Chandoli National Park is a public park spread over Satara, Kolhapur and Sangli areas of Maharashtra state in India. It was formed in May 2004. Prior it was a Wildlife Sanctuary declared in 1985. Chandoli Park is imminent as the southern piece of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, with Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary shaping the northern piece of the reserve.

Districts/Region

Satara, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts Maharashtra, India.Satara, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts Maharashtra, India.

History

This park is presently a protected region but was once an open prison of the “Imperial of Marathas”.  During the reign of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's son, Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj used "Prachitgad" as the post for the observation. It was also his recreational centre. Chandoli National Park was at first proclaimed a natural life safe-haven in 1995.
It was declared a National park in 2004. The entire area of this national park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary was declared by the  National tiger preservation authority as a "Project Tiger Reserve" on May 21st, 2007. 

Geography

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. Elevation of the park ranges from 589–1,044 m (1,932–3,425 ft). The park receives its water supply from the Warna river and reservoir as well as several other small streams and rivers. Flat-topped mountains, rocky, lateritic plateaus called 'Saddas', almost devoid of vegetation, large boulders and caves are distinctive to the protected areas in the Sahyadri region of the Western Ghats.
Nearly 23 species of mammals, 122 species of birds, 20 species of amphibians and reptiles are known to be resident in the forests of Chandoli. The tiger, leopard, Indian bison, leopard cat, sloth bear and giant squirrel are quite conspicuous here.

Weather/Climate

The region has a hot-semi arid climate year-round with an average temperature ranging from 19-33 degrees Celsius.
April and May are the hottest months when the temperature reaches up to 42 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extreme, and the temperature can go as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night, but the average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius.
The annual rainfall in the  region is around 763 mm. 

Things to do

There are various activities one can engage in inside the Chandoli National Park. From adventurous safaris, trekking, to exploring temples, there are myriad things you can do inside the Chandoli park.
1. Indulge in a thrilling jeep safari - 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. Go boating in the Tulsi Lake -The tulsi Lake situated in the middle of the park provides excellent opportunities for travellers to go boating and enjoy the natural beauty of the park while rowing away.
3. Identify the various types of birds- A guided tour inside the forest reserve can help you spot many of these beautiful birds with ease.

Nearest tourist places

There are several interesting places to explore near Chandoli National Park. The best amongst them are Teen Darwaza (59 KM), Panhala Fort (60 KM), Amba Ghat (64 KM), Shree Mahalaxmi temple (76 KM), and Rankala Lake (76 KM).

Special food speciality and hotel

There are many interesting food options near Chandoli National Park. There are many interesting food options near Chandoli National Park. 

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

Best time to visit: October to February
Time: 6.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M. is the visiting timing of this park. The entry charges for Chandoli sanctuary are INR 30/- per head and I NR 150/- per Gypsy or private vehicle that needs to enter. Hiring a guide is mandatory inside the park and will cost you an average INR 300/- per safari.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi.