Chandoli National Park

Chandoli National Park is a protected area located at the junction of Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts in Maharashtra. Established as a national park in May 2004, it forms the southern portion of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Western Ghats. The park encompasses moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and the Vasant Sagar Reservoir, providing habitat for species such as the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, and Indian bison.

Visitors can expect a relatively undeveloped wilderness experience focused on wildlife safaris and nature observation. Entry is typically via Mandur village, where jungle safaris covering approximately 20 km are conducted in government or private vehicles with guides. The landscape includes dense forests, the Warna River, and historical Maratha forts like Prachitgad. Facilities are basic, and visitors should anticipate limited amenities such as drinking water and toilets within the core park area.

The park contains 17th-century forts of the Maratha Empire, including Prachitgad and Bhairavgad. During the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, parts of this protected area were used as an open jail for prisoners of war. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj utilized Prachitgad as an observation point.