Add Maharashtra's Only Coffee Plantation To Your Bucket List

Maharashtra's lush green and versatile terrain offers many destinations for a relaxing getaway. Places like Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar are the perfect escape from the hectic city life. But this quaint hill station, located 600 km from Pune and roughly 700 km from Mumbai, offers something unique that can only be found further south&mdashCoffee plantations 

Into the Wild

Besides being the only place in Maharashtra to have coffee plantations, Chikhaldara also has other natural wonders that make it a perfect destination for a quiet and relaxing getaway. The Chikhaldara Sanctuary is home to much unique wildlife like the mouse deer, blue bull, leopard, Rhesus monkey, tigers and more. The tranquil waters of Bir and Kalpani lakes also add to the serene surroundings of the place. 

A Historical Affair 

If you want to take a break from being serenaded by nature's beauty and soaking in the magic of coffee estates that date back to the 1800s, you can explore the rich history through a tour of the forts and palaces around. Gawligarh fort is one of the most visited places around here&ndashit is a massive complex with seven gates, two water tanks, and ruins of a mosque. It is regarded to have been built between 1425-26 AD when the Maratha Empire exercised control over the surrounding region. Persian inscriptions can be seen on each of the seven gates. 

Gawligarh Fort 

If a visit to this fort isn't enough to satisfy the history buff in you, then there are two more that you can add to your list&ndashNarnala fort and Amner fort. These two also feature excellent craftsmanship from centuries ago and can take up your day. Beyond a fascinating history lesson, Chikhaldara also has something in store for the spiritual in you. With 52 Jain temples atop mountains against the green expanse of the town, Muktagiri is also worth a visit while you're in Chikhaldara. 

How to Reach 

Hailing a 12-hour-long train to Amaravati from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is ideal. You would have to hit the road from Amaravati to reach Chikhaldara, which takes roughly two hours. However, if you love long drives, you also choose to drive from Mumbai via the Ahmednagar-Pune highway.