Natural Resource Structure and Tourism–Landscape Relationships in Chikhaldara Hill Station, Maharashtra

Abstract

Chikhaldara, in Maharashtra’s Satpura ranges, attracts visitors through a combination of elevated viewpoints, rugged slopes, forested valleys and water features. This paper examines how these landscape elements relate to the location and character of tourist sites, and considers the pressures that may arise when visitor facilities and access routes overlap with sensitive terrain. The analysis draws on the source study’s documentary material, Google Earth-based location map, field observations and photographs. It identifies a recurring pattern: viewpoints depend on ridges and plateau margins, water attractions depend on drainage and catchment conditions, and forests contribute both to ecological functioning and to the destination’s visual character. These relationships are described qualitatively; the available material does not support statistical claims about the magnitude or causes of environmental change. The paper uses the findings to outline practical priorities for terrain-sensitive development, view-shed protection, drainage continuity, forest-edge management and visitor facilities, and identifies the spatial data needed for future testing.