CHANDOLI NATIONAL PARK

Chandoli National Park is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located in the Sangli District of Western Maharashtra. It is situated near the Chandoli Dam and lies between the Radhanagiri and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuaries. The park forms the southern part of the Sahyri Tiger Reserve and is approximately 101 km from Sangli. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is a beautiful reserve located in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is a part of the North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests and North Western Ghats montane rain forests. The area is spread over four districts of Maharashtra, and it constitutes rich evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. It is a must-visit place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

History

The park is home to several historical sites, including the 17th century forts of the Maratha Empire, Prachitgad and Bhairavgad. Interestingly, much of the protected area was once used as an open jail for prisoners of war during the early battles of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's reign. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj also used Prachitgad as an observation point and recreational area.

Geography

Thank you for providing information about the park in the Sahyadri Range of the Western Ghats. It's great to know that the park protects many water channels, water holes, and the Vasant Sagar Reservoir. The unique features of the park, such as the flat-topped mountains, rocky plateaus, and caves, make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.citation needed]

Flora

It's fascinating to learn about the diverse forest types and tree species found in this protected area. From the anjaniwood tree to the Indian gooseberry, the landscape is dominated by a variety of flora. The presence of insectivorous plant species like sundews and bladderworts adds to the unique biodiversity of the region.

Fauna

Chandoli's forests are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including 23 species of mammals, 122 species of birds, and 20 species of amphib and reptiles. The reserve is known for its tigers, leopards, Indian bison, leopard cats, sloth bears, and giant squirrels. Recent census data shows a rise in the number tigers, leopards, gaur, barking deer, mouse deer, sloth bears, and blackbuck. In 2018, a tiger was photographed in a camera trap in Chandoli, providing the first direct evidence of tigers in the reserve in eight years.

How To Reach Chandoli National Park

By Air

The nearest airport to Chandoli is the Urun Islampur airport at Kolhapur 30 km away, followed by the Pune airport (210 km), and the Mumbai airport (380 km). From here, one can hire a taxi or hop onto any of the state-run MSRTC buses.

By Rail

Sangli is the nearest railway junction from Chandoli located 75 km away. Other nearby railway stations are at Miraj (83 km), Kolhapur (80 km), and Karad (47 km). From here too one can hail a cab or take the bus.

By Road

Chandoli is well connected to major towns in Maharashtra like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Satara, Kolhapur. One can avail the regular bus service run by MSRTC or hire private/shared taxis to get to Chandoli National Park at economical rates.

Chandoli National Park Timings

The Chandoli park is open for tourists every day from 7 AM to 10 AM, and then 3 PM to 6 PM.

 

CHANDOLI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ACCOMMODATIONS OPTIONS

 

Riverside County Resort Amba Ghat

Address- 36/2, At Post Talawade, Amba Talawade, Maharashtra 415101

Rs 2900/-

Sunrise chandoli resort

Address- behind Chandoli resort, Chandoli, Maharashtra 415415

Chandoli Resort

Address- Chandoli Resort Mandur- Jadhavwadi, Tal, near Chandoli National Park, Mandur, Maharashtra 415415

Amazing Chandoli Resort

Address- Near ST Stand Mandur Tal. Shirala, Dist, Sangli, Maharashtra 415415

Monarch Eco Resort

Address- Oppo. Ganesh Mandir, near Chandoli National Park, Sonavade, Maharashtra 415415

Barbet House of Chandoli

Address- A/P: Ukhul, tal: Shahuwadi, Dis: Kolhapur Ukhul Viilage, near Chandoli National Park, Maharashtra, Maharashtra 416214

Presidency Highland Resorts

Address- Humbarli, Maharashtra 415207

Rs 2142/-

Hill view resort

Address- Jadhav wadi road, near chandoli national park, Mandur, Maharashtra 415415

Jungle Mist Resort

Address- national park, A/P Mandur, Chandoli Chandoli Phata, near Chandoli, Mandur, Chandoli, Maharashtra 415415