Dandeli- A Haven of Wildlife and Adventure
Dandeli
Dandeli is a town in the Uttara Kannada district of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is known for its lush greenery, wildlife, and adventure activities. Dandeli is situated on the banks of the Kali River and is surrounded by dense forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The town offers activities such as river rafting, trekking, wildlife safaris, and bird watching. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a major attraction, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species like the black panther. Visitors can also explore the nearby Syntheri Rocks, Ulavi Channabasappa Temple, and Supa Dam.
It is beleived that the city is named after Dandelappa, a local deity, a servant of the Mirashi landlords, who died because of his loyalty. An alternative legend states that a king named Dandakanayaka passed through the forests and named them after himself.
Geography
Dandeli has an average elevation of 473 metres and has received heavy rainfall during August to November. Because of good forest cover and moderate elevation, the location has a tropical highland climate, averaging about 27 °C in summer and 18 °C in winter.
Dandeli places to visit
Dandeli wildlife sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is spans an area of approximately 834 square kilometers and is known for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It consists of deciduous forests, bamboo groves, and lush greenery. The sanctuary houses various species of animals including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, wild boars, sloth bears, and reptiles like crocodiles and snakes. It is also a paradise for bird watchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area.
Visitors can take wildlife safaris in the sanctuary to explore its natural beauty and spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The safaris are typically conducted in jeeps or buses, accompanied by trained guides who provide information about the sanctuary and its inhabitants. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary offers opportunities for nature walks and trekking. Guided trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the serene surroundings, observe different species of flora, and appreciate the wilderness.
Within the sanctuary, there is a Crocodile Park where visitors can observe these fascinating reptiles up close. The park serves as a breeding and conservation center for crocodiles and provides valuable insights into their behavior and habitat. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation. It focuses on preserving the natural habitat, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Kali RiverThe Kali River, also known as the Kali Nadi, is a significant river that flows through the states of Karnataka and Goa in India. The Kali River is a prominent feature of Dandeli. It offers opportunities for activities like river rafting, kayaking, and coracle rides. The river is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a scenic backdrop for adventure enthusiasts.
Syntheri Rocks
Syntheri Rocks are composed of ancient volcanic rocks, primarily consisting of basalt columns. Over time, the Kaneri River has eroded the softer rock layers, creating a deep gorge and exposing the vertical basalt formations. Visitors can hike to the viewpoint and admire the beauty of these natural formations. Syntheri Rocks are situated within the dense forests of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, approximately 32 kilometers from the town of Dandeli.
Ulavi Channabasappa Temple
Located around 60 kilometers from Dandeli, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is nestled amidst dense forests. It attracts both devotees and nature lovers who come to seek blessings and enjoy the serene surroundings. The Ulavi Channabasappa Temple is a significant religious site. The temple complex exhibits traditional Dravidian architectural style, with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Channabasaveshwara, and there are other smaller shrines dedicated to other deities within the complex.
Supa Dam
Situated on the Kali River, Supa Dam is one of the largest reservoirs in Karnataka. The dam offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and visitors can engage in activities like boating and fishing in the reservoir. Supa Dam is situated, near the village of Ganeshgudi, approximately 25 kilometers from the town of Dandeli. It is nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. Supa Dam, also known as the Kali River Dam, is a major hydroelectric dam near Dandeli.
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Moulangi Eco Park
This eco-park is an ideal place for nature lovers. It features lush greenery, walking trails, and viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
Shiroli Peak
Located near Dandeli, Shiroli Peak is the highest point in the Uttara Kannada district. It offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and is a popular spot for trekking and nature walks.
Dandeli resorts
Dandeli offers a variety of resorts that cater to different preferences and budgets. Some popular resorts in Dandeli-
Bison River Resort
This resort is situated on the banks of the Kali River, offering a serene and picturesque setting. It provides comfortable accommodations in cottages and tents, along with amenities like a swimming pool, restaurant, and adventure activities like river rafting and nature walks.
Dandeli Jungle Camp
Located amidst lush greenery, Dandeli Jungle Camp offers a rustic and close-to-nature experience. The resort provides cottages and tents, and facilities include a multi-cuisine restaurant, campfire area, and activities like bird watching, coracle rides, and trekking.
Hornbill River Resort
Situated on the banks of the Kali River, Hornbill River Resort offers spacious cottages and tents with modern amenities. The resort features a swimming pool, an open-air restaurant, and activities like kayaking, river crossing, and wildlife safaris.
Century Resort
Century Resort provides comfortable accommodations in cottages and rooms surrounded by verdant landscapes. The resort offers facilities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, indoor and outdoor games, and activities like coracle rides and nature walks.
Old Magazine House
This unique eco-resort is known for its bird-watching opportunities. It was previously used as a magazine storage facility during the British era. The resort provides comfortable rooms, a dining area, and bird-watching spots in the vicinity.
Kali Adventure Camp
Situated near the Kali River, Kali Adventure Camp offers tented accommodations and cottages. The camp provides facilities like a restaurant, bonfire area, and adventure activities such as river rafting, kayaking, and jungle treks.
Panther Stay Resort
Panther Stay Resort offers comfortable cottages nestled amidst nature. The resort features a swimming pool, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and activities like nature walks, bird watching, and coracle rides.
Dandeli river rafting
Dandeli is an adventure sports destination, and a white-water rafting destination in South India. It is one of the few locations where rafting is possible even in peak summer months of March to June. Dandeli also offers many other adventure activities like Kayaking, Zorbing, Jungle safari, Cannoeing and River crossing.
Dandeli is renowned for its thrilling river rafting experiences on the Kali River. River rafting in Dandeli offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure amidst breathtaking natural surroundings. The Kali river is known for its rapids and varying levels of difficulty, providing an exciting and challenging rafting experience.
The Kali River offers different sections with rapids ranging from mild to moderate and even some challenging ones. The rapids are classified based on their difficulty levels, allowing both beginners and experienced rafters to enjoy the adventure.
The best time for river rafting in Dandeli is generally from October to May, when the water levels are suitable for rafting. However, it is advisable to check with local tour operators for the most updated information and to confirm the availability of rafting activities during your visit.
How to Reach Dandeli
The nearest airport to Dandeli is the Hubli Airport, which is approximately 75 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dandeli. The Hubli Airport has regular flights connecting major cities in India.
The nearest railway station to Dandeli is the Alnavar Junction, which is about 32 kilometers away. Dandeli is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in Karnataka and neighboring states. You can reach Dandeli by bus or private vehicle. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular bus services from major cities like Bangalore, Hubli, and Goa to Dandeli.
From Bangalore-
The distance between Bangalore and Dandeli is approximately 460 kilometers, and it takes around 9-10 hours by road. You can take the NH48 route via Tumkur, Shimoga, and Sirsi to reach Dandeli. There are no direct trains from Bangalore to Dandeli. You can take a train to Hubli or Alnavar Junction and then proceed to Dandeli by road.
From Goa-
The distance between Goa and Dandeli is approximately 125 kilometers, and it takes around 3-4 hours by road. You can take the NH748 route via Karwar and Joida to reach Dandeli. There are no direct trains from Goa to Dandeli.
