Dandeli

1. Kavala Caves:
Located in the heart of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kavala Caves are a collection of prehistoric caves of volcanic origin. The caves can be reached after climbing down a series of steps from the point of origin. The interior of the caves are pitch dark, and have to be navigated with the aid of a flashlight. With its interesting display of stalagmite and stalactite formations, the Kavala Caves offer one of the most terrific destinations for trekking in Dandeli.

2. Shiroli Peak:
Like the Kavala Caves, the Shiroli Peak can be reached through the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Being the highest point in the Uttara Kannada Region, the Peak commands a stunning view of the surrounding valleys. The peak is one of the most popular destinations for trekking in Dandeli, and is known to provide fantastic views of the sunset.

3. Sykes Point:
Sykes point is a popular viewpoint in Dandeli, and is ideal for trekking expeditions. Located about 6 kilometers away from Ambikanagar, the climb to Sykes Point is a fairly easy one. The location commands an excellent panoramic view of the deep valleys below, and of the confluence of the two rivers Kali and Nagzari.

4. Sathodi Falls:
A majestic waterfall located in the Yellapur district of Uttar Kannada, the Sathodi Falls is one of the most visited sites for Dandeli trekking. The path leading to the top of the falls is covered with a number of bushes and rock formation, offering an interesting but easy climb up.

5. Kulgi-Nagzari Valley Trek:
The Kulgi Nazagari Valley trek is one of the tougher trails for trekking in the Valley, and requires a level of expertise. The trail takes its trekkers from the town of Kulgi to the origin point of the Nagazari waterfalls, and covers streams and jungles in its routes. The Kulgi-Nazagari route is a haven for birdwatchers. While travelling through the forests, trekkers are bound to note a number of exotic bird species, such as the fairy bluebird, or the black throated monarch.

6. Potoli-Shiroli Trek:
The Potoli Shiroli trek is a moderately difficult trail travelling across 13 kilometers. This trek is ideally done with the help of a guide, who assists in pointing out natural formations that might otherwise go unnoticed. A number of different bird species can also be spotted here.

-While participating in any length of trekking activity, it is always advisable to carry a bottle of water along.
-For longer treks, you can also opt to carry some light lunch, or munchable items such as dry fruits or nuts.
-Trekking or Hiking Boots are absolutely essential while trekking in Dandeli, for the terrain might be rough and prove to be unscalable in regular shoes.
-A lot of Dandeli trekking trails also take you through dense forest terrains. For this reason, it is advisable that you carry along a pair of binoculars, insect repellants and anti-inflammatory ointments.
-Carrying a flashlight with you would also be recommendable.
-If you are trekking in Dandeli during monsoon, you must carry an umbrella or rainwear along.

-During Dandeli trekking, it is advisable to wear layers of clothes rather than one thick sweater or windcheater.
-Even during cold winters, the rigorous climb of some of the trails might warm you up considerably, and you might need to shed some layers.
-During trekking expeditions, it is ideal to wear long sleeved tops to protect your skin from insects and the sun, and shorts or comfortable long pants underneath to assist in better climbing.
-For footwear, wear hiking boots or shoes with socks. Rainwear is a must for trekking in winters.

Dandeli is a natural habitat for wildlife, including tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, and bears. It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka and was designated as a tiger reserve in 2007. Bangalore to Dandeli distance is 460 kms. One can reach Dandeli from by the following mentioned transport options:

1. By Road: If you prefer taking the road to reach Dandeli from Bangalore, you can either take your car or take a bus for the same. A lot of buses operate on this route at various price ranges making it very convenient for travelers.

2. By Train: Dandeli does not have a train station, and the nearest railway stations are Alnavar(32 km), Londa (48 km) and Dharwad (57km) away from Dandeli. From there you can catch a cab to the prime adventure spots.

3. By Flight: Dandeli does not have an airport, the closest airport being Hubli which is 75 kms away. You can catch a cab or a local bus from there to reach Dandeli.

Some of the private homestays and resorts offer comfortable accommodations to its visitors in Dandeli are:

1. Riverside Homestay: For a comfortable stay while you are in Dandeli, choosing the Riverside Homestay resort would be a good idea. They provide luxury and super luxury cottages, with an in-house restaurant, so this could be also an ideal choice for honeymooners and luxury vacationers.

