Chandoli National Park

Chandoli National Park

Chandoli National Park is one of the famous national parks in Sangli district of Maharashtra, India; which has an area of around 317.67 Sq.km. Located at the western part of Maharashtra; the Chandoli National Park is surrounded by the Satara district, Kolhapur district, Sangli district and Ratnagiri district. This national park is the home for a number of animals including mammals, amphibians, reptiles etc.

These types of animals include tigers, deer, panthers, gaurs, barking deer, leopard cats etc. The Chandoli National Park was a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985 and later in 2004; it was established as a national park. Every year, a large number of tourists and nature lovers visit the Chandoli National Park. This is an ideal place for the visitors who love bird watching and the best time to visit the Chandoli national park is from August to February.

History : The Park which is now a ‘protected area’ was once an open jail of the Imperial Marathas and all prisoners during the conquest of Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji’s son Sambhaji Maharaj used Prachitgad as an observation post and it was also his recreational center. Chandoli National Park was initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year of 1985. It was declared as a National Park in the year of 2004. Total area of the park is 317.67 Km

Geography : Chandoli National Park is located in the Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts of the state of Maharashtra. The park spreads along the crest of the Sahyadri Range of the northern Western Ghats. It forms and protects many perennial water channels, water holes, and the Vasant Sagar Reservoir. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, including all of Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, was declared by The National Tiger Conservation Authority as a Project Tiger, Tiger Reserve. The park receives its water supply from the Warna River and reservoir as well as several other small streams and rivers. There are many streams and the major river that flows through the Park is Warna River.

 Best time to visit : The best time of the year to visit the Chandoli National Park is between the months of October to February.

How to Reach Chandoli National Park

By Road:

Traveling by road is by NH4 Highway and you may opt for private cars and Government buses that run in between the various cities around the park. The Chandoli National Park is located at a distance of 380 kms from the Mumbai city and 210 kms from the Pune city.

Sangli is well connected by state transport MSRTC buses from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Satara, Kolhapur, etc. 

By Train:

Sangli is the nearest railway station which is at a distance of about 75 kms from the Chandoli National Park. There are other railway stations available as well; that include; Miraj at 83 kms, Kolhapur at 80 kms and Karad at 47 kms. From Sangli railway station tourists can take private cabs or MSRTC buses to reach Chandoli National Park.

Nearest Railway Stations

• Sangli Railway Station – 75 km
• Miraj Rail Junction – 83 km
• Kolhapur Railway Station – 80 km
• Karad Railway Station – 47 km

By Air:

Kolhapur and Pune are the major and nearest airports to the Chandoli National Park. Not that major, but the most nearest airport is Urun Islampur airport which is at a distance of 30 kms from the national park. The closest international airport near Chandoli is at Mumbai.

Nearest Airport

• Pune Airport – 210 km
• Mumbai Airport- 380 km

Distance from major cities to Chandoli

• Mumbai to Chandoli National Park Distance – 380 km
• Pune to Chandoli National Park Distance – 210 km
• Sangli to Chandoli National Park Distance – 75 km
• Miraj to Chandoli National Park Distance – 83 km
• Kolhapur to Chandoli National Park Distance – 80 km
• Bangalore to Chandoli National Park Distance – 720 km

Entry Fee to Chandoli National Park

The entry charges for Chandoli sanctuary are INR 30/- per head and INR 150/- per gypsy or private vehicle that needs to enter. Hiring a guide is mandatory inside the park and will cost you on an average INR 300/- per safari.

A duration of 1 night 2 days is ideal for a tour to Chandoli National Park, where one requires around 3 hours to tour the whole park and indulge in all activities like safari, bird watching, and more inside the sanctuary. Wildlife lovers, bird photographers, and ornithologists can spend more time inside the park at their discretion and with due permissions of the forest authorities.

Things to do at Chandoli National Park

1. Indulge in a thrilling jeep safari

The most delightful of thing to do in Chandoli park is to go on a jeep safari with the assistance of a park guide. A dauntless safari tour on those dusty tracks and amid the lush greens of the park is sure to take you on an experience of a lifetime! The thrill of spotting animals roam free in their natural habitat is unparalleled.

Chandoli provides guided safari tours where knowledgeable forest experts accompany you in your safari vehicle and keep you informed about the tiniest of details about the park, including where to spot which animal or bird at what time.

2. Identify the various types of birds

Chandoli National Park is famous for its bird population and provides surplus chances of sighting the pretty aviaries of India. There is a reason the park is frequented by so many bird watchers, ornithologists, and bird photographer throughout the year. It provides the perfect setting and an ideal weather for our colourful winged visitors. A guided tour inside the forest reserve can help you spot a great many of these beautiful creatures with ease.

3. Go boating in the Tulsi Lake

Other than the mighty tiger and numerous birds, Chandoli National Park is also home to a serene lake. The Tulsi Lake situated in the middle of the park provides excellent opportunities for travelers to go boating and enjoy the natural beauty of the park while rowing away.

Barkha Negi Nagee 

Co-FounderAlfa Tours And Travels 
G3-Nagee Palace, Sai Baba Nagar, Navghar Road,
Bhayandar [East], Thane 401105 India
+91 77188 09030Barkha@alfatravelblog.com
www.AlfaTravelBlog.com

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