Dandeli city is located on the banks of River Kali in Uttara Kannada District and 458 kms from Bangalore. It is one of the last patches of pristine forest left in the Western Ghats. The location is surrounded by dense deciduous forests, which is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the world.
It is home to several valuable trees, animals and reptile species and over 450 species of birds. This is the only place in Asia where the black panther has been tracked.
Dandeli is home to Gowli nomadic shepherds, the Lambanis and Negroid Siddis.
Tourist Attractions
Syke's Point is named after a British engineer who discovered it. It is a breath taking view from this point where you can see deep valleys, thickly forested hills and the most enchanting Nagajhari river flowing into the Kali. This is one of the finest view of the river you can see anywhere in Karnataka. It is lovely to watch the sunset from here or see the giant horn-bills gliding effortlessly from one side of the valley to the other.
Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL) operates a power station below Syke's point. Entry to this spot as well as taking photographs is strictly prohibited. Permission's for Syke's point can be obtained from KPCL security office at Ambikanagar. The dare devils can trek 12 Kms through lush forests from Kulgi.
Syke's point is near Nagajihari power station which is about 3 Kms from Ambikanagar.
Dandelappa temple is one of the oldest famous temple in Dandeli City. The City is situated in the Maland belt and such abounds in thick greeneries adding to the beautiful landscape with hills, valleys and river.
Kavala Caves also called as Limestone caves is located 25 km away from the base camp at Dandeli. These are caves formed by volcanic activity ages back and are situated deep with-in the forest. The caves are very small in dimension and have a lot of stalagmite formations. As you proceed through the caves you get a pungent smell of bats. At some places the opening gets small and you have to crawl through them.
There is a particular huge stalagmite,which is revered by the local people as a Shivlinga. During Shivaratri there is huge influx of devotees who come and light sacrificial fires inside. It is believed the tunnels stretches underground for miles.
Candles are available outside the cave but it is advisable to carry a torch while going inside the Cave.
The trek back also from the caves is amazing where you get to see the view of Kali winding her way through the valley below.
Syntheri Rock is located 32 Kms from Kali Wilderness camp. It is a 300ft tall monolith of granite located deep inside the thick Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. With the Kaneri River gushing ferociously by its side, the Syntheri Rock is a spectacular sight. You can see hollow places on the rock which are the effects of erosion here.
In the innumerable nooks and crannies thousands of pigeons have made their homes. You can also see bee hives hanging dangerously on these rocks. A thrilling jeep ride in the deep forest followed by a walk will get you to this beautiful place.
Molangi is located 11 Kms from Kali Wilderness Camp. If you are a out door person then Molangi is the place to be. It is situated in dense forests with large bamboo trees and the river Kali passes between huge rock formations and steep cliffs and slopes, making Molangi a perfect campers hideout. You can spend the entire day backpacking across the deep dense jungle watching the spiders spin their webs and fungus grown on tree barks.
This place is a popular picnic spot and also safe for swimming.
Shiroli Peak is 25 Kms from Dandeli inside Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the highest point in the Uttara Kannada region. From here you get a stunning view of the peaks of the Sahyadri range. You can reach the summit either by jeep or by walking up since the peak is within in the sanctuary. You need permission from the Forest Department to visit it. Shiroli Peak is the place where your wildlife safari ends.
Supa Dam It is near about 25 Km from Dandeli City. This Dam used to produce Electrical power under KPC
Things To Do
The White-water rafting in Dandeli is very pleasant and inviting from October to about beginning of March. White-water rafting season starts from November and goes on till June. The monsoon season starts from June till September and the forests are at their greenest best then. April-June are the driest months and the temperatures can touch 40 C.
The Kali River Lodge, a unit of Jungle Lodges & Resorts, is situated on the banks of River Kali runs several adventure sports activities you can choose from canoeing, coracling , bicycle rides into the jungles and kayaking. But White water rafting is the most popular one.
The rafting costs are:
- Short run (9 kms) – Rs 950
- Long run (14 kms) - Rs 1,500
Kayaking charges are:
- Half day kayaking – Rs 500
Canoeing charges are:
- Half day canoeing – Rs 550
Mountain biking charges are:
- Easy trail – Rs 350
- Tough trail – Rs 500
There are 10 trekking routes from different zones of the park.
- 4 treks begins from Kulgi Nature Camp - Boarding facilities available
- 4 treks from Anshi Nature Camp - Boarding facilities available
Permits are issued at the Kulgi Nature Camp by the Forester in-charge.
Kali Adventure Camp Phone: (08284) 230266
Dandeli is also a bird watcher's paradise and home to 450 species of birds. The Great Indian Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill are an integral part of this resourceful wildlife.
Best time to visit: Anytime, but wildlife spotting and White-water rafting are difficult during monsoons.
Tips The Kali river has crocodiles, so beware when you are swimming.
How to Reach
- By Air - Dabolim,Goa - 145 Kms, Hubli - 53 Kms
- By Rail - Nearest railway-station Dharwad 56 Kms and Hubli 53 Kms. Other railways stations nearby are Alnavar 34 Kms and Londa 55 Kms
- By Road - Bangalore 458 Kms Drive through Tumkur to Dharwad on NH-4 take diversion to Dandeli through Haliyal. Dandeli is well connected from other cities like Goa, Belgaum, Karwar and Dharwad, Hubli by road. Several buses ply to Dandeli everyday. You can even hire a taxi.
Tourist information
Deputy Conservator of Forests
Wildlife Division
Dandeli-581325
Phone: (08284) 231585
Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd
Shakti Bhavan
82 Race Course Road
Bangalore 560001
Phone: (080) 2225-6568, 2226-9930
Kalinadi Hydroelectric Project
Ambikanagar 581363
Phone: (08284) 258625
Where to Stay
Kali River Lodge
Kogilban
Dandeli-581 325
Utarra Kannada Dist
Karnataka
Phone: (0832) 3258928.
Hornbill Resort
Phone:+91 80 9448136539
Bison River Resort
Karwar Belgaum Highway
Ilva Village
Uttara Kannada -- 581 365
Jungle Camp Resorts
Mr. Patnekar
D.R.T. 190/22 Bangurnagar
DANDELI
Karnataka
Phone:+91 80 94484-08844/ 98457-33053/ 94498-54729
Kulgi Nature Camp
Pansoli Guest House
Vacation on White Water Resort
Old Magazine House
Stan Farm House
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