Wrapped all over with lush green vegetation, the Chandoli National Park is an ideal habitat setting for a wide and distinct variety of animals, birds and reptiles. This green paradise is one hidden gem that should make its mark in your Maharashtra Wildlife Tours itinerary. It makes for an adventure packed tour with its thrilling jungle safari, bird watching, trekking and other activities. Travellers receive a unique opportunity to witness exceptional views of nature.
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Photos of Chandoli National Park
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Timings of Chandoli National Park
The Chandoli National Park is open to visitors from 7 AM to 10 AM and then, from 3 PM to 6 PM on all days.
About the Chandoli National Park
The Chandoli National Park is situated near the Chandoli Dam. It is surrounded by the districts of Satara, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri. It is home to a varied category of flora and fauna. Spread over an area of about 318 sq km, it is a year-round destination. It is a natural World Heritage Site and was established in May 2004. It was previously declared as a WIldlife Sanctuary in 1985. Along with the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, the Chandoli National Park forms the southern portion of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
Entry Fee to Chandoli National Park
Chandoli National Park charges an entry fee of Rs.30 per head. Each private vehicle or gypsy has to pay a fee of Rs.150 to enter the premises. In addition to that, it is mandatory to hire a guide to take you around the National Park. Hiring a guide will cost Rs.300 on average, per safari.
Best time to visit Chandoli National Park and Ideal Duration
The best time to visit Chandoli National Park is from October to February. The weather conditions are delightful during these months and also make for an excellent opportunity for wildlife sighting. The area experiences heavy rainfall between June and September. It is recommended that the monsoon months be avoided, if possible.
An optimum duration for a trip to the Chandoli National Park is one night and two days. There are numerous activities to take part in, such as safari and bird watching. Ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts can take required permissions from the forest authorities to spend more time inside the National Park.
Chandoli National Park is a promising venture for adventure seekers and wildlife and bird enthusiasts alike. Bird enthusiasts come from far away places to spot the colourful winged features in this reserve. Apart from bird watching, the Chandoli National Park also offers a guided jungle safari and boating and trekking activities. Travellers seeking a unique opportunity to experience nature and wildlife in its natural habitat should make this park a must on their list.
Geography of Chandoli National Park
The Chandoli National Park is spread out along a crest of the Sahyadri range, which is a part of the northern part of the Western Ghats. It forms a bunch of perennial water channels and water holes and protects a bunch more. The main water supply of the park is from the Warna River and reservoir. The several surrounding small streams and rivers form the additional water supply.
Chandoli National Park is at an elevation of 589 m to 1044 m from sea level. Longitudes 73°40′ and 73°53′ E
Latitudes 17°03′ and 17°20’N
Biodiversity of Chandoli National Park
The Chandoli National Park, like other National Parks, is strictly reserved for the preservation and betterment of the wildlife, as well as, the biodiversity. The park is home to more than 122 species of birds, 23 species of mammals and 20 species of amphibians and reptiles. The type of forest seen here is a mix of the Malabar coast moist forest and Northwestern Ghats moist deciduous forests.
Flora and Fauna of Chandoli National Park
A mix of the Malabar coast moist forests and the North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests are seen in the Chandoli National Park area. Commonly spotted trees include Amla (Indian gooseberry), kokum, Anjani ironwood tree, umbar or devil fig, jamun, pisa, Nana, kinjal, Spinous kino tree, false kelat, Harra, Indian laurel among many others. Commonly spotted grasses include Kalikusli, Dongari, Bangal, Black spear grass, Bluestem grass, Golden beard grass, Kangaroo grass, Buffalo grass, Grader grass among others. Among medicinal plants and shrubs, one can expect to find Tamalpati, Ranmiri, Karvand, Toran, Kadipatta, Narkya etc.
The Chandoli National Park region is home to 23 species of mammals, 122 species of birds and 20 species of amphibians and reptiles. Animals like Indian leopards, Bengal tigers, Indian bison, leopard cats, Indian giant squirrels and sloth bears are widespread and visible here. Several prey species like mouse deer, sambar deer, barking deer and blackbuck are also present. Among reptiles, the common species that can be spotted are Crocodile, Dwarf Gecko, Calotes, Dhamen, Skink Snake, Bark Gecko, Rock Gecko, Common Indian Monitor, Common Cat Snake, Indian Python, Indian Cobra etc. Moreover, the common species of birds that can be spotted here are White-throated Kingfisher, Common Babbler, Yellow-billed Babbler, Rufous Babbler, White-checked Barbet, Green Bee-eater, Erasion Black bird, Crested Bunting, Laughing Dove, White-eyed Buzzard, Red-vented Bulbul, Honey Buzzard, Common Stonechat, White-billed Drongo, Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Jungle Babbler, Black-throated Munia, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, White-browed Fantail, Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Common Kingfisher, Rose-ringed Parakeet among others.
Safari and other activities
Travellers can choose to embark upon adventurous safaris, explore the temples or go trekking. The most popular thing to do in Chandoli National Park is to indulge in a thrilling jeep safari along with a guide who would share interesting facts about the species and the place. The thrill of going on a dauntless safari through the dusty tracks and lush greens of the National Park is one of a kind. You get to spot animals roaming freely in their natural habitats. The knowledgable forest guides make for great company and also keep us informed about all the details of the park and also where one can spot a specific species of animal or bird and at what time.
Another interesting activity is to go on a boat ride in the serene Tulsi lake. It is situated right in the middle of the Chandoli National Park. A boat ride is a perfect opportunity for travellers to enjoy the natural beauty of the National Park, at its peak.
Chandoli National Park is famous for its birds' species. It provides a perfect setting and ample opportunities to spot the pretty aviaries of India. This National Park, in particular, is frequented by ornithologists, bird watchers and bird photographers all through the year. The ideal weather attracts many kinds of winged visitors.
How to reach Chandoli National Park
By Air: The nearest airports to CHandoli National Park are Kolhapur (70 km), Pune (210 km) and Mumbai (380 km). The road network very well connects all three of these airports to the Chandoli National Park.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations to Chandoli National Park are at Sangli (75 km), Karad (47 km), Kolhapur (70 km) and Miraj (83 km). All of these stations are well connected to the National Park by road. Travellers can hire a private car from any of them. The Miraj junction, in particular, is well compared to prominent cities by both express and superfast trains.
By Road: The road network well connects the Chandoli National Park to all significant places and cities. There are numerous government (MSRTC - Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses as well as private cars that go to the National Park at regular intervals.
