Chandoli National Park is located near the between longitudes 73°40' and 73°53' E and latitudes 17°03' and 17°20'N in Sangli District of Western Maharashtra. It lies between the Radhanagiri and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuaries and forms the southern part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
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. 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. Many prey species of ungulates such as the barking deer, sambar deer, mouse deer and blackbuck are present. A census carried out in 2002 by the Forest Department showed a rise in the number of tigers, leopards, gaur, barking deer, mouse deer, sloth bears and blackbuck. A similar census carried out in 2004 showed a rise in gaur population in the Kolhapur Wildlife Division from 88 to 243. On the 23rd and 24 May 2018, a tiger was camera-trapped in Chandoli, the first such photographic evidence in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in 8 years. Prior to that, it was estimated from scat DNA and model-based predictions that the reserve had 5–8 tigers in 2014.
The Maharashtra government has plans to set up the Karadi-Bhogiv hydro-electric project in the catchment area of the Warna Dam that is expected to use up of forest land. On a positive note, nearly 7,894 people and a significant cattle population resident on of land in 32 villages within the park. These villages have been successfully relocated to areas outside the park. This measure has helped to preserve and regenerate some of the vegetation in this protected area.
Visitor Information
Scenic places like Kandhardoh and Kandhardoh Falls, Tanali falls and Vasant Sagar Reservoir are places of tourist importance in the park. Scenic points like Kokan darshan, Zolambi sada and the virgin forest of Rundiv add to the recreation value. Best time to visit is October to February. June to September have heavy rainfall over. ;Distance to Chandoli
Miraj junction is well connected to important cities by express and superfast trains. You can alight at Miraj junction or Sangli railway stations and take a private car to Chandoli National Park. ;By Road You can reach Chandoli by taking National Highway NH4.
MSRTC Buses and private cars are available from Kolhapur
From Sangli/Miraj - Take Sangli Pune Road and cross Peth Naka without taking turn.
From Mumbai/Pune - Take right turn below Peth Naka flyover.
