Trekking in Anshi National Park
Posted on 22. Nov, 2011 by Thrillchimp in Adventure, Bangalore, Bangalore Weekend Getaways, Trekking, Wildlife
Anshi National Park
Anshi National Park is a 340 square kilometre park adjoining the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary. It was carved out of the Dandeli Sanctuary in 1987. Park’s altitude varies from 200 m to 925 m above sea level. The topography of the park consists of deep valleys, steep hill slopes, and thick evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
Both rich in flora and fauna, Anshi National Park is home to Bonnet Macaque, deer, Indian bison, Malabar Civet, Malabar giant squirrel, pangolin and sloth bear, elephants, and tigers. The rare Black Panther also dwells in the Park.
One can also spot members of the Reptile family—King Cobra, Krait, Python, Rat snake and Viper. Trees and plants of bamboo, bauhinia, eucalyptus, lantana, silver oak, teak and Xylia xylocarpa provide the verdant touch. The area has semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, and the river Kali and its tributary Kaneri dances through the Park.
Around 200 species of birds are found in the park, including the Adjutant Stork, Ashy Woodswallow, Black-crested Bulbul, Blue-headed Pitta, Brahminy Kite, Broad-billed Roller, Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Hornbill, Golden-backed Woodpecker, and more.
The trekking trail leads you through some of the most spectacular scenes, high altitude grasslands, Shola forests, and more. Trek is of easy to moderate difficulty levels.
Other Attractions in the Vicinity:
Ulvi Channabasaveshwara Temple: Situated outside the southeastern boundary of the Park, this historically significant temple is an ancient Veerashaiva centre. One can also explore Akalagavi and Mahamuni caves, the Harallayana Chilume and the Rudrakshi Mantap.
Kadra Valley view point: Kadra valley is a serene and beautiful valley that is situated 12+ km from Anshi. The view point offers a panoramic view of the hills and the valley
Devbagh beach at Karwar: The beach is located 55+ km from the Park. Commenting on this beach Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore said, “The sea beach of Karwar is certainly a fit place in which to realise that beauty of nature is not a mirage of imagination, but reflects the joy of the infinite and thus draws us to lose ourselves into it.
Trek Length: Trekking facility located 3+ km off the park.
Advisory: Prior permission is required. Accommodation is not available in the park, and you will have to stay in Dandeli or Dharwad.
Best Time to Visit: November to June.
Keep in your Trek Bag:
• Walking stick
• Hiking shoes
• Woolen clothes
• Water, juices, snacks
• Electric torch
• Medical kit
• A good compass
• An extra pair of clothes
State: Karnataka
Exact Location: Located in Western Ghats, Anshi National Park lies on theKarwar- Londa highway. It’s part of the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary. District: North Kannada
Nearest Town: Dandeli (37.5 km)
Distance from Bangalore: 523+ km
How to Reach:
The nearest airport is in Dharwad (106+ km) and Belgaum (150 km). You can take a bus, train or a flight from Bangalore to Dharwad. Then board a local bus to Dandeli, and from there to Anshi National Park.
