Nestled in the northern part of Karnataka, Dandeli is a charming small town tucked away in the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats. Surrounded by dense forests and resting gracefully along the banks of the Kali River, Dandeli is a paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.
The region is home to the renowned Kali Tiger Reserve, formed by combining the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park. This biodiversity hotspot is one of South India's most cherished eco-tourism destinations.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. It is a home to animals including tigers, leopards, black panthers, bison, deer, bear, monkeys and elephants, as well as many bird species. Its wildlife sanctuary brought in most of its fame. The trails inside the dense forests will lead you to the majestic black panthers. It includes rare snakes and crocodiles on the river. For a birdwatcher with nearly 300 species of birds making the forests their home, it is a dream come true.
Wildlife Adventure in Dandeli is all about exploring the natural habitat of wildlife, it is a haven for bird watchers. You can spot the great Indian hornbill, Malabar trogon, velvet-fronted nuthatch and white-bellied blue flycatcher. Ganeshgudi is often considered one of the best places to visit in Dandeli for bird watching. In fact, you can witness the allure of numerous bird species right from your room if you stay in the hotels near Ganeshgudi.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal vacation spot for anyone who loves nature or wildlife.
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| A bundle of joy in the wild |
Best Time To Visit
Dandeli has moderate elevation and good forest cover, which gives it a pleasant all-year-round weather. However, the region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoons (from July to September). October to April is the proper time to visit and the best months are December to February. October and November the best months for bird watching and activities like trekking as the hills look very pristine after the recent rains.
Day 1 - 25 Nov 2023
Our journey began on 24 November 2023, when we left Pune and halted overnight at Kolhapur. Early the next morning, we resumed our drive and reached Dandeli around 12:30 PM.
We had booked our stay at Prakriti Cottages Dandeli, and fortunately, our room was ready when we arrived. After a long journey, we freshened up and headed straight for lunch. Since we had only two days in Dandeli and a family wedding to attend in Pune on 29 November, we had packed our itinerary with several activities and experiences.
Following lunch, we spent some time relaxing at the resort before exploring its recreational facilities. The afternoon was filled with fun as we enjoyed swimming, archery, badminton, and a few rounds of carrom. Surrounded by greenery and the sounds of nature, the resort offered a peaceful escape from city life.
One of the most delightful moments was hearing the occasional calls of peacocks from the nearby forest. Their distinctive sounds reminded us that we were staying amidst one of Karnataka's most beautiful natural landscapes, setting the perfect tone for the adventures that awaited us in Dandeli.
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| Soaking up sunshine |
As the night grew colder, a sense of calm settled over the resort. Away from the noise and rush of city life, the surroundings felt incredibly peaceful and serene. Instead of spending the night in our room, we decided to make the most of the wilderness experience. Resort Owner set up our tent within the resort premises, and we eagerly prepared for a night under the open sky.
Falling asleep amidst the sounds of the jungle was truly magical. The distant calls of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the mysterious noises of nocturnal creatures created an atmosphere that was both exciting and soothing. It was one of those rare moments when nature makes you feel completely connected to your surroundings.
As the saying goes, "Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit." Sitting outside the tent, we spent some time gazing at the star-filled sky. Far away from city lights, the stars appeared brighter than ever. We watched the night sky in silence, hoping to catch a glimpse of a shooting star while soaking in the beauty of the moment.
Thankfully, our tent was equipped with a mosquito net, which made the experience comfortable and worry-free. After a long day of travel and activities, exhaustion soon caught up with us. Wrapped in the cool night air and surrounded by the sounds of nature, we drifted off to sleep much earlier than usual.
That night turned out to be one of the most peaceful and memorable experiences of our trip. Sleeping in a tent amidst the wilderness, beneath a sky full of stars, was an experience that will stay with me for a long time.
Day 2 - 26 Nov 2023
The next morning, we woke up a little later than planned and, after breakfast, set out around 10:00 AM to explore some of Dandeli's nearby attractions.
