Chandoli National Park, National park in Sangameshwar, Maharashtra, India
Chandoli National Park is a forested area in the Western Ghats mountains that combines dense woodlands, rolling hills, and water bodies in one landscape. The terrain supports different habitats for wildlife and sits within a mountain region that shapes the character of this part of India.
The area started as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 and became a national park in 2004 to better protect its biodiversity. This change reflected efforts across India to preserve important natural areas for the future.
Local communities here have long-standing relationships with the forest, using traditional methods for gathering plants and honey while passing down knowledge about the natural world. These living practices show how people integrate with the landscape in everyday ways.
The best time to visit is October through February when weather is pleasant and wildlife is active. Arrive early in the day and bring sturdy shoes and water, as paths wind through forest and hilly terrain.
The park contains ruins of two 17th-century forts, Prachitgad and Bhairavgad, that once served as lookout points during the Maratha period. These stone structures sit within the landscape and connect visitors to the region's past.
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