World Tiger Day 2019 was a sigh of relief for all nature lovers, as numbers of the tiger species were said to be rising rapidly.
A big part of that number is spotted at the breathtaking Chandoli National Park, situated in backyards! This sanctuary is nestled at just a 4-hour drive from Pune and is home to a startling diversity of flora and fauna. It is estimated to have 9 tigers and over 66 leopards. They all thrive under the care of mother nature at the Sahyadri Tiger reserve.
Overview – Chandoli National Park
In 2007, authorities declared Chandoli National Park to be a part of Project Tiger (Sahyadri Tiger Reserve) and since has tremendously helped to bring back life in Tiger numbers in the region.
Chandoli is also known for having over 100 different species of birds which is nothing less than a paradise for bird watching. It’s one of Maharashtra’s most well-kept secret. Along with wonders in the sky, it is known for easily spotting the barking deer, sambar deer, mouse deer and blackbuck amongst many others. So don’t forget your binoculars and cameras when you visit this piece of heaven!
Explore Chandoli National Park more
This national park is one of the fondest ways of exploring Koyna and taking in its grandeur. Within a drive’s reach from Pune and Mumbai, it makes for the perfect escape to paradise. It’s an experience of tranquility as you dive into and take in all the known and unknown life in the verdant forest of the Chandoli National Park.
Other than being ecologically this pristine, Chandoli National Park also has great historical significance. With Prachitgad and Bhairavgad situated in the heart of the park, it was an asset to Sambhaji and his clan of warriors. This park is Maharashtra’s hidden jewel waiting to be explored.
Sahyadri Tiger reserve, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, and Chandoli National Park are just a stone’s throw away and brimming with life in all forms.
It should definitely be on your bucket list, along with the luxurious Resorts surrounding Chandoli national park for your next destination getaway.
Flora and Fauna of Chandoli National Park
Located in the lush Sahyadri ranges, Chandoli National Park is a green paradise that offers shelter to many animals and birds of India, including the mighty Bengal Tiger. A hidden gem in the state of Maharashtra, Chandoli has everything you need for an adventure-packed tour inside the jungles of Western India
These geographic barriers have enabled the emergence of a wide variety of flora and fauna and high biodiversity in the sanctuary. Dominant species are Anjani, Jambul, Hirda, Awala, Pisa, Ain, Kinjal, Amba, Kumbha, Bhoma, Chandala, Katak, Nana, Umbar, Jambha, Gela and Bibba. Karvi is found almost all over the area. Climbers such as Shikekai, Garambi are common.
The ntional park has a diverse variety of mammals including the keystone species, Bengal tigers. Also, Indian leopards (14), Indian bison (220-250), sloth bears (70-80), sambar deer (160-175), barking deer (180-200) and mouse deer, common Gray langurs, Smooth-coated otters, and Indian Giant Squirrels are common.
Many species of birds are found in the sanctuary including the distinctive Heart-spotted Woodpecker, Rufous Woodpecker, and Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Long-tailed Nightjar and Crested Goshawk. The large reptiles, and Indian pythons are found here.
Accomodation In Chandoli National Park
Once on reching Koyna Wildlige sanctuary, your stay is sorted with Agreen Hotels. Agreen Hotels offers Hotel stays In Koyna for every taste and budget. For a Luxurious stay look no further than ‘Forest Escapes Koyna’ & for a budget group travel ‘Wind Chalet Resort’ is the best place to be in Koyna. ‘Riverside Inn’ offers budget rooms by the stream & ‘Backwater Cabins’ gives an amazing view of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Backwaters.
Explore Koyna helps in scheduling visit to Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary & the views of Kaas Plateau. Contact Explore Koyna to know more about the Safari trails in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