Our first stop was the Crocodile Park, a simple viewing platform situated on the banks of the Kali River. The park offers visitors an opportunity to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat and is a popular stop for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Dandeli.
Entry Fees: Adults: ₹50, Children: ₹20
As we approached the riverbank, we immediately noticed a strong odor coming from the water. The river appeared muddy and stagnant in some areas, which contributed to the unpleasant smell. However, considering that the habitat supports crocodiles and other aquatic wildlife, such conditions are quite natural.
Despite the smell, the visit turned out to be surprisingly exciting. Within just 10 to 15 minutes, we spotted around 18 crocodiles. Some were gliding silently through the water, while others were sprawled along the riverbank, basking lazily in the warm morning sun.
Watching these powerful reptiles from a safe distance was both fascinating and thrilling. Their ability to remain completely motionless for long periods made them blend perfectly into their surroundings, and spotting them became an activity in itself.
Although Crocodile Park is not a place where visitors typically spend a lot of time, it offers a unique wildlife experience and is worth including in a Dandeli itinerary, especially for families and nature lovers. The opportunity to observe so many crocodiles in their natural environment was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our morning exploration.
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| Crocodiles basking in Sun |
Due to the unpleasant smell around the Crocodile Park, we decided not to stay there for long and soon headed towards Disney Park, located near the Dandeli Bus Stand.
The Disney park in Dandeli has got almost all the Disney characters you know and even those which you might now be aware of. The Avengers, Batman & Superman, Simpsons, Mickey Mouse, and Chhota Bheem to name a few, and this is the reason that this place remains the favorite spot for all little ones. Ticket charges at Disney park are Rs. 30 for adult and free for kids. The statues of Charlie Chaplin and a few Marvel characters also remain an interesting point. A play area is designed where children can spend the rest of the time indulging in fun activities and you can simply relish those beautiful moments sitting on the side wooden chairs surrounded by trees.
Disney Park is a delightful attraction, especially for families traveling with children. The park features a colorful collection of popular cartoon, superhero, and movie characters. Visitors can spot familiar figures such as Mickey Mouse, Chhota Bheem, The Simpsons, Batman, Superman, and various Avengers characters, along with several other well-known personalities.
Entry Fees: Adults: ₹30, Children: Free
Apart from the Disney-themed characters, the statues of Charlie Chaplin and several Marvel superheroes add to the park's charm and provide great photo opportunities for visitors.
One of the highlights of the park is its dedicated children's play area, where kids can spend hours enjoying various recreational activities. For parents, there are wooden benches placed under the shade of trees, offering a comfortable spot to relax while watching the little ones have fun.
The park's greenery and family-friendly atmosphere make it a pleasant place to spend some time, particularly if you're traveling with children. It is easy to see why Disney Park remains a favorite attraction among local families and tourists alike. We spent about an hour exploring the park, clicking photographs, and enjoying the cheerful atmosphere before continuing our sightseeing in Dandeli.
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| Where travel meets childhood magic |
Be aware!! If you're planning to visit Disney Park, don't forget to carry mosquito repellent. The park is surrounded by greenery, and mosquitoes can be quite bothersome, especially during the daytime and evening hours. After spending about an hour at Disney Park, we continued our exploration of Dandeli and visited a few temples in and around the town.
After having lunch at the cottage we went to 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! Dandeli Wildlife Jungle Safari is conducted by Karnataka forest Department and Phansoli is the location of Jungle Safari.
There are two places from where you can book jungle safari tickets, Kulgi Nature Camp and Kali Tiger Reserve Safari booking counter.
Kulgi Nature Camp booking is for very less count of vehicles and immediately gets full , we did not get booking here so they asked us to go to Kali Tiger Reserve Safari booking counter which is 3km from there and almost all bookings are done from that place. So suggestion is direct go to Kali Tiger Reserve Safari booking counter instead of Kulgi camp counter. Also its better to go in a group of 6 they allot the vehicle accordingly. Else form the group there itself and then go to counter for booking, you will easily get vehicle allotted.
