Chikhaldara Sanctuary

About:-
Featured in the epic, the Mahabharata, this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a herculean bout and then threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as Keechakadara — Chikhaldara is its corruption. But there’s more to Chikhaldara. The sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region, it is situated at an altitude of 1118 m and has the added dimension of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra. It abounds in wildlife — panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, and even the rarely seen wild dogs. Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger Project which has 82 tigers.

Fauna:-
The sanctuary is a home to various species of animals that includes Tiger, Sloth bear, Panther, Wild dog, Wild boar, Sambhar etc.

Transport:-
Air: Nearest airport is Nagpur. Rail: Nearest railhead is Badnera. Road:Mumbai-Chikhaldara, 763 kms. Nagpur -Chikhaldara, 230 kms. Amravati-Chikhaldara, 100 kms.
State transport buses ply from Amravati and Nagpur to Chikhaldara.

Weather:
Chikhaldara has an annual rainfall of 154 cms. Temperatures vary from 39 C in summer to 5 C in winter.

Best Time To Visit
October to June is the best time to visit.

Accommodation:
MTDC: Self-contained rooms (10 blocks) and Dormitory (1 block for 50 tourists).Privatised: Self contained rooms (20 blocks).

Nearby Excursions:
Gavilgad and Narnala Fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum and the Semadoh Lake located near the sanctuary