Most travellers in Maharashtra have Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, or Goa on their list. Amravati rarely makes the cut. And honestly, that's part of its charm. No overcrowded viewpoints, no jacked-up tourist prices — just a raw, honest travel experience where you eat Varhadi thecha with bhakri at a roadside dhaba and drive through forests where a wild boar might casually cross the road ahead of you.
This Amravati travel guide is written from a local's perspective. Real routes, real food, real recommendations.
Amravati City: More Than a Pitstop
Amravati sits at about 1,125 feet above sea level in the Vidarbha region, often called the "Cultural Capital of Vidarbha." The city has a rhythm — morning temple bells at Ambadevi Temple, the aroma of tarri pohe from street carts, and the evening calm around Wadali Lake.
The Shri Ambadevi Temple, over a thousand years old, is the spiritual heart of the city. If you're visiting in October, time it around Navratri — the celebrations here are something else. For a quieter afternoon, head to Wadali Lake or the Bamboo Garden, which surprisingly houses over 130 species of bamboo. Devi Point near Shakkar Lake offers scenic views without driving far out of the city.
Chikhaldara: The Only Hill Station in Vidarbha
About 85 km from Amravati, nestled at 1,118 metres in the Satpura Range, Chikhaldara is where Amravati travel gets genuinely exciting. The route goes from Amravati to Paratwada (50 km), then another 32 km of winding ghat roads into the hills. In the monsoon, expect fog, roadside waterfalls, and that particular earthy smell of wet forest that no air freshener has managed to replicate.
The name traces back to the Mahabharata — legend says Bhima killed Keechaka and threw him into the valley here. Whether you buy the mythology or not, there's a place called Bhimkund, a deep water pool surrounded by rocky cliffs, that certainly feels like it belongs in an epic.
The real draws are the viewpoints — Panchbol Point where your voice echoes five times, Mozari Point for sunrises, Hurricane Point for panoramic valley views. Chikhaldara sits within the Melghat Tiger Reserve, home to Bengal tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. And it's Maharashtra's only coffee-growing region — tasting freshly brewed local coffee here is a small but memorable pleasure. History lovers shouldn't miss Gawilgad Fort, a 13th-century fortification with Persian inscriptions and stunning valley views.
Best Time to Visit
October to February. Book jungle safaris in advance through the Nature Interpretation Centre in Chikhaldara town.
Dharkhora Waterfall: The Hidden Trek Locals Swear By
If Chikhaldara is the well-known gem, Dharkhora is the secret that locals share only with people they like. Located deep inside the Melghat forest near the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh border, it technically falls in MP — but the only practical way to reach it is through Amravati and Paratwada, which is why most visitors combine it with a Chikhaldara trip.
You drive to a nearby village, park, and trek 4–5 km through dense jungle. The path is uneven and slippery in monsoon — this isn't a paved walkway. That's exactly what makes it special. The waterfall cascades from the Gavilgarh plateau at roughly 2,657 feet. During monsoon, it's a thunderous wall of white water. In dry months, a gentle cascade with a calm pool perfect for sitting by and listening to the forest.
Important Safety Tips
- Don't go alone — this is genuine tiger territory
- Travel with a local guide, in a group
- Wear proper trekking shoes
- Carry enough water — no shops on the trail
- Mobile network is practically zero on the trail
The Varhadi Food Experience
You cannot visit Amravati and not eat Varhadi food. Start with Zunka Bhakar — a thick besan preparation with bhakri made from jowar flour. For non-veg, Saoji Chicken or Mutton is the headline act — a fiery, dark-gravy preparation using black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves that's designed to make you sweat. Don't leave without trying Patodi Rassa, Varhadi Thecha, and if you have a sweet tooth, Kanhole — a traditional Diwali sweet considered a favourite of Lord Gajanan Maharaj.
How to Reach & When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
October to February for pleasant weather. Avoid summer — Amravati city hits 45°C+ in May. For waterfalls in full flow, September–October is ideal.
By Train
Badnera Junction (10 km from city) on the Mumbai–Nagpur–Kolkata line.
By Air
Nearest airport is Nagpur, about 160 km away (2.5–3 hr drive).
By Road
MSRTC buses from Nagpur, Pune, and Mumbai. For Chikhaldara: Amravati → Paratwada (50 km) → Chikhaldara (32 km).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Amravati?
October to February is the best time for Amravati travel. Winters are pleasant (15–25°C), ideal for Chikhaldara hills and temple visits. Monsoon (July–September) is great for Dharkhora waterfall but roads can be tricky.
How do I reach Amravati from Mumbai or Pune?
By train: Amravati has a railway station connected to Mumbai (12–14 hrs) and Pune. By road: NH-6 connects Amravati to Nagpur (155 km), Pune (600 km), and Mumbai (700 km). Nearest airport is Nagpur (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport), about 2.5–3 hours by road.
What are the must-visit places in Amravati?
Top places include Chikhaldara hill station (Maharashtra's only coffee-growing region), Dharkhora waterfall (hidden gem near Paratwada), Ambadevi Temple, Shri Krishna Temple at Kaundinyapur, and Melghat Tiger Reserve. Don't miss trying Varhadi food — particularly tarri poha and saoji chicken.
Is Amravati safe for solo and family travellers?
Yes, Amravati is very safe for both solo travellers and families. It's a small, friendly city. For Chikhaldara and forest areas, it's recommended to travel with a local guide or a trusted tours and travels agency in Amravati for the best experience.
How many days are enough for an Amravati trip?
A 3–4 day trip covers Amravati city, Chikhaldara, and Dharkhora comfortably. If you want to explore Melghat Tiger Reserve or do jungle safaris, plan for 5–6 days. Ashta Tours and Travels can customise itineraries based on your schedule.
Plan Your Amravati Trip
Amravati isn't the kind of destination that sells itself through Instagram reels. It's a place you discover by going there. If planning the logistics — routes, stays, safari bookings, guide arrangements for Dharkhora — feels overwhelming, it helps to have someone local handle it.
That's what we've been doing at Ashta Tours and Travels since 2008. Vinay Pawar and his team have organised tours around Amravati for over 18 years — no over-promising, just people who know the roads and the best dhabas on the highway.