Chikhaldhara Hills - Tourist Delight

Maharashtra doesn’t boast of snow laden hill stations but there are immensely gorgeous hills that mesmerize many travelers because of their eternal charm, peaceful ambiance and nature’s blessing. Chikhaldhara is such a tourist spot lies deep along the northern rim of Maharashtra, in the region of Vidarbha. Though apparently peaceful, Chikhaldhara is implausibly chaotic because of its numerous wildlife species and cascading waterfalls. Most of the people from plains come here to escape scorching heat and exasperating climate and at the same time savor the crispy clean air, cool breezy climes and lush green meadows of Chikhaldhara.

According to Hindu mythology, the five Pandavas came here in search of anonymity during their exile. The place is also named as Kichakdhara as Bhima, the strongest of all Pandavas killed the monster Kichak in this place. Later British changed the name to Chikhaldhara.

Chikhaldhara is approximately 255km from Nagpur and also accessible from Mumbai. Vidharba Express from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji station reaches Badnera the next morning, a twin town of Amravati. From the here local taxi or car can be hired and to reach Chikhaldhara in four hours. The road is fairly good with very little traffic. The road walks in through forest area where animals roam freely, thankfully only at night. Rainfall is also frequent in this region. Marriage between rain and landscape makes the place one of the glorified versions of nature’s bliss.

Three kilometers south of Chikhaldhara is Gavilgad fort is situated. A few kilometers away lay Bhimkund, a place of great historical significance. Here a 3,500 feet deep valley and a meandering Bhimkund stream, make it a tourist hotspot. Devi Point, another tourist spot can be reached by car. It is believed that in the small hill goddess Devi resides in a den like enclosure with the Chandrabhaga River flowing near by. To experience magnificence sunset one has to head to Mojhiri Point, which is next to Devi Point.

Horsley Hills – Virgin Hill Station Of Andhra Pradesh

We often hear about the phrase ‘small is beautiful’ and Horsley Hills are the best illustration of this. An obscure hill station in Andhra Pradesh, is almost fail to notice in map, even people drive pass it and miss it! Most of the people head for much known hill stations in south India such as Ooty, Coorg or Kodailkanal but little aware of Horsley Hills. Also place is devoid of five star hotels and luxury resorts. In spite of all these so limitations, this sleepy hill station is an excellent place for spending time in solitude.

Although it is believed that Matheran in Maharashtra is the smallest hill resorts of India but when you visit the Horsley Hills, you will force to dismiss the common notion. Every place or spot worth seeing here is within a two to three km radius. But there the charm lies. Unlike in other hill stations, there are no hawkers and beggars to disturb your peace. There are no such bustling shops that distract your vision from the nature’s wonder. You can have virtually the whole hills to yourself.

The place was discovered by W.D Horsley, the then collector of Cuddapah district who came here to escape from the blistering heat. He was so enchanted by the dense forest and exotic birds that he made it his summer residence. Later, British officers followed suit and an elegant villa was built for the governor. The climate of the hills is absolutely perfect. It lies at an altitude of 4300ft and experience maximum of 32 degree in summer and minimum 20 degrees Celsius in winter.

Although a small place but it offers plenty of rewarding viewpoints. From the Valley View Point just behind the tourist bungalow, you get a breathtaking view of the lush valley below and the surrounding landscape of miles of paddy fields, rural settlements and small towns of Andhra Pradesh. It is such a small place that you can experience everything within a couple of days. If you like nothing more than days spent in quiet contemplation or some time to oneself for writing or reading, then Horsley Hills is the perfect destination for you.