2. Bison River Resort: Located amidst the lush greenery of Dandeli forests, the Bison River resort is one of the most popular Dandeli stays among the visitors. With private balconies for most rooms to enjoy the view, the resort authority also has arrangements for jungle safari, kayaking, bird watching, river crossing, and other adventure activities.

3. Old Magazine House: One of the popular places to stay in Dandeli is the Old Magazine House. Revel in the sound of birds whistling and get glimpses of the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Malabar pied hornbill, orioles, babblers while staying here. You can also take part in some adventure activities like trekking, river rafting, and kayaking.

The distance between Goa to Dandeli is approximately 115 km by road. Dandeli is situated in Uttar Kannada district in the Western Ghats region. The fastest and convenient way to reach Dandeli from Goa is to hail a taxi.
You can easily visit Goa after exploring Dandeli. After exploring the niceties of Dandeli, visitors usually extend their trip to Goa. Also, the availability of transportation is more convenient and easier at Goa.

Some of the tents stays that allow you  to connect with nature while including amazing offers are:

1. Adventure Jungle Stay: Adventure Jungle stays is one of the top favourites among the visitors for its superior accommodations. They offer a three-time meal a day and some of the fun adventure activities like Jungle Trekking, Ziplining, target shooting, Burma bridge, and bird spotting etc.

2. Rangers Camp: A great place to spend some tranquil time with family and loved ones, while staying in cottages, enjoying peace surrounded by lush greenery.

3. Wild Woods jungle-stay: Another great place for a family stay, with great homemade food. This homestay has a coconut farm surrounding the area, giving the environment a quiet and peaceful impression.

4. Dandeli Samba Jungle Stay: This is more of a resort than a jungle stay. It allows the guests to have complete privacy, and enjoy fun adventure activities like Jungle safari, rafting, river rafting, and trekking, etc.

The farm stays for your days in Dandeli stays offer the privilege of witnessing the forests from a close range, waking up to the early morning chirps of the birds, and enjoy the eco-friendly stay.

1. Dandeli Jungle Farmstay: Situated amidst the evergreen forests of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, this farmstay is the centre of all kinds of adventure activities, sightseeing, and trekking. You could wake up in the early morning for bird watching or relax at the spa.

2. River Valley Farmstay: Perfect for both business and leisure travellers, River Valley Farmstay allows its guests to enjoy nature in Dandeli from close proximity.

3. Backwater Heritage: The traditional cottages, with the jungle streams flowing down nearby, makes the perfect scenery for a nice family weekend getaway. The private rooms with a porch make the stay in this farmstay fun and peaceful.

The cottages that you could choose for your Dandeli stays come with an offer of impeccable hospitality, free Wi-Fi, AC rooms, swimming pools, and delicious meals and privacy.

1. Hornbill River Resort: The cottages at Hornbill River resort offers you a comfortable stay with all modern amenities. The wonderfully built modern cottages in the midst of a forest make it easier for the guests to take a nature walk, whenever they desire.

2. Whistling Woodzs: Enjoy some vacationing time in a cottage of Whistling Woods with a view of the river, treehouse or a camping tent. Whatever accommodation you might be looking for this resort offers it all. It also has spa services and a restaurant that have food made by some of the best cooks

3. Shikra Jungle Resort: The Shikra Jungle Resort is enveloped in the thick jungle from all sides. The guests can enjoy jungle trekking, bird watching, mountain biking, and sightseeing.

- Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and sunglasses for protecting your skin and eyes. 

- To spot the birds around Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, carry binoculars with you.

- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Also, keep checking your shoes every time before wearing them to avoid scorpions and other creatures.

- Carry mosquito and insect repellent creams with you to avoid allergies and insect bites.

- Wear comfortable clothes and muted forest colours like earthy green or beiges.

- Look out for network connectivity as it can get patchy and provide no service at all.

- Explore the place within the limits explained by the authorities.

1. Simple lifestyle: Dandeli is a small town with fewer population with village-style living. This close to the nature lifestyle will amaze you as you won’t find it in the busy cities.

2. Locals: In Dandeli, you will find people from all over the country. They are well educated and offer good hospitality. They are simple and down to earth people.

3. Local cuisine: If you love the aroma of south Indian cuisine, you will love the food in Dandeli. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the local restaurants. In every dish you will find a hint of coconut and a strong appetizing flavour of curry leaves.

4. Wildlife: The varied wildlife in the Dandeli National Park will blow your mind. Tigers, birds, crocs, barking deer, pangolin, snakes, sloth bear, Dandeli has it all.

