Sprawled in an area of 834.16 sq.km in the Uttar Karnataka region of Southern India, Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is a joint tiger project with the adjoining Anshi National Park. In 1956, it gained the title of a national wildlife sanctuary and got recognized as the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. Hordes of nature enthusiasts visit the park every year to get lost in the wilderness of lush and verdant jungles of the sanctuary, spotting a plethora of diversified faunas and floras to capture in the camera lenses.
Today, Dandeli is home to around 11 tigers and is one of the exhilarating getaways in Karnataka that is wet, wild, and wonderful. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is an adventurous escapade that not only encompasses jungle safaris and jungle camps but there are myriads of water activities that one can indulge in such as Kayaking, river rafting and coracle rides in the Kali river that flows through the sanctuary.
The best time to visit Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is between March and October and the centre is open between 6am and 6pm.
There are so many attractions and opportunities on offer at Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, whether you choose action and adventure with white water rafting or slow the pace down with peaceful birdwatching and wildlife photography. You'll be spoilt for choice..!
Attractions such as Kavala caves, Magod falls, Molangi falls, Syntheri rock, Shivaji fort and Anshi National park can be visited in the sanctuary. People from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore who are willing to travel a distance of over 400 can be beckoned by Dandeli as one of the holidaying destinations that call out for a wild and thrilling escape.
Wildlife of Dandeli
Animals found in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary - With a variance in wild species, the reserve area of Dandeli actually brings a variety of Bonnet Macaque, deer (barking, mouse and spotted), Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel, Malabar Civet, pangolin and sloth bear to make the reserve as their ideal home in the forests. The Black Panther, elephants and tigers are rare species to be found in the Dandeli National Park. Reptiles sighted in the park include the King Cobra, Python, Krait, Rat snake and Viper. There are more than 200 species of birds found in the region as to include Malabar Trogon, Pompadour Pigeon, Paradise Fly Catcher Ceylon Frogmouth, Great Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Emerald Dove and Lesser Adjutant Stork.
The main wildlife species include elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, flying squirrel, mouse deer etc., along with the major counts of the avi-faunas like magpie robin, crested serpent eagle, golden backed woodpecker and a large variety of other birds.
Flora
The area of Dandeli that exhibits the wide ranges of flora attraction is actually plush with the southern evergreen forest. The tourists can find wide ranges of plant life, magical herbs, and shrubs. Dominant species are Mango, Jamun, Hirda, Behda, Bamboo, Shrub, Teak, Jamba, Ficus, Herbs, Climber, Grass, and Fern can also be visible here to complement the captivating landscapes.
Safaris in Dandeli
Embark on a Jungle safari in a jeep and venture into the land of sights and sound. Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary has some of the exemplary green patches to spot wild animals like Crocodile, Bison, Tigers, Black Panther, Sloth Bear, Elephant, Leopards, a number of reptiles and birds etc.
The wildlife reserve authorities or professional guides take you on a safari covering a distance of around 30 KM into the deep dense forest. The open jeep can accommodate around 8 people in one trip. The Safaris run in two slots out of which one sets off in the early morning and the second trip runs in the evening.
How to Reach Dandeli
By Air: Belgaum (110 km,), Hubli (75 km,) and Goa (150 km.), Bangalore (3481 km.)
By Rail: Alnavar (32 km.) Londa (48 km.), Dharwad (57 km.), Karwar (117 km.) and Hubli
By Road: Dandeli is well connected to Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, Belgaum, Karwar and Dharwad and Hubli by road. Several buses ply to Dandeli every day. Pick up and drop facility from the closest destination is available on request.
Hotels in Dandeli
The land of Karnataka is complemented with great landscapes and scenic beauties and the presence of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary make the land more cherished with flawless attraction; and to witness such grand variance of natural ambience, a stipulated stay at any one of the resorts and lodges can be very beneficial. Besides, many furnished tented cottages with attached bathrooms are also available in the reserve area for much natural feel and convenience. The spacious lodges and rooms are available for complete boarding and lodging facility to experience the wildlife tour in a more enigmatic way.
Why Should One Visit Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary?
Experience all the sights and sounds of the lush forests of Dandeli with a wildlife safari. Travel by jeep with experienced guides who will take you on the adventure of a lifetime, and delve deep into the natural habitat of wild animals, exotic birds and unusual reptiles.
Travel through beautiful wooded trails and appreciate the rich diversity of plant and animal life as the colours, scents and textures of this extraordinary landscape unfold before you.
If there were a 'Who's Who' of exotic creatures then the inhabitants of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary would fill it! Elephants, wild pigs, tigers, rare black panthers, wild dogs, monkeys, deer and mongoose are just some of the fascinating mammals you can see while you are there.
For adventure aficionados, Dandeli provides a perfect holiday destination or a weekend getaway. From white-water rafting in Kali river to mountain biking in the hilly terrains to even spotting tigers as well as rare species of birds, Dandeli has it all to appease you in the lap of nature.