There are two slots, first slot is at 6 am and second slot at 4 pm. There is no advance or online booking available, 650/- per person is the cost of safari around 2hrs. You have to be at least an hour early at the ticket counter to confirm you Jungle safari.
Travel by jeep with experienced guides who will take you on the adventure of a lifetime, and delve deep into the natural habitat of wild animals. You must keep your eyes open for Dandeli forest animals. Jungle Safari was a thrilling activity, which travelled through the dense forest and is one of the top things to do in Dandeli. The feeling of escaping into the dense forests, spotting several animals in their natural habitat and living nearby a river is truly unmatched.
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| Nature’s giants roaming free |
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| Grace in every step (Old photo during monsoon) |
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| Old photo during earlier visit in monsoon |
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| Eyes that hold the magic of the wild |
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| Spider in Forest |
Forest Department conducts Jungle Safari tours. An open jeep includes a driver and a guide. It was total 12km ride through forest and middle of it our driver cum guide asked us to get off and go to a sunset point which is known as Shiroli Peak. The highest point in the area of Uttara Kannada, situated on the sides of an abandoned mine in the mountains. It gives a beautiful view of the Sahyadri from sunset. It is generally a part of the Jungle safari and requires the forest department’s permission to travel. It is a great place to capture one of the most amazing views of the sunset, from the place you can only see green mountains and mountains.
The duration of the trip is about 2-3 hours. We spotted bison, deer, wolf, monkeys, peacocks and few birds including kingfisher and hornbill. In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. The thrill of it all made it so worth it, and with adrenaline rushing through our veins we couldn’t wait for what was yet to come.
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| Wild vibes only |
Timing for Jungle Safari -
Morning Jungle Safari 6:00 AM (Reporting Time From 05:00 am)
Evening Jungle Safari 4:00 PM (Reporting Time From 03:00 pm)
Phansoli Elephant Camp is situated amidst the lush green forests of Dandeli, providing a serene and natural setting. The camp offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with majestic elephants in a responsible and ethical manner. It is a sanctuary where trained elephants are housed and cared for, and visitors can witness their daily activities and learn about their behavior. The timings and entry fee for the Dandeli Elephant Camp may vary, so it is advisable to check with the camp authorities or local tourism offices for the most accurate information.
There were 3 Elephants, we can take good pictures. It's a nice place for kids to see and touch elephants, kids will enjoy it for sure. The elephants on display are tamed and made to stay in a fenced area during the day and released back into the forests at night. You get an opportunity to play with and feed the elephants. It's a 30 minutes to 1 hour stay here at maximum so you can plan to visit other places accordingly.
Important points -
Don’t make any unnecessary sounds or wear bright clothes. Keep your spotlights and flashes in your bags. You should never attempt to feed wild animals.
Otherwise, they may depend on you for food. It will hamper their habits and possibly agitate them as well.
We reached resort around 7.30 pm and our days ended after fantastic maharashtrian food - pithal and bhakri.
Day 3 - 27 Nov 2023
We woke up little early in the morning, so walked for an hour to explore the surrounding area. We could see various small birds and heard some loud voice of wild boar. People were chasing the wild boar as it destroys their farms and its shrill sound was very prominent in the morning.
We had planned water sport activities in the afternoon but due to some personal exigency we had to go to a relative's place in Belgaum. After having hot Puri Bhaji in breakfast we left resort and came to Belgaum.
Day 4 - 28 Nov 2023
After a relaxing break, we began our return journey at 8am from Belgaum. We only had a stop at Patil Dhaba for breakfast around 10am and reached Pune around 6.30pm.
Highlights -
Trip duration - 4 days (25 November 2023 to 28 November 2023)
Distance travelled - 1000Km
Budget - 35K
