Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary - Jungle Safari in National Park with Moonlight Boat Ride

by Avathi Outdoors | Wildlife Sanctuaries

July 06, 2020

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Dandeli National Park, is spread over an area of 834.16 sq. km. in the western region of Karnataka. It is one of the best tourist places for nature lovers. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary, Karnataka, is located on the banks of River Kali, surrounded by thick forests and hills of the Uttara Kannada District. It has a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and is a perfect holiday destination for people who are looking out for a wild and thrilling escape.

History of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

In 1956, Dandeli gained the tag of a “National wildlife sanctuary” and was then onwards recognized as the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary has been running a joint project to save the tigers with the neighbouring Anshi National Park (339.87 sq. km.) since 2006. Dandeli was also officially notified as to the Dandeli Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant on 4 June 2015 by the Karnataka State Government. Every year, hordes of nature enthusiasts visit Dandeli National Park to experience the amazing nature and the sounds of lush forests along with a wildlife safari. They love the journey through the stretch of forests while enjoying and appreciating the diversified faunas and floras with their camera lenses.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
History of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Flora and Fauna in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Unique things about Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Things to do in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
How to reach Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Things to consider before going to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Before moving forward to the details of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, here are some quick facts which will help you plan your next trip to this Wildlife Sanctuary of India in a convenient way.

Best time to visit: March to October
Opening hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
Duration: 7 to 8 hours (includes everything)
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price: Rs 40 per head for Indians and Rs 80 per head for foreigners.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Camera Ticket Price: Rs100 per camera
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Safari Ticket Price: Rs 40 per head
How to reach: Accessible by Air - 56 km from Hubli Airport, Train - 23 Kms from Alnavar Junction, Buses - Dandeli Bus Station or Road

Flora and Fauna in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the epitome of the beautiful nature, is situated in the green lush landscape of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is famous for being home to numerous birds and animal species, along with some endangered creatures.

Being abundant in a variety of flora and fauna, the reserve area of Dandeli National Park brings a variety of animals like the Bonnet Macaque, the Indian Bison, the Malabar Giant Squirrel, the Malabar Civet, the Pangolin, and the Sloth Bear. Not only this, but it also houses Deers Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Gaurs, Flying Squirrels, etc. along with a major count of avifauna like the Magpie Robins, the Crested Serpent Eagles, the Golden-backed Woodpeckers, and others.

Dandeli National Park is home to more than 200 species of birds including the Malabar Trogon, the Pompadour Pigeon, the Paradise Fly Catcher Ceylon Frogmouth, the Great Pied Hornbill, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Emerald Dove, the Indian Lorikeet, the Malabar Parakeets, and the Adjutant Stork. Some other birds here include the Hill Myna, the Blue-bearded and Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters, the Ruby-throated and Yellow-browed Bulbul, the Fairy BlueBird, the Velvet-fronted and Chestnut-bellied Nuthatches, the Spiderhunters, the Black-throated and White-backed Munias, the Dark-fronted Babblers, the Pigmy Woodpeckers, the Malabar Trogon, the Ceylon Frogmouth, the Brown Wood Owl, the Crested Goshawk, the Speckled Piculet, the Gold-fronted, and the Blue-winged Leaf-birds. This is the reason why it is considered “heaven for bird watchers”. There are some reptiles that are commonly sighted in the park-like the King Cobra, the Python, the Krait, the Rat Snake, and the Viper.

With a variance in wildlife, the reserve area of Dandeli also has a variety of flora. One will surely get mesmerized by the beauty of the plant species such as the Eucalyptus, the Tectona Grandis, the Acacia, and various types of Orchids at this wildlife sanctuary. It is also rich in herbs, climbers, and bamboos along with many other wild and medicinal plants. Tourists can also find a wide range of dominant species of flora like Mango, Jamun, Hilda, Behda, Shrub, Teak, Jamba, Ficus, Grass, and Ferns. All these add up to complement the captivating landscapes offered by the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

Unique things about Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Moulangi Falls

One of the most popular places to visit in Dandeli is Moulangi Falls. Feel refreshed and energized with a plethora of activities - jungle treks, camps, and picnics - that the place offers. You can spend the whole day hiking over thick wilderness and end your day watching the sunset. The entry fee to visit here is INR 20 per person. The timings are 6 AM to 5.30 PM.
Anshi National Park

This is a natural wonderland for wildlife photographers, bird watchers, and nature lovers in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. There are several unnamed waterfalls & streams and a thick forest cover in this region. The tourist attractions in this region include Ulvi Channabasaveshwara Temple, Wildlife Safari, etc. You can plan your visit to Anshi National Park between 6 AM to 6 PM.
Ancient Caves of Kavala

Walk down 375 steps to witness this volcanic formation of Shiva lingam that flows through the caves. This jewel in the Western Ghats has stunning views of huge valleys and streams of the Kali river. The massive stalagmite, which is worshipped by the localities as a Shiva Lingam, attracts a number of devotees during Shivratri.
Kulgi Nature Camp

Relax and relish the beauty of cottages, greenery, and different varieties of birds such as flycatchers, sunbirds, etc. here at the Kulgi Nature Camp. The entry fee is Rs 40 per person and Rs 75 if you wish to trek. This popular nature camp is run by the forest department of Dandeli and is a famous spot for a picnic with friends and family.
Shivaji Fort

This preserved fort, built by the famous Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, is a great escape for trekkers and heritage lovers to witness the beautiful architecture. Surrounded by the lush green forests, this ancient fort offers a glimpse of war techniques used in those times.
Syntheri rock

This rock structure is one of the cleanest and aesthetic attractions found in Dandeli wildlife sanctuary. One has to climb up to 200-250 steps from the car parking to the site. Samples of different rocks are displayed on the pathway. The public is not allowed to go into the water. You can also visit the Ulavi temple from Syntheri Rocks which is regarded as a very divine place.

