Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Preface The calm and peaceful Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is reputed as the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. Nestling some very rare animal and birds is an unspoilt, untouched and unexplored treasure of wildlife that is sure to leave you spellbound. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary abounds with a richness of Flora and Fauna. Its richness and diversity offers ample opportunities to nature lovers to enjoy the captivating landscape. The sanctuary is generally undulating with steep slopes with picturesque deep river valleys and rich hilly forest terrain. The breathtaking valleys, regal looking meandering rivers and the splendid scenic beauty of the syntheri rock make it an awe inspiring experience. The forest in Dandeli is typical moist deciduous and semi evergreen types, with pockets of every green.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary History

Spread over 834.16 sq.km the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is the second largest in Karnataka and is contiguous with the Mahaveer sanctuary in Goa.

The undulating streams , swaying bamboos, abundance of wildlife, sylvan surroundings and trekking tracts make Dandeli sanctuary a unique holiday destination. River /kali and its tributaries, Kaneri and Nagajhari, meander through the forest.

Sighting animals is difficult and always involves an element of luck. The sanctuary is home of the barking, spotted and mouse deer, sloth bear, panther, tiger, gaur, elephant, wild dog, civet cat, bison, jackal, langur and giant flying squirrel, besides a variety of colourful birds and reptiles. The reptilian and amphibian fauna of the region include a variety of ruffles and frogs.

Evening ride in a coracle (a circular boat, woven with bamboo and lined with buffalo hide), down the river Kali is memorable. The leisurely drift of the coracle allows you to watch hornbills returning to nest in tall trees on river banks, observe darters drying their plumes on deadwood entrenched in the river and admire egrets flying against an orange sky.

35 km from Dandeli National Park is Syntheri rocks, awsome monolithic granite structure amidst thich forest, with the perennial river Kaneri flowing by its side. There are innumerable trekking trails and fishing spots at Dandeli.

In the Dandeli National Park. It has well furnished tents, dormitories, a herbarium, well stocked library, video film screening etc. Jungle safaris are arranged for tourists both during morning and evening hours.

The main wildlife species include elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, flying squirrel, mouse, deer etc. and main bird species include magpie robin, golden backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and a large variety of other birds.

Prime Attractions of Dandeli National Park
Crocodiles, Sloth Bear, Bush Grail, Deer, Elephant, Sambar, Tiger, Gaur, Panther and Partridge are some of the many inhabitants of the sanctuary.

Optional Visits
Ulavi Temple, Karwar and Kali Wilderness Camp for white water rafting and other adventure activities.

Enjoying The Wild
The sanctuary offers wildlife safaris in jeeps, nature walks, bird watching, crocodile sighting trips, fishing, coracle boat rides, trekking in the jungles of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location : 485 km from Bangalore, 125 km from Goa
Nearest Access : Hubli, Karwar
Main Wildlife Found : Crocodiles
Coverage Area : 5729.07sq. Kms