Chandoli National Park is one of the most popular national parks of Maharashtra.This exciting park is situated on the western region of Maharashtra State.This has become the major stop for wildlife enthusiasts.This may be due to the reason that it offers some of the most sprawling vegetation within the national park.This park offers some of the widest varieties of animals that ranges from mammals, reptiles and birds.

Initially the park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1985 and later it secured the status of National park in the year 2004.This park has also been declared as protected tiger reserve.The park has acquired the area of about 317.67 sq.km offering a diverse flora and fauna.

This park is home to some of most endangered species of animals along with 20 species of reptiles and amphibians.The other animals that found in the park include tigers, gaurs, deer, leopard, barking deer and many more.
This park offers an ideal setting for bird enthusiasts.It arranges a range of bird watching tours as there are around 123 species of birds which include some of the most endangered species.

The flora of the park is of the western tropical hill type along with evergreen forest on the west coast with deciduous forest in southern part.The most commonly found trees are ironwood tree, Javan plum or jamun syzigium cumini, pisa Actinodaphne and many more.Other trees which are most commonly found in the area are Indian laurel or asan wood, devil flg and Indian gooseberry.

Grasses such as golden beard grass, black spear grass along with the insectivorous plant species named as Drosera and Utricularia are also found in this park.

It also exhibits a rich fauna that include around 122 species of birds, 23 species of mammals along with 20 species of amphibians and reptiles.This tiger reserved is an ideal home for the tigers and according to the census of 2002 carried out by the Forest Department recorded a hike in the population of tigers.It also shows increase in the population of leopards, gaur, sloth bears and blackbuck.

There are a range of attractions available in the park such as Prachitgad and Bhairavgad forts which will take you to the reign of Maratha kings.Here you will find the ruins of the Bhavani temple palatial building which was constructed by Shivaji Maharaj.This also exhibits a protected area which was later used as an open jail for keeping the prisoners of wars of the Imperial Maratha Conquests.

The Prachitgad fort was used as an observation and recreational point by Sambhaji Maharaj.
One would also find some of the best and must visit nearby attractions in form of Ganesh temple, Sagareshwar Wild life Sanctuary, Dandoba Wild life Sanctuary along with Bijapur Historical Palace.

There are very limited accommodation options available around the national park.The accommodation in the area is constrained to irrigation Rest House which exhibit four suites.It also has a dormitory that is able to accommodate around 16 persons.For further and better options one has to move the nearby cities of the national park.

Author Bio: For more information on Chandoli National Park and Vasant Sagar Reservoir please visit our website.

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