If you are planning an adventurous trip amidst nature in Karnataka, then Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to go. When you decide to visit Dandeli, the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, you will be faced with the innate beauty of nature and unparalleled wilderness. The feeling of escaping into the dense forests, seeing many animals in their natural habitat, and living near the river is truly unmatched.
We understand that you might be a little confused about planning your trip here! but do not worry! We are here to help you plan a perfect vacation in Dandeli.
Take a look at this detailed travel guide to Dandeli for your exciting getaway – a trip you will remember for a lifetime!
Best time to visit Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
No matter when you choose to visit this exotic wildlife sanctuary, you are sure to take home memories of a lifetime. The area offers a plethora of things to do throughout the year. While the months between January to March are ideal for bird watching. And the period between April to June also offers many adventure activities, such as whitewater rafting and rappelling.
It’s not him! The monsoon season, i.e. July to September is perfect for a romantic trip as the weather remains simply beautiful! And finally, the period from October to the end of the year is an excellent option for those who are looking for the best in everything. So, plan your trip as per your choice!
How to reach Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary?
Due to the central location of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, reaching there is incredibly easy and hassle-free. You can visit the sanctuary through various modes of transport.
By Air
You can take a flight to Hubli airport, which is located at a distance of 75 km. From here you can book a taxi or private cab to reach your destination.
By Train
If you are planning to travel to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary via railway, then you have to get down at Alnavar station (32 km) or Londa station (48 km). Then you can reach the sanctuary via roadways!
By Road
The sanctuary enjoys excellent connectivity to Bangalore, Belgaum, Hubli, and Dhaward through a complex network of roadways.
Places to stay at Dandeli
After reaching Dandeli, you want good accommodation for your stay, right? We got you covered! Here are some of the best accommodation options in Dandeli!
Hornbill Resort
Nestled amidst the forests of Dandeli, Hornbill Resort allows you to embrace nature. In terms of rooms, you can choose from regular cottages, treehouses, tent cottages, and river view premium cottages to make your trip even more enjoyable. With spacious rooms and all the necessary facilities, you can expect a comfortable stay amidst the forests.
Panther Jungle Stay
It would be no exaggeration to call it one of the best places to stay in Dandeli. Situated on the banks of river Kali, this resort epitomizes the beauty and splendor of the region. A stay here guarantees comfort, luxury, and warm hospitality, that too without going heavy on your pocket.
Kali Adventure Camp
Combining the thrill of the jungles with the comfort of home, Kali Adventure Camp is the perfect place to be close to nature. Its location amidst the lush green backdrop of dense forests and the majestic Kali River makes it a paradisiacal retreat for tourists. The bungalow consists of 10 well-furnished rooms with an indoor dining area. You can choose to stay in one of the 12 twin bed Swiss tents to make your trip even more exciting.
Bison River Resort
Enjoy panoramic views of the Kali River from your beautifully decorated rooms at Bison River Resort. This is the place where the chirping of birds will wake you up and the melodious sound of the river will make you sleepy. Apart from providing a close connection with nature, the resort also has a lot to offer to adventure enthusiasts. Honestly, a stay here will enhance your overall vacation experience in no time.
Whistling Woodzs Resort
Spread over a sprawling area of 7 acres, this resort is synonymous with nature’s beauty, adventure, and comfort. While its pristine location is enough to entice you, the exceptional hospitality and availability of the necessary resources add more to this place. In addition, you can indulge in a number of activities within the campus.
Things to do in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Once you have checked your habitat, you will have tons of exciting things to do in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary!
Jungle Safari
Dandeli Wildlife Safari is a must! After all, no other adventure can match the experience of spending time face-to-face with exotic wildlife! A 1-hour safari tour will allow you to see wildlife animals in their natural habitat. You should keep your eyes peeled for the animals of Dandeli Forest, which include tigers, panthers, elephants, crocodiles, and bison.
Bird Watching
Dandeli is a paradise for bird watchers. You can spot the great Indian hornbill, Malabar trogon, velvet-fronted nuthatches, and white-bellied blue flycatchers. Ganeshguri in Dandeli is often considered one of the best places to visit in Dandeli for bird watching. In fact, if you stay at hotels near Ganeshguri, you can witness the attraction of many species of birds right from your room.
Jungle Camping
It is no surprise that Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its exciting jungle camps. Spending a night under the starry nights, amidst the enchanting forest, is indeed one of the best things to do with your family and friends. So, stay in the tented accommodation, enjoy the campfire, and sleep to the sound of the river flowing. Seems perfect, doesn’t it?
Trekking
It doesn’t feel right to leave Dandeli without starting a trekking expedition! The sanctuary offers several trekking trails, ideal for both experienced and amateur trekkers. You can choose from Kulgi-Nagajri Valley Deep Jungle Trek and Potoli-Shiroli Trail. These routes will take you through dense forests, flowing rivers, and rocky paths. Friendly Reminder – It is a good idea to explore the forests with experienced guides for the best trekking experience.
