The park supports a diverse array of wildlife, including several endangered species. Notable mammals include Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, Indian gaur, sambar deer, barking deer, and wild boar. The park is also home to various primates like common langurs and bonnet macaques. Over 200 bird species have been recorded, including the Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and various eagles. The park also harbors numerous reptile species, including the King Cobra and Indian Python, along with diverse butterfly populations.
Chandoli National Park hosts a rich variety of vegetation types, primarily consisting of semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. The park features over 450 species of flowering plants, including valuable timber species like teak, ain, kinjal, and bamboo. The understory is rich in medicinal plants and rare orchids. The higher elevations support grasslands and plateau vegetation, while the valleys contain dense forest covers. Several endemic plant species of the Western Ghats can be found here, making it a significant botanical habitat.
The park is situated in the magnificent Western Ghats mountain range, characterized by steep hill slopes, deep valleys, and numerous streams. The terrain consists of Deccan Trap basalt formations dating back to the Cretaceous-Eocene period. The landscape features lateritic plateaus, rocky outcrops, and rich alluvial soil in the valleys. The Warna River cuts through the park, creating dramatic gorges and waterfalls, while the underlying geological structure supports diverse microhabitats essential for the region's biodiversity.
Chandoli National Park was established in 2004, though it previously existed as Chandoli Wildlife Sanctuary since 1985. The park was created primarily to protect the catchment area of the Warna River and its reservoir. The region has historical significance dating back to the Maratha period, with several ancient temples and ruins scattered throughout the area. The park's establishment was crucial in preserving the Western Ghats ecosystem and creating a protected corridor between Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.
Key attractions include the Warna Reservoir, which offers spectacular views and water-based activities when permitted. The Chandoli Dam viewpoint provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Several ancient temples, including the Chandoli Mata Temple, add cultural significance to the park. The park features multiple waterfalls, particularly active during monsoon, and several trekking trails offering varying degrees of difficulty. The Vasota Fort, though technically outside the park boundaries, is a popular historical site accessible through the park area.
Chandoli National Park experiences a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Summers (March to May) are hot with temperatures reaching 35-40°C, while winters (November to February) are mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall, averaging 3000-4000mm annually, making the park lush and vibrant but also limiting accessibility. The best time to visit is between October and February when the weather is comfortable and wildlife viewing opportunities are optimal.
India
17.1330°, 73.6830°
2004
317.67
Chandoli National Park is situated in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. The park features dense forests and serves as an important watershed for the Krishna River. It hosts diverse wildlife including leopards, gaur, and various species of birds.