5. Adventure: You will get a high adrenaline rush in Dandeli as the adventures there are breath-taking. The main adventure activities to do in Dandeli are trekking, kayaking, coracle riding, zorbing, mountain biking and many more.

Dandeli is safe for visitors. The guides and instructors are friendly and helpful. Also, the people of Dandeli are welcoming in nature. They would warmly greet you and let you explore their locality. Although, in the night, certain areas can be deserted and should be completely avoided.

Dandeli also has some of the best luxurious homestays with top-notch hospitality services, private balconies, swimming pools, and majestic views.
Some of them are:

1. Pebble Bay Homestay: The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary offers terrific views of the woods. Apart from the well-furnished room, each room has a private bathroom, free private parking, a terrace, and a garden.

2. Prakash Homestay: This place provides comfortable accommodation to its guests, with high-quality food, private bathrooms, a sitting area, a kitchen, and dishwasher.

3. Dandeli Jungle Nest: The features that the homestay offers are tent stay, cottages, commando stay, cycling, archery, fire camp, bicycle on rent. The scenic view of the nearby sites also makes choosing this place worthwhile.

Adventurous travelers can add something more to their holiday with a stay in a tree house in Dandeli. You get a different perspective of your surroundings (literally!) and can appreciate the Dandeli landscape better. Two resorts that offer a great tree house experience are Dandeli Jungle Camp and  Hornbill River Resort.

The best time to visit Dandeli is during the winter season. When the weather is pleasant and windy, from October to February is when you can enjoy your visit to the fullest. Since there is less to no rainfall during winter, river rafting and all other water sports seem more fun as well.

Situated 461.4 km away from Bangalore, Dandeli is the most preferred destination for weekend getaways. Explore Kavala caves and Shiroli peak, or look out for rare flora and fauna at Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Dandeli is a full package of wildlife, watersports, hiking, and much more. This place ensures a peaceful break from the daily hassles of Bangalore.

The ideal duration for a weekend in Dandeli is 3-4 days.

Yes, you can do rafting in Dandeli. River Kali that flows through Dandeli is the hubspot for riiver rafting. It is a safe activity as every raft has a skilled instructor to ensure the safety of passengers. You may explore river rafting in Dandeli to know about the prices and best packages available..

River Kali in Dandeli has Natural jacuzzi rapids that one can go for.

Dudhsagar Falls which is on the Goa-Karnataka border. You can take a train to Dudhsagar from Dandeli or even go by road which is about 15-20 kms away and half an hour train ride. One can go back to Dandeli the same day by taking the evening train.

There are a few medical stores available in and near Dandeli. In case of medical injuries, you can head to these stores. These are equipped with many medicines and can help you with treating the basic injuries. There are some hospitals too with advanced medical facilities.

- Patil Nursing Home – The nursing home is situated at J.N Road in Dandeli. This place excels in treating people and provide the necessary medications.

- Shekhar Hospital – Well equipped with doctors and staff, Shekhar hospital is a private hospital. It is situated at JN Road in 14th Block behind the double building.

- Hiremath Hospital – The hospital is known for gynaecology and obstetrics. Situated at J N road at Channamma circle near Karnataka bank in Dandeli.

- Rajayoga Hospital – Situated at Somani Marg, Rajayoga Hospital is a recognized name in patient care. It is equipped with well-trained medical staff and advanced healthcare facilities.

Yes, consumption of intoxicants is allowed in Dandeli. But strongly not allowed during adventure activities.

No, going for adventure after consumption of any kind of intoxicants is prohibited.

There are only two national parks where you can go for a wildlife safari in Dandeli.

1. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Anshi National Park

The best time to visit Anshi National Park for tiger sighting is in summers, i.e., from April to June. Due to hot and dry weather of the surroundings, other animals and tigers can be easily spotted near water bodies. During day-time, tigers can be found under shady place to escape the baking rays of sun.

Anshi National park and the Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary are the best places for birdwatching in Dandeli.

Famed as the ‘Adventure Hub’ of South India, Dandeli is synonymous to enthralling expeditions. From exploring the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary to hiking around the trails, from thrilling watersports to savouring the historic Kavala caves, Dandeli has a lot to offer. Situated in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, this place is home to a staggering range of flora and fauna too. With a full package of adventures and tranquil getaways, Dandeli is suitable for the tag of the adventure capital of the South.