Whitewater Rafting
Get ready for the whitewater rafting experience! The adrenaline rush and excitement you can experience while traipsing down the white waters of the Kali River is excellent. The 9 km Dandeli Rafting Trail takes you through the dense forests and lush greenery. Class 3 rapids are so intense they will make you forget everything else. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime! You can also opt for shorter trails. These two are enough to make your heart happy.
Filled with exciting things to do, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary will be etched in your heart forever. The flora, birds, and animals found in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary will mesmerize you in tandem with the plentiful nature. So, stop scrolling and start packing for an adventure like never before!
Quick Facts about Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
- Best time to visit: From March to October
- Opening Hours: 00 AM to 6.00 PM
- Visit Duration: 7 to 8 hours
- Entry Fee: INR 40 per person (Indians) and INR 80 per person (foreigners)
- Camera: INR 100 per camera
- Jeep Safari: INR 40 per person
- Address: Solad Complex, J N.Road, Dandeli, Gokarna, Uttara Kannada -581326 (MAP)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Q. What is Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A – Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise, home to about 200 species of birds, most famous for the great hornbill (Great Indian Hornbill or Great Pied Hornbill) and the Malabar Pied Hornbill. It is also the only known tiger reserve in India to have reported repeated sightings of the elusive black panther.
Q. Are there any tigers in Dandeli?
A – It is located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state, India. The park is home to Bengal tigers, black panthers, and Indian elephants among other distinctive fauna.
Q. What animals are found in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary?
A – Commonly seen fauna in this natural paradise is Malabar Giant Squirrel or Rutufa indica, Barking Deer, Gaur, Indian Pangolin, Tiger, Flycatcher, Woodpecker, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Parrot, Kingfisher, Leopard, Barking Deer, Elephant, Chintal, sloth bear, wild boar, black panther, and crocodile, etc.
Q. What is the best time to visit Dandeli?
A – Although the weather remains pleasant throughout the year, the best time to visit Dandeli is between October and May. The summers in Dandeli are not very hot as the average temperature remains around 33 degrees Celsius. In this season, a good number of people come here from different parts of the world.
Q. Which is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka?
A – Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, After all, is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. The 866 square kilometers of the sanctuary include natural valleys, diverse landscapes, rivers, hills, and deciduous forests.
Q. Is Dandeli open?
A – Entry is open for all types of travel from all home states. A valid negative RT-PCR report is required to enter the state borders. Passengers do not require any e-pass, test certificate, or residence proof before entering Dandeli.
Q. Is Dandeli a rainforest?
A – Dandeli is the Rainforests of northern Karnataka.
Q. How many tigers are there in Dandeli?
A – The data shows that the tiger population remained stable at 13 during this period. Of these 13 tigers, 11 were reported from Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and only two from Anshi National Park.
Q. How do I reach Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary?
A – You can reach Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary via a flight as the sanctuary is located at a distance of only 75 km from the nearest airport. You can also reach there via trains as Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary has located 32 km from Alnavar Railway Station and 48 km from Londa Railway Station.
Q. Is Dandeli now safe to travel?
A – During this time the water is cold which makes river rafting and other water sports even more fun. You can also visit Dandeli in summer to see the amazing sight of migratory birds. Be careful as the water level rises to make it dangerous to visit, the roads are muddy and inaccessible at some points.
Q. Is Dandeli River Rafting Safe?
A – White water rafting in Dandeli is safe. There are enough skilled and professional rafters and rafting agencies who take the best care of their client’s journey.
Q. What should I wear in Dandeli?
A – It’s a good idea to wear layers of clothing instead of a thick sweater or windcheater. Even in winters, the trek can warm you up, and wearing lightweight clothing in layers allows you to shed one layer at a time for your comfort.
Q. What is special in Dandeli?
A – Top Attractions in Dandeli
Syntheri Rock.
Sykes Point.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Anshi National Park.
Kavala Caves.
Shiroli Peak.
Moulangi Eco Park.
Kali River.
Q. Is Dandeli a hill station?
A – Dandeli is a hill station that is a popular getaway for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers. Located in Karnataka, Dandeli is a favorite destination for river rafting, camping, and trekking.
Q. How much does rafting cost in Dandeli?
A – The cost of Dandeli river rafting generally starts from INR 900 per person and can go up to INR 2,500 per person.
Q. How far is Dandeli from Goa?
A – The distance between Dandeli to Goa is 110 km.
Q. Which railway station is near Dandeli?
A – The nearest railway station to the city is Dharwad which is about 55 km from Dandeli. One can board the Chennamma Express from Cyber City Bengaluru to reach Dharwad Railway Station and then hire a taxi to reach Dandeli.
Q. How many days are enough for Dandeli?
A – Two days is enough in Dandeli. You can do river rafts and do other adventure activities there, visit temples and waterfalls and you can also go for wildlife safari tours in Dandeli.