Things to do in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Kayaking in Kali River

A kayak is like a canoe boat whose edges are very close to the surface of the water where the paddler is supposed to sit with legs in front of the kayak, facing forward and rowing with a double-bladed paddle. All you need to do is a row, scull, and float. You will be provided with life jackets during this activity and the difficulty level depends upon the rapids in the river. The time duration is mostly 1 hour and the price that you must pay per head is Rs 300.
White water rafting

Another adventure sports activity that Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is famous for is the riveting experience of white water rafting. For adventure lovers, white river rafting will give you an out of the world feeling. This sporting activity takes 2 to 3 hours including the time of instructions and training sessions. The ticket price ranges from Rs 600-700 per person. The sport is divided into different levels depending upon the rapids in the river.
Coracle Ride

Coracle is a round small boat that has a waterproof layering at the base and an interwoven wicker framework inside. You can hire a traditional Coracle rower to scull in the rippling water of the Kali river. If you try this activity in the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary, you will be watching fishes and turtles through the surface of the water. This activity takes around 1 to 2 hours of your time and costs Rs 300 to 500 per head.
Bird Watching

As previously stated, Dandeli National Park is considered to be a “heaven for bird watchers”. It is famous for having a variety of species of birds as mentioned in the previous section of flora and fauna. Ganeshgudi is one of the best destinations at Dandeli for birding. Grab your cameras and step out for a heartwarming experience. Carrying a camera costs you Rs 100 (per camera).
Jungle Camping

The jungles at Dandeli wildlife sanctuary are enchanting and dense. Camping is one of the most captivating sports that lets you be in the wilderness and in a natural setting. You can enjoy a bonfire, trekking, and other activities. The glory of the jungle is revealed when beams of sunlight pass through the gaps of the forests. You can experience the stay in tented accommodation, listening to the water flow, and the insects’ hiss.
Wildlife Safari

During the Dandeli wildlife safari, you will have a chance to discover and dwell into the aesthetic beauty of the forest. The safaris are conducted by professional wildlife guides from the reserve authorities. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary booking can be made at the entry of the park. The morning trip is from 6 AM to 8 AM and the evening trip is from 4 PM to 6 PM. The ticket price is Rs 2500-3000 inclusive of a vehicle, a guide, a driver, permits, and entry fee. The open jeep permits 8 people in one trip. The duration of the safari is 3 to 4 hours covering a distance of 30 km.
Canoeing

Canoeing in the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is one of the most thrilling activities where water splashes on you as you climb up. It takes you through the amazing biodiversity of this place. Constant guidance by the instructors is provided. The timings are from 8 AM to 5 PM and a minimum of 6 people is required. The price range varies from Rs 1300-1500.
Rappelling

Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is famous for Rappelling which involves climbing stark rock and steep cliffs of the mountains and swaying down the suspension rope. The beautiful view of the River Beas and the artful scenery add up to the thrill. It opens at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM. The time duration is 20 minutes which costs Rs 500-600 per person along with the safety gear and instructor. The minimum or maximum capacity for this activity is six people.
Ziplining

Get the adrenaline pumping and send waves of thrill down your spine while enjoying zip lining in Dandeli. This involves gliding through the air all the way towards the end, to take a dip in the white waters of the beautiful river Kali. Zipline point in Dandeli opens at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM. The price ranges from Rs 500-700, inclusive of safety equipment and certified instructors.
Moonlight Boating

Come to Ganeshgudi near Supa Dam to experience this offbeat romantic activity that involves sailing through the waters at night and enjoying boating with night vision binoculars. The minimum booking capacity is 4 and the time duration for this activity is 30 minutes. This place opens from 8 PM to 11 PM and costs nearly Rs 300-400 per person, inclusive of safety gear and instructor.
Rock Climbing

This activity in the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary takes the adventure to the next level. It is an absolutely exhilarating experience where your target is to reach the capstone of a formation or the endpoint of a predefined route without falling. The opening hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary ticket price for rock climbing is Rs 1000-1300 per person, inclusive of safety gear and instructor.
Natural Jacuzzi Bath

Not a lot of places in India have a natural jacuzzi bath. But, Dandeli National Park gives you an opportunity to enjoy a soothing Jacuzzi bath and relax your mind in the pure waters of River Kali. The natural Jacuzzi is made up of rocks which surround the high flow of clean water.
Water Zorbing

Dandeli National Park also has this really fun adventure water sport where you are put in a huge, transparent, light-weight ball and you have to walk inside the ball that’s placed in still water. This recreational sport includes rolling, flipping, walking, and bouncing. A zorb can accommodate 2-3 people inside it. However, this sport requires one to be physically fit.

How to reach Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli wildlife sanctuary lies at a distance of 57 km from Dharwad, which is the closest location to reach the sanctuary. The closest airport to reach Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is Hubli (75 km). The closest railway station is in Alnavar (32 km) and Londa (48 km). Dandeli National Park is well-connected through a road network from Bangalore, Karwar, Belgaum, Hubli, and Dharwad. People often enjoy the road trip from their location to this wildlife sanctuary in India.

Things to consider before going to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

There are specific timings and rates, as we have mentioned in the article, which is applicable while you visit Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. You must also remember that this is a reserved forest. You must not disturb any flora or fauna. Any attempt of destruction caused to these species would be a punishable offence and you should be very careful here as some of the species are dangerous. You must carry light clothes while going to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary because the temperature ranges around 20-35 degrees celsius all the year-round. Start packing your bags for your next thrill into the wildlife world.

Also Read:

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary - Jungle Safari in National Park with Moonlight Boat Ride

by Avathi Outdoors | Wildlife Sanctuaries

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

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