Chikhaldhara sanctuary

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. The scenic beauty of Chikhaldara
can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect
Point, and Devi Point. Other interesting
excursions include Gavilgad and Narnala Fort,
the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal
Museum and the Semadoh Lake.
Flora: Teak, Ain, Bamboo, Tiwas, Dhaoda,
Kusum, Mahua.
Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, Wild dog,
Jackal, Sambar, Indian Bison, Barking Deer,
Blue Bull, Spotted Deer, Chausingha, Ratel,
Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar, Langur, Rhesus
Monkey, Porcupine, Pangolin, Mouse deer.