The total area of the Chandoli National Park is more than 317.67 km2 (122.65 sq mi). This park is situated in the Sangli District of the state of Maharashtra, India and was established in May 2004 and was declared as the Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985.

This park is situated in the southern part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern part of the century.

The location of this park is on the apex of Sahyadri Range of the northern Western Ghats. This park is the source of forming as well as the protection of many permanent water channels, water holes and the Vasant Sagar Reservoir. The elevation of this park is about 589–1,044 m (1,932–3,425 ft). The main source of water to this park is Warna river and the other are some reservoir and many other small torrents and rivers.

There are many flat type mountains, rocky, plateaus that are known as 'Saddas' that have scarcity of the vegetation. Besides this there are also many caves as well as huge boulders that protect this area in Sahyadri region of the Western Ghats.

The flora of this region consists of the moist forests of Malabar Coast and the moist deciduous forests fo the North Western Ghats.

Fauna

The Fauna of this area includes about 23 mammal species, about 20 species of amphibians and reptiles, 122 species of birds that have the home in the forests of Chandoli.

Certain endangered species like Bengal Tigers, leopard cats, Indian leopards, Indian bison, Indian giant squirrels and the sloth bears are quite common here.

Certain species of prey like sambar deer, barking deer, blackbuck and mouse deer are also found here. According to the census of 2002 that was done by the Department of the forest shows the growth of number of tigers, gaur, leopards, mouse deer, barking deer, sloth bears and blackbuck. According to the similar type of census that was carried out in 2004 tells about the growth of the population of gaur in the Kohlapur Wildlife Division from 88 to 243.

General Information

History

Besides all the above things there are also many historical places that are being situated in this park like the Fort of Shivaji of 17th century, Prachitgad and Bhairavgad of Shivaji Maharaj and his beloved son Sambhaji Maharaj who were the Maratha kings. The ancient history of the Maratha empire can be depicted by the carcass of the Bhavani temples and the splendid buildings of Prachitigad and Kalavantin vihir. During the period of Shivaji Maharaj the most of the shielded area was generally utilized as the open jail for the "prisoners of war". Prachitgad was used by Sambhaji Maharaj for the purpose of recreation as well as an observation point.

Best Time to Visit

For the purpose of visiting this place the best time is in the months of October to February. However this area experiences heavy rainfall about 3500 mm during the months from June to September.

Distance From - National Park

The nearest railway station from this park is Kolhapur that is about 80kms. Other are Karad that is 45kms and Islampur is 55kms situated on the Pune-Banglore highway.

Distance to Chandoli

Sangmeshwar is the place that is situated on the Mumbai-Goa Highway. Islampur and Karad are on the Mumbai-Banglore national highway NH4.

Sangli is 40 km (25 mi)from NH4 (Peth Naka).

How To Get There

After reaching to the nearby bus stand we have to go to Karad, from where you have to go to Helwak through Jeep. During the way on the jeep you can see the beautiful ranges of the western Ghats along with many awesome waterfalls in the Ghats. After reaching Helwak you can get ready for the trek. For the trek you have to Load your backpacks with waterbottles. However you must be aware of the leeches on the way. There is also the provision of hiring the local guides their who can tell about the forests.

There are also many fields and small streams.

Things to Do in - National Park

There are many beautiful and scenic point in Chandoli National Park like Tanali falls, Kandhardoh Falls, Vasant Sagar Reservoir, Zolambi Sada, Kokna Darshan, Rundiv Forest, etc.SAll these places are the great points of attraction for the tourists. Certain Scenic points like Kokna darshan, Zolambi sada and the virgin forest of Rundiv works as add-ons to the recreation moods.

Location Map

Accommodation

For the purpose of accommodation one can stay in the Irrigation Rest House that has 4 suites along with 1 VIP suite. Other than this there is the dormitory for 16 persons, by contacting: Ex.Engineer, Irrigation Department at Mandur, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416 002

The Administrator of the park is: Deputy Conservator of Forests/Wildlife, Bindu chowk, Ganji Galli, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 416 002

Phone : 00-91-231-2542766[4]

Weather

Precipitation: 3,500 mm (140 in)  

Temperature:

Winter 15 °C (59 °F)

Summer 30 °C (86 °F)

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