The short answer
Hurricane, Prospect and Panchbol Points: what visitors should know first
Yes, as a relaxed sunrise or late-afternoon circuit by car. They are short stops with big views, easy for most visitors, but names and exact spellings vary on signs, so ask your driver or hotel which ones are open and clear that day.
History and context
The story behind Hurricane, Prospect and Panchbol Points
Captain Robinson of the Hyderabad Regiment is recorded as visiting the plateau in 1823. The British found its green landscape similar to England and developed it as a retreat, and there was once a proposal to make it the seat of the Government of India.
Wikipedia lists the viewpoints Bhimkund, Devi Point, Hariken Point, Panchbol Point, Prospects Point, Malviya Point, Sunset Point and Mozari Point.
Useful facts
Hurricane, Prospect and Panchbol Points facts at a glance
- Location
- Plateau edge around Chikhaldara town
- Experience type
- Drive-up viewpoints
- Known for
- Valley views, sunrise and sunset, a named echo point
- Elevation
- Town about 1,118 m; highest point about 1,188 m
- Time or schedule
- Daylight; sunrise and sunset best
Why it matters
Why Hurricane, Prospect and Panchbol Points is worth your time
Chikhaldara is Vidarbha's only hill resort, and the viewpoints are why people came here from the 19th century on. Captain Robinson of the Hyderabad Regiment visited in 1823, and the British, reminded of an English landscape by the greenery, even floated the idea of a seat of government here.
Today the viewpoints give a quick education in the terrain: a plateau rising to about 1,118 m, sudden drops into the Satpura valleys and the forest that makes up the Melghat reserve beyond. For visitors from the Deccan plains in summer, the cooler air at the top is itself part of the attraction.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Hurricane (Hariken) Point
A wide outlook over forested valleys, often windy and best at sunrise or in late light.
- 02
Panchbol Point
Named for its echo; a quick, playful stop for families.
- 03
Prospect Point
One of the established lookouts listed for the plateau, useful for late-day light.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan the viewpoints as a loop by car, starting with the one facing the rising sun and ending at a west-facing point before dusk. Wikipedia lists Hariken Point (often written Hurricane Point), Prospect Point, Panchbol Point and Mozari Point among the lookouts, with others around the plateau. Ask locally which ones are in good condition, because spellings and routes differ between signs and maps.
At each stop, spend ten minutes rather than two: let the haze lift, scan the ridgelines for birds of prey, and notice how the valleys step down towards the Melghat forests. Panchbol Point is named for its echo, so call out once across the valley.
Early mornings are calmest. By midday, especially on weekends and holidays, stalls and vehicles crowd the car parks, and the monsoon can hide the view entirely. Keep clear of edges, mind children, and carry a light jacket for the wind.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Ask which points are open and clear that day
- Do the loop early morning or late afternoon
- Keep children and elders away from unfenced edges
- Carry a light jacket for wind and a hat for midday
- Do not rely on online maps; coverage can be patchy
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Plateau edge around Chikhaldara town
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours for several points
- Best time
- Sunrise or late afternoon; October to February for clear air, monsoon for mist and waterfalls
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Most points are a short walk from where the car stops, with open ground and few steps. Edges can be steep and wind strong; shade and seating are limited and facilities vary.
- Tickets and access
- Open viewpoints with no verified ticketing. Parking, stalls and any local charges vary by point; expect weekend crowds.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Hurricane, Prospect and Panchbol Points
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Most points are a short walk from where the car stops, with open ground and few steps. Edges can be steep and wind strong; shade and seating are limited and facilities vary.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Hurricane Point the same as Hariken Point?
Wikipedia lists Hariken Point and other guides write Hurricane Point; they very probably refer to the same lookout, but confirm locally.
Why is Panchbol Point called that?
The name refers to an echo that returns your call across the valley.
When are the views best?
Dry, clear months from October to February; the monsoon brings mist, green hills and temporary waterfalls but often hides the view.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
