Chandoli National Park

Chandoli National Park is a protected area in India.

Chandoli National Park at a Glance

Location
Western Arid & Semi-Arid Lands, India, South Asia
Coordinates
17.191122, 73.791680
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Chandoli National Park

Nearest airport: Dhule Airport (DHL), 427 km away.

Weather & Climate in Chandoli National Park

The warmest temperatures in Chandoli National Park occur in April, averaging 26.0°C (up to 32.6°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 20.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 1.6mm. Average humidity: 51.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.6°C (rainfall: 7.1mm)
  • February: 22.4°C (rainfall: 1.6mm)
  • March: 24.6°C (rainfall: 8.0mm)
  • April: 26.0°C (rainfall: 24.1mm)
  • May: 24.7°C (rainfall: 98.5mm)
  • June: 22.1°C (rainfall: 570.3mm)
  • July: 20.9°C (rainfall: 1420.0mm)
  • August: 21.0°C (rainfall: 978.2mm)
  • September: 21.2°C (rainfall: 512.7mm)
  • October: 22.3°C (rainfall: 195.7mm)
  • November: 21.7°C (rainfall: 25.2mm)
  • December: 20.9°C (rainfall: 15.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Chandoli National Park

The best months to visit Chandoli National Park are February, March, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 20.56°C, rainfall 7.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 66.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.44°C, rainfall 1.6mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 51.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.64°C, rainfall 8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 49.4%
  • April: Great, temperature 25.96°C, rainfall 24.1mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 58.7%
  • May: Great, temperature 24.73°C, rainfall 98.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 78.3%
  • June: Poor, temperature 22.11°C, rainfall 570.3mm, sunshine 5.5 hrs, humidity 93.7%
  • July: Poor, temperature 20.86°C, rainfall 1420mm, sunshine 1.8 hrs, humidity 97.6%
  • August: Poor, temperature 20.96°C, rainfall 978.2mm, sunshine 4.3 hrs, humidity 95.7%
  • September: Poor, temperature 21.24°C, rainfall 512.7mm, sunshine 6.1 hrs, humidity 94.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 22.27°C, rainfall 195.7mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 81.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 21.7°C, rainfall 25.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 20.95°C, rainfall 15.3mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 69.1%

Wildlife in Chandoli National Park

Home to 76 recorded species including 29 waterbirds, 19 iconic birds, 19 birds of prey, 9 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Chandoli National Park

Based on average temperature of 22.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 76%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 22°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Chandoli National Park

6 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Western Arid & Semi-Arid Lands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Chandoli National Park FAQs

What is the best time to visit Chandoli National Park, and how does its low crowding enhance the safari experience?

The ideal time to visit Chandoli National Park is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent. With a crowding level of 1/5, visitors can enjoy a remarkably peaceful and intimate safari, offering an unhurried connection with nature away from typical tourist throngs.

What specific wildlife can I expect to encounter during a safari in Chandoli National Park?

Chandoli National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including apex predators like the Bengal tiger and Indian leopard, along with sloth bears and Indian gaur. Visitors can also spot various deer species such as Sambar, Barking deer, and Mouse deer, making for rich wildlife viewing opportunities.

What should I expect from a typical safari experience in Chandoli National Park, and what are the general cost considerations?

Safaris in Chandoli are primarily conducted via open-top jeeps, accompanied by experienced forest guides, offering deep dives into the park's varied terrain. While specific costs vary, expect to pay for park entry fees, vehicle hire, and guide services, which are generally more budget-friendly compared to India's more commercialized tiger reserves.

What health and safety precautions are recommended for visitors to Chandoli National Park, especially concerning malaria?

Given the moderate malaria risk, it is advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis before your trip. Additionally, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing during dawn and dusk, and stay hydrated to ensure a safe and comfortable visit.

What unique geographical features and accessibility challenges should I be aware of when planning a trip to Chandoli National Park?

Chandoli National Park is nestled in the rugged Western Ghats of Maharashtra, characterized by its hilly terrain, dense deciduous forests, and perennial water sources. Access typically involves reaching nearby towns like Sangli or Kolhapur by road, and then proceeding to the park gates, which can be remote.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.