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Chikhaldara is a tiny hill-resort in the Satpura ranges in Maharashtra. The lush green Sagwan forest, the formidable gorges and the rainbow hills; the gurgling cascades and the meandering road uphill simply makes it captivating. Interestingly, while the flat rocky ranges of Satpura look dwarf, the valley with narrow deep gorges look unfathomable. A tiger reserve – steeped in history, mythology and tribal ethos. Chikhaldara is associated with the Mahabharata, the name of town ‘Chikhaldara’ is the corrupted form of "Keechakdara" where the mighty Bhima fought the equally mighty Keechak, killed him in a duel and later hurled his body down the formidable gorge into the Kingdom of King Virat. The deep gorge now called Keechak-dara is situated two kilometers away from the town. Nearby is a perennial source of water called Bhim-Kund where Bhima bathed, washing himself of Keechak’s blood.
Historically too Chikhaldara has seen many ups and down. The Govaligarh fort, about four kilometers from the town is one of the tourist spots which speaks of the days of yore when it must have seethe with political intrigues and activities. The fort originally belonged to the Gavalis, the local tribals whose main occupation is cattle rearing. Even in the Mahabharta there is reference of the Kauravas attacking Virat’s Kingdom.
After the Gavalis were defeated by the Gond Kings, the fort fell to them and later to the Khiljees, the Moghuls, the Marathas and ultimately the British found the fort strategically important. The fort is spread over thirteen kilometers, along the hillside and has two rows of high walls. Within the inner fortress, there are six water tanks that never dry. The fort has a Jama Masjid built in 1488 and a prayer hall for the Hindus. Two eight-metal alloy guns (ashtadhatu) still proudly decorate the desolate fort overgrown with brambles and bushes.
The Melghat tiger reserve is thickly wooded where one can spot many wild animals such as sloth bear, panther, cheetah, sambar and wild boar. Melghat has many tigers too.
Chikhaldara has a beautifully maintained park called Pandit Nehru Park and a forest museum. The museum has on display fascinating huge boards of Sagwan, shining with their natural sheen. Massive circumference of the fully grown Sagwan tree is a marvel to see.
Chikhaldara, is the only hill station for the people around Nagpur and other districts of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, famous as a summer-resort. The scenic beauty of Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from various points situated in and around the town like – Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, Devi Point, Keechakdara and Bhimtal Points. The tribal museum is a must-see and an excursion to Semadoh Lake is a memorable experience if you happen to spot a tiger near the lake where the majestic animal comes to drink water and enjoys the cool and calm of the jungle. (PIB Features)
The Main entrance to Govaligarh Fort
Thick Jungle and a water hole at Melghat Tiger Resort
Decorative arches & gates of the Fort, Witness to a bygone era of glory
**Freelance Writer
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