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Chandoli
Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolhapur
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Deer in Chandoli |
Panther in sanctuary |
Location:
A stretch of an area
along the crest of North Sahyadri Range of Western Ghat
forming a catchments of Warna Dam reservoir is the present protected area
i.e "chandoli wildlife sancturary". It is situated at the
junction of four districts viz Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara and Ratnagiri. The
protected area covers an area of 308.97 square kilometers. the the area
comprises 61% of forest area of which 122.61 sq. km. is reserved forest,
69.17 sq. km. is unclassed forest and 3.30 sq. km. is protected forest .
the remaining 39 % of area is with revenue department
irrigation department and private Malki lands.
Biodiversity:
Warana River
originates in this protected area and flows west to east dividing the protected
area in tow halves southern and Northern. A big earthen dam is constructed
during 1985 on this river at Chandoli village, which is the eastern
boundary of protected area. the area of protected area is undulating
with steep escarpments along western boundary . A most distinct features
of sanctuary is the presence of numerous barren rocky and lateritic plateaus,
called "Saddas" with less perennial vegetation and have over
hanging clips on the edges and numerous fallen boulders with dense thorny vegetation
and a small caves.
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Most of the area is
dense semi evergreen forest with wide range of flora.The most common
species are Memocylon umbellatum (Anjani), Syzigium cumini (Jambhul) and
Actinodaphone angustitolia (Pisa) Kokam, Amla, Umbar, Mangoes, Hirda etc..
The revenue waste land and Malki land in protected area have scattered
bushy tree growth. Karvi growth is seen allover sanctuary. Giant
climbers such as Garambi, Bauhinia vahlii and are the characteristic of
Rundhiv forest. Bamboo species like Kalak and chiva are mainly grown along
the banks of stream, cane is mainly found in the Shidheshwar, Rundhiv
areas near Prichtgad. Ferns are more abundantly seen in Western part
of protected area. Few insectivorous plants Drosera Spp. Ultricularia
Spp.etc. are also recorded.
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Fauna:
Sanctuary area
shelters tigers , Indian bison or gaur, Sambar, panther, sloth bear,
barking deer and Giant Indian squirrel etc.. The nests of Giant Indian squirrel
or confined to virgin forest of Rundiv and Shiddheshwari villages. Ramnadi
Pani and "Saddas" on either side of river provide good breeding
ground to guars and other herbivorous animals.Since 1994, it is observed
that faunal population is increasing. Lark malabar, kingfisher, paradise
fly cather, hornbill, short toed eagle, brahminy kite etc., birds are seen
in this sanctuary.
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Other attractions:
The historical places are
17th century Prachitgad and Bhairavgad forts of Maratha kings of Shivajiraje and
Sambha ji maharaj. Scenic points like Kokna darshan, Zolambi sada, virgin forest
of Rundiv add to the recreation value of sanctuary. Most of the protected area
was used an open jail for the "prisoners of war" during Shivaji
Maharaj's rule. The ruins of Bhavani temples palatial buildings buildings in
Prachitigad and kalavantin vihir depict the old glory. Sambhaji raje used
Prachitgad as observation point and mainly as recreational place. Scenic places
like Kandhardoh and its falls, Tanali falls and Vasant sagar reservoir are the
places of tourist importance.
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Tourist Information:
Best time to visit:
August to February.
June to September witness heavy rainfall (over 3500 mm.).
Nearest Airport: Kolhapur (80kms.)
By Rail: Kolhapur (80kms.) is the
nearest railway station.
By Road: Karad (45kms) and
Islampur (55kms.) on Pune-Banglore highway.
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Accommodations:
| Type |
No. of suites |
Reservation authority |
| Irrigation Rest House |
4,
including 1 VIP suite and dormitory for 16 persons. |
Ex. Engineer,
Irrigation Department at Mandur, Kolhapur. |
Address & Phone
Number:
Deputy Conservator of Forests,
Wildlife,
Bindu chowk, Ganji Galli, Kolhapur. 416 002
00-91-231-2542766
Wildlife
Sanctuaries in Maharashtra....
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