Chikhaldara, in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, is a pristine hill station with stunning waterfalls and a wildlife sanctuary. It is one of the best-kept secrets of Maharashtra and a paradise for nature lovers. Interestingly, the hill station is also home to the first museum in the world dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Spreading across three acres, the museum known as Nand Udyan Ganpati Sangrahalaya is home to around 3000 idols of Lord Ganesha in different shapes, sizes and postures. Some of these idols are inspired by the present-day lifestyle too.
A Museum In Maharashtra Dedicated To Lord Ganesha
At the Chikhaldara Ganesha museum, there are idols of Lord Ganesha made of clay, stone, glass, buttons, chalk, matchstick, candles, fibre and even leaves. Inside the unique museum, you can find Ganesha playing football, working on a laptop and also riding a bicycle. It takes around one and a half hours to tour the entire museum. The museum has a small entry fee of ₹50 which goes towards its maintenance. It also houses idols curated from countries like Indonesia, Singapore and China. The Ganesha museum has also found a place in the prestigious India Book Records.
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Chikhaldara Is Also Home To A Glass Skywalk
Apart from the Ganesha museum, Chikhaldara also has a spectacular glass skywalk running over the mountains. Also, stunning viewpoints at the destination offer alluring views of the lush mountain valley. Popular viewpoints at Chikhaldara include Mozari Point and Goraghat Point. Other attractions at Chikhaldara include Chichati Waterfall, Gawilgad Fort, Narnala Fort, Bhimkund Shakkar lake, Muktagiri, Amner Fort and Government Botanical Garden. The wildlife at Chikhaldara comprises tigers, panthers, sambhar deer, sloth bears and other animals.
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So, the next time you’re looking for an offbeat getaway in Maharashtra, Chikhaldara can be your escape!