Weekend getaway from Nagpur · #3 of 10
Chikhaldara
Vidarbha's only hill station, perched over 1,100m in the Satpura range and ringed by the Melghat Tiger Reserve. Coffee gardens, valley viewpoints and cooler air make it the region's classic escape from the plains.
Escape Nagpur's heat for Vidarbha's lone hill station! Nestled 1,100 meters high in the Satpuras, 225 km away, this green plateau is ringed by Melghat Tiger Reserve. Think cool misty cliffs, coffee gardens, and total peace.
Getting there
Our go-to route. The final winding climb through the gorgeous Melghat forest is slow-paced but incredibly scenic. Do not rush this drive-soak in the views!
Perfect if you want to skip driving the winding ghat road yourself. Nagpur has frequent trains to Amravati, making it easy to just hop off and grab a taxi.
Day 1
Chasing clouds on the climb up to the peaks- 17:00 AMDrive
Drive Nagpur to Chikhaldara
Hit the road early to breeze past Amravati. Before you know it, you will be climbing narrow, leafy roads winding through the lush Melghat forest toward the cool plateau.
Tip · Start early! Those winding ghat roads are gorgeous by day but tricky after dark.
- 211:30 AMFood
Breakfast stop in Paratwada
Your final pit stop before the climb begins! Grab a quick, energizing bite here and make sure the tank is full before tackling the ghat.
- 31:00 PMStay
Check in and lunch
Check in to one of the cozy MTDC or private hill lodges on the plateau. You are just a short, breezy stroll away from the area's main viewpoints.
- 43:00 PMSight
Hurricane Point and Devi Point
Peer down into the dramatic Satpura valleys from these twin cliffs. Devi Point has a fun, buzzing tabletop plateau complete with food stalls and pony rides.
📍 Devi Point, Chikhaldara
- 55:00 PMSight
Panchbol Point
Shout your heart out at this famous echo spot, where your voice reportedly bounces back five times across the gorge! The Satpura range views here are epic.
📍 Panchbol Point, Chikhaldara
- 67:30 PMFood
Dinner at the lodge
As the sun sets, the plateau gets surprisingly chilly for Vidarbha. Time to head indoors for a steaming, comforting dinner at your lodge.
Tip · Bring a light jacket even in summer. The plateau nights are way cooler than the Nagpur plains.
Day 2
Historic forts, blooming gardens and the journey home- 77:30 AMSight
Bhimkund viewpoint
Marvel at a dramatic gorge linked to the Mahabharata, where Bhima reportedly defeated Kichaka. If you visit in monsoon, you will catch a lovely waterfall.
📍 Bhimkund, Chikhaldara
- 89:00 AMFood
Breakfast
Enjoy a slow, laid-back breakfast and fuel up before we dive into a busy morning of exploring.
- 910:00 AMSight
Gavilgad Fort
Explore the 300-year-old ruins of this epic fort, which swapped hands between Hindu and Mughal rulers. Check out the weathered walls and cliffside views.
📍 Gavilgad Fort, Chikhaldara
- 1011:30 AMActivity
Government Botanical Garden and toy train
Wander through 23 acres of beautiful roses. There is also a cute toy train loop chugging around the park, which is a massive hit if you have kids with you.
📍 Government Botanical Garden, Chikhaldara
- 111:00 PMFood
Lunch and local coffee
Grab lunch and buy some local coffee-Chikhaldara is the region's only commercial grower! Pick up some wild forest honey, too, before we start descending.
- 122:30 PMDrive
Drive back to Nagpur
Head down the ghat through Semadoh and Paratwada, hit the highway at Amravati, and cruise back home. You will be back in Nagpur by early evening.
Where to eat
The only place around that grows coffee commercially! Grab a super-fresh pack from small plantations near the market.
Pure sweetness sourced straight from the Melghat forest, sold at local stalls right next to the coffee.
Cozy up with comforting, simple vegetarian or mixed thalis served at MTDC and private plateau lodges.
When to go
The prime time! The weather is blissfully cool and clear, perfect for hiking the fort and enjoying the views.
When Nagpur is boiling, this breezy plateau remains a refreshing sanctuary. The ultimate summer getaway.
Watch the valleys turn an unbelievable green as Bhimkund's waterfalls roar. Just drive the ghat road slowly and carefully.
Good to know
- Stick to daylight driving on the ghat. Those hairpin switchbacks are not meant for navigating in the dark.
- Do not forget a light jacket! Even in summer, the plateau gets much cooler at night than Nagpur.
- Craving a safari? Add an extra day to visit Semadoh in Melghat Tiger Reserve, but secure your permits beforehand.
- Rooms fill up fast on weekends, especially during the peak October-March season, so book your lodge early!
