Dandeli

Dandeli is a small town situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Surrounded by the dense deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, dandeli is a renowned adventure sports and river rafting destination. The dense deciduous forests of the dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary are crisscrossed by the meandering streams of River Kaneri and River nagajhari, which are the tributaries of River Kali.

Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary, Dandeli 

While on a trip to dandeli, travellers must visit dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary that is one of the prime attractions of the town. Upon reaching this sanctuary, we got the chance to explore steep slopes, deep river valleys and hilly forest terrain. This sanctuary sprawls across an area of over 800 sq km and is situated at a height of 100-970 m. Dandeli anshi is home to several types of Cottages at Bison resort, Dandeli unique and rare species of animals, the most famous being the Black Panther, along with some exceptional bird watching. One can spot wild animals like barking deer, sambar, and spotted deer, along with birds like yellow footed pigeon and the peafowl. There are around 200 bird species that include ashy swallow shirkes, drongos, brahminy kites, malabar hornbills and minivets, who have nested in the dandeli jungle.

You can also opt for trekking and coracle boat rides in the sanctuary jungle. The most ideal time to visit the dandeli is during the monsoons, when the river Kali fills up and rafting season commences. Tourists are allowed explore this sanctuary in an open jeep along with trained guides. if time permits, one can also visit anshi national Park that is located in the vicinity of dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

Getting there: Situated at a distance of 125 km from Goa, the roads cut through the jungles, and are excellently maintained giving a driving junkies a rare taste of pure on road pleasure, while seeing some unreal sights.

Accommodation: There are several staying options in dandeli. You can chose to stay in a tree house facing the river, a normal cottage in the city, in the jungle, in tents, in guest houses and homestays.

dandeli Jungle inn is a homestay on the outskirts of the city. Kulgi is 7 kms away and has a nature camp where one can choose to stay in well furnished tents maintained by the Govt. of Karnataka.

There are resorts like Hornbill River Resort, Bison Resort, Old Magazine House, dandeli Jungle inn, dandeli Jungle Camp, Milind’s Home Stay and many others.

Distance from Panaji:  131.9 Km via NH 4 A

Things to see: Ulavi temple, Sykes Point, the Supa hydroelectric dam, the caves of Kavla and the Syntheri rocks.

Best time to visit: October to June