GAVILGAD

Shrouded in mist and myths is the Gavali tribal fort of Gavilgad or Gavaligad, on the Chikhaldara plateau, now under the Melghat Tiger Project. 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.
At Gavilgad, the bloody history continues, though the serenity of the dense forests around it camouflage the turbulent past. Built by the Gavlis, or cowherds in the 12th/13th centuries, the fort was occupied later by the mighty Gonds, the last of the sub-continental powers to fall to the Mughals.
Today although no signs of dramatic battle remain, the fort walls and ramparts still stand. Four gates guard the strategic entrances with only a cool wind whistling past them. There is no trace of the tunnel, reputedly linking it to the nearby Gond fort at Narnala. You could trek to Narnala, or drive through the thick forest to discover yet another blend of Gond and Mughal influence.
Weather: Chikhaldara has an annual rainfall of 154 cms. Temperatures vary from 39 C in summer to 5 C in winter. October to June is the best time to visit.
Getting there: The nearest railhead is Badnera on the Central Railway branch line, 110 kms. Chikhaldara, 763 kms from Mumbai, is connected to most major cities by road. Regular ST buses connect Chikhaldara to Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha, Akola and other cities.
Hotels: The MTDC has a resort in a Chikhaldara which includes a convention centre