This salubrious spot is a wildlife sanctuary since 1956. Dandeli is a heaven for animal lovers and is present in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka.

The environment of Dandeli is home to more than 40 tigers. A combination of dense deciduous vegetation and evergreen vegetation is found. There is a moderate population of Bamboo and teak plants scattered across this paradise.

After sunrise and before sunset, jungle safaris are the best option to explore this mysterious milieu. The sanctuary is not only a wildlife enthusiast’s playground but also a destination for adventure lovers. Uncommon animals roam in this forest area for its serenity and impenetrable nature.

Travelers will go through the doors of medicinal plants and more than 190 species of birds. The diverse working population of this city earns the moniker, “Mini India.” The city host beautiful temples, must-visit caves, and temples too.

The total area of the sanctuary is 834.16 sq.km. The government’s Project Tiger is a boon to tigers. An immense contribution to the title - The state with the highest number of tigers in India.

Specialties:

White-water Rafting in Kali River.

Mountain biking is there in the hilly terrains of Dandeli.

The second largest wildlife sanctuary of Karnataka.

The place has more than 40 tigers and is a promising growth.

The highest point is Hegada Temba.

Flora and Fauna:

The wooded trails make travelers imbibe the fragrance of exotic plants and trees. The texture of the sanctuary varies stage by stage throughout the ride.

Mammals like tigers, black panthers, wild pigs and dogs, elephants, deers, monkeys, and mongooses are in umpteen numbers. Apart from them, termites slurping sloth bears, hard-to-find barking deers (sounds like a dog’s bark), ant-eating Indian pangolin, hard-to-spot Malabar giant squirrels feed wildness to the atmosphere.

Kydia Clycin’s leaves can heal muscular spasms and body aches.

Birds like the Blue-throated Barbet, great pied hornbill, skeptical Malabar pied hornbill, and Peregrine falcon add the natural color and character to the surroundings. Other beautiful and rare birds include the thick-billed flowerpecker, brown cheeked fulvetta, Tickell's flowerpecker, chestnut shouldered Petronia, and purple rumped sunbird.

Activities to do

Other Attractions Near Bandipur National Park:

Kavala Caves: A place to visit for Lord Shiva devotees where you get to see snakes. (21.5 km away)

Syntheri Rocks: A beautiful place to click topnotch bird-eye view pictures. (30.2 km away)

Sykes Point: A famous viewpoint where the divine confluence of Rivers Kali and Nagzari happens. (21.7 km away)

Moulangi Falls: A natural jacuzzi and recreational site for family (6.9 km away)

Sathodi Falls: Visit for the best sunset views in Jenukulla Gaddu, beautiful outdoor photography, nature walk, and the lake temple

Best Time to Visit:

Between October and February, Dandeli looks beautiful with favorable weather conditions. Ornithologists and birdwatchers arrive in the winter month to explore Dandeli in its best form. But to see migratory birds, travelers need to bear the heat in summer. The water level in Dandeli rises to its maximum during the monsoon. For River Rafting, choose winter months. For migratory bird watching, spotting rare animals, and natural jacuzzis, opt for the early summer months - March and April. Honeymooners could prefer the July to September for the amazing weather.

Address:

Township, Dandeli, Karnataka 581325.

Way to Reach:

 By Air -  Flight services are available from Nagpur. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is the nearest airport. It is at a distance of 8.8 km from Dandeli. The nearest International Airport is in Goa. (85 km away)

 By Rail -  There are no direct trains and the nearest railway station Alnavar 23 km away from Dandeli.

By Bus: Bus services are available from Nagpur and upgraded bus versions ply from Pune, Panjim, and Mumbai.

Local Transport: Jeep Safaris and River Rafting are preferable local transports.