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.
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.
Where to Stay
Completely furnished-tented cottages with attached baths. Rooms at spacious
lodge with attached baths.
