Kali River Dandeli

The inimitable rush of untamed terrain – gorges, valleys, forests, and swirling, swollen and frothing white water: that’s what the Kali Adventure Camp at Dandeli is about. A sprawling bungalow on the banks of the majestic Kali River, this wilderness camp is all about making a connection with nature. Take a walk down the wild side and discover just how invigorating it can be. Discover the sheer adrenalin rush of being alive. The Kali river or Kali Nadi flows through Uttara or North Karnataka for about 184 km before falling off into the mighty Arabian sea. The origin of river Kali is said to be Diggi, a small village in North Karnataka. The river has been named Kali, a Hindi and Kannada word that means black, for its dark color that is attributed to the manganese-rich river bed. Over the years, river Kali has been one of the main life resources for the people of Karnataka, much like many other life-giving rivers around the world. 

How To Reach Kali River, Dandeli

By flight: The nearest airport to Dandeli is Hubli Airport, which is 73km away. From the airport, you can find several taxis and cars that you can rent to take you to Kali River in Dandeli. You can also travel to Dandeli via the KSRTC buses that connect Hubli to Dandeli.

By train: There is a train station in Dandeli which is called Ambewadi station. There are regular trains plying to and from the station from nearby cities like Bangalore, Vijaypur, Karwar and Hyderabad. From the station, it is a short ride away on a rented taxi or local bus to the Kali River.

By road: There is a well-planned bus service that plies between Bangalore and Dandeli. It is called the Rajahamsa Executive Bus Service, which is organized by the KSRTC, which takes you on a 12-hour journey from Bangalore main to the Kali River in Dandeli.

Best Time To Visit Kali River, Dandeli

The best time to visit the Kali River in Dandeli is between the months of October and May, which consists of the winter and summer season. However, the weather remains pleasant throughout the year, and you can plan your visit depending on the activities you are planning to enjoy during your vacation.

Summer: The summer months in Dandeli last from March to May, when the temperatures are moderate and the conditions of the Kali River are ideal for adventure activities. You can enjoy river rafting, canoeing and kayaking on the waters of the Kali. On land, you can go bird-watching and hike through the dense jungles.

Monsoon: If you are planning on visiting Dandeli for river-rafting, then it is best that you avoid planning your vacation during monsoon, which is between July and September. This is the time when the area experiences very heavy rainfall and the Kali River also gets flooded. The shores are muddy and the waters are more turbulent than usual.

Winter: The onset of winter starts from October and lasts till March-April. You can see many migratory birds that visit the area during this time and also engage in other, more rigorous adventure sports such as mountain climbing and trekking. This is the best time to visit the Kali River in Dandeli.

Activities To Do in Kali River, Dandeli

The Kali River in Dandeli is sought out for its ideal conditions in terms of temperature, weather, speed of the water currents and location. It is also a paradise for nature lovers because of the natural scenic beauty which fringes the river as you engage in the water sports that you can enjoy on the river. Here are some activities that are organized in the waters of the Kali River:

1. Kali river rafting: There are several milestones along the Kali River, one of which is the Bison River Resort. It is near this resort that the peaceful and level waters of the river suddenly drop 10-20 feet, creating an undulating river bed and small eddies that are ideal for river rafting. The white, foamy waters, the smooth rocks, and the fast currents create the perfect opportunity to go river rafting with your friends and family.
2. Canoeing and kayaking: If you want to do something adventurous but not as intense as river rafting, then you can also take a private canoe or a kayak and sail on the peaceful waters of the Kali. The reservoir in which these activities are held is fringed with lush greenery and makes for the perfect activity to enjoy during your vacation.
3. Zorbing: Zorbing is more of a game and less a sport, and requires no skill or expertise whatsoever, promising unadulterated fun to the participants. You can roll around the waters of the Kali River in a giant and inflatable balloon in the shape of a hollow ball. You can float on the surface of the river and even have your loved ones join you.
4. Natural jacuzzi bath: The waters of the Kali River are clean, and the undulating river bed creates a natural jacuzzi where you can unwind and relax. The currents of the river, when they hit the jagged rocks, creates a foamy texture that is very soothing on the skin. The natural minerals of the river are also beneficial and make for one of the most comfortable and relaxed experiences in Dandeli.