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Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Know Dandeli – location, and proximity to different towns

Dandeli is a small town situated on the banks of River Kali in the state of Karnataka (Uttar Kannada District).  Dandeli can be approached by bus, both state-run and private operators or can be reached in private transport or taxi as well. It is around 97 km from Goa while in Karnataka it can be approached from Hubballi and Belagavi which are two district towns located at 75 and 90 km respectively from Dandeli. From Bengaluru, Dandeli is situated at a distance of 459km and from Pune it is 440km. Tourists can also be transferred from airports located at Hubli, Belagavi, and Goa.

beautiful dandeli river
Beautiful Kali river in Dandeli

This place is surrounded by thick forest cover and is home to a wide range of biodiversity. There is a renowned paper industry named West Coast Paper Mills in Bangur Nagar – Dandeli and is a prime source of employment for most in this town.

History of Dandeli

Dandeli also has a rich and interesting history attached to it. There is a popular story that reveals as to how this place actually acquired its name: There once was a humble servant of the Mirashi landlords known as Dandelappa who fell in love with the lady of the family. The lady also responded and put forth a proposal to get married to Dandelappa. But the loyal servant declined and in turn enraged the lady by his decision. The lady later lied about Dandelappa to her brothers, alleging that his behavior was inappropriate. Hearing this her brothers killed Dandelappa in a fit of anger and sliced him into two. His head and body landed in separate parts where presently two temples exist in his memory and this is how the town got its name as ‘Dandeli’.

Places to Visit – See in Dandeli & Nearby

Dandeli is Favourite place for the adventure seeker, Photographer, Trekker and Nature Enthusiasts, there is a lot to see and explore many adventure activities and things to do. Following are popular places to visit near Dandeli.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:

leopard-sighting-in-dandeli
Leopard sighting in Dandeli

If you are a nature lover then you should not miss out on exploring the various sights and sounds of the lush forests of Dandeli with a wildlife safari. Jeep tours in wildlife sanctuary is an adventure of a lifetime where you get to witness the natural habitat of wild animals, exotic birds, and unusual reptiles. For adventure buffs, Dandeli provides a perfect holiday destination. From white-water River rafting in Kali River to mountain biking where even spotting tigers is a possibility besides rare species of birds, Dandeli has everything to offer.

Jungle Stay in Goa

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is between March and October as the center is open between 6 am and 6 pm. Resorts in Dandeli are priced on an average at Rs 950 per person but may vary as per season.

Activities

White water rafting, kayaking, Jacuzzi bath, water ball zorbing, Burma Bridge climbing, bird watching, river crossing etc.

Dandelappa Temple:

Dandelappa-Temple,-Dandeli
Dandelappa Temple, Dandeli

Located in Ganesh Gudi, devotees visit the temple to worship Lord Dandelappa. With the mesmerizing natural beauty, the temple’s landscape is a visual treat for the eyes. Legend has it that whoever prays here his/her wishes are fulfilled.

Best time to visit

Tourists can visit any time of the year but the most preferred period is October to February. The temple is open during the day. The temple is located at a distance of just 2.3 km from the bus stand. 

Abhyaranya Wildlife Adventures
Abhyaranya Wildlife Adventures – Photo: Brahmaraju D Akki

(Tents):

Wildlife adventure trips into the forests of Dandeli are certainly an amazing experience. Camping in tents during such tours adds that extra zing. Wildlife Adventure in Dandeli is all about exploring the natural habitat of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, and bears. In fact, the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is the second in Karnataka and was designated as a tiger reserve in 2007. The jungle is home to almost 300 varieties of birds beside a host of reptiles.

dandeli jungle walk

Activities

Tourists can enjoy water rafting at the Virnoli Rapids connected to the Kali River. Other wildlife activities are – nature walks, jungle safari, bird watching, crocodile watching, and angling. Nearby tourist spots that can be visited during the day time are Ulavi, Syntheri Rocks, Anashi National Park, and Moulangi. Different resorts and homestays located in the area offer variable tour packages.

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