror that we are not able to
maintain its glory. Though in ruins today, this fort stands straight and
confident about its beauty and strength. At 3,620 ft., you cannot help but be mesmerised
with the views from top. A mosque with Persian Architecture at the highest
point of the fort is something to look forward to.
Overall
the whole Chikhaldara is a complete pack of a hill station which is blooming
with natural beauty. It is people like us who have ignored it over hundreds and
thousands of years. Lets pack and drive to Chikhaldara, Lets Discover the Undiscovered...
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