Things to do in Dandeli

Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, River Rafting in Kali River, Pray at Ulavi Temple, River Crossing, Wildlife Safari in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Caving at Kavala Caves, Explore Sathodi Falls,

Whether you are passionate about wildlife or you get your kicks from water sports, there is a long list of things to do in Dandeli with something exciting for everyone. Kali River cuts through the town of Dandeli, making it a hub for a range of water-based adventure sports. 

Thus, you can try your hand at white water rafting, kayaking, coracle boat riding, and many more while you are here. Featuring untamed nature, which is inhabited by a diversity of rare animals and birds, the town also offers perfect opportunities for wildlife exploration and photography. And, if you want to make the most out of your break, you are also recommended to partake in trekking, camping, and caving on your trip.

Here are some of the best things to do in Dandeli:

1. Kayaking:

One of the best activities in Dandeli which you can indulge in is kayaking. The presence of the Kali river with stretches of smooth water and rapids has made it a popular activity of this place. Opt for this once in a lifetime experience and enjoy hour-long kayaking. If you prefer a peaceful experience, go kayaking in calm water and relax in the tranquil ambience as you explore the river. Those looking for more adventure and thrill would love to embark on a kayaking experience through the rapids.

Feel an adrenaline rush as you navigate your kayak through the rugged terrains of the rapids to reach the other end. Be sure to take some useful tips from your experienced instructor before starting your journey. 

Timing: 9 am to 6 pm

Price: INR 250 per person

Must Checkout: Dandeli Packages

2. Mountain Biking:

One of the exciting activities in Dandeli is to go for a mountain biking experience. This ultimate outdoor experience will take you on a mountain bike to ride through the rugged terrains of the place covered with lush greenery.

While on this exhilarating activity, you will enjoy the beauty of nature as you will ride in the midst of lush greenery and enjoy watching a variety of flora and fauna of the region. Depending on how much time you want to spend on this experience, you can cover a distance between 7 to 14 km during your ride. Feel rejuvenated for this exciting activity requiring your entire strength. 

Timing: Starts at 8:30 am.

Price: INR 450 per person

Do Checkout: Dandeli Honeymoon Packages

3. Rock Climbing:

If you are one of those looking for some adventurous Things to Do in Dandeli, you can opt for a rock climbing experience. The town, located on the banks of River Kali, is known for its natural rock formations that were created in ancient times from volcanic rocks.

These rock formations have made rock climbing to be an enjoyable experience. You will need to take some guidance from a professional instructor before starting the activity. Once the equipment is tied to your body, you can start the 20-minute long enjoyable activity of either climbing up the rock or down the rock on a predefined route. Enjoy the scenic view of your surroundings with the river Kali gushing below you. 

Timing: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Price: INR 970 per person

4. River Rafting in Kali River:

Experience a thrilling adventure by going on a river rafting trip in the river Kali, located in the Western Ghats. Get ready for a dose of an adrenalin rush as your raft crosses the grade 2 and grade 3 rapids throughout 12 km of the gushing river.

The rapids are located 1800 feet above sea level and have a breathtaking view with dense forests on both sides where you may be lucky to catch a glimpse of some wild animals like Hornbill, Sambar Deer, etc. While professionals will love the rafting experience of going through the wild terrains of the river, those going for the first time will also have an enjoyable experience.

Timing: Starts at 9 am and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

Price: Starts from INR 1300 per person

5. Pray at Ulavi Temple:

Visit Ulavi Temple to offer your respect to Channabasavanna, a revered 12th-century Lingayat saint. Located in the Western Ghats, in the midst of lush greenery, the Chalukyan style temple also has a number of caves and stalactites which you will love exploring.

The journey to the temple is also exciting as you need to cross a stretch of evergreen forests to reach the place. The forest is known to be the natural habitat for several species of wild animals such as cheetahs, tigers, elephants etc. who live in the dense part of the forest. On reaching the temple, you will feel close to nature as you enjoy the tranquil escape from the hustle-bustle of city life. 

Timing: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

6. River Crossing:

One of the adventurous activities in Dandeli is to cross the gushing river, Kali. Feel as adrenalin rush as you are fastened to a safety harness that is tied to a rope at a height above the river. Listen to the experienced guides who will brief you on the safety measures and will also teach you how to do the activity.

Once you are sure that you know everything that you need to know, start crossing the river while balancing yourself. The scenario of the river water flowing rapidly below you while you attempt to cross it using your strength will make the activity an exciting one. 

Timing: Starts from 8 am till 5 pm

Price: INR 540 per person

7. Wildlife Safari in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:

Spend some time in the wilderness of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary by going on a safari on a jeep. Feel the excitement of spotting a wide range of wild animals such as tigers, elephants, black panthers, leopards, and many more as you travel through the dense forest.

Spanning across an area of 834 square kilometers, the dense forests of the Sanctuary is sure to give you a thrill as you proceed deeper into the forest on an open jeep. Feel close to nature as you get involved in this activity, which is one of the Things to Do in Dandeli, and click away photos to relive your memories later. 

Timing: Safari begins at 6 am and 4 pm 

Price: INR 890 per person

8. Caving at Kavala Caves:

If you are wondering what to do in Dandeli, you can opt for caving at Kavala Caves to get an exciting taste of adventure. The caves, known to have been of prehistoric times and made of the volcano, is located in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.

You can reach the cave by climbing down 375 steps and entering the stalagmite formations that abound in Kavala Caves. Feel thrilled as you pass through narrow climbs and trek to reach the cave. On reaching the cave, you will find the cave in total darkness with snakes and bats inhabiting the cave. The cave has been naturally formed in the form of a Shivlinga and has a temple at its entrance. 

Timing: From 6 am to 6 pm 

Price: INR 475 per person

9. Explore Sathodi Falls: 

One of the Best things to Do in Dandeli is to visit the amazing Sathodi Falls, which is locally known as “Mini Niagara”. Located at the Uttara Kannada district of Yellapur, in Karnataka, the 15 meters rectangular falls will mesmerise you with their beauty.

Enjoy a half a kilometre of walk through the forest which will take you 20 minutes to reach the falls. Feel excited as you hear the sound of the cascading falls as you travel half the way. On reaching the fall, you may opt to go for a swim or just enjoy under the gushing water in the natural pool at the bottom of the fall. 

Price: INR 5 per head

10. Visit The Syntheri Rocks:

One of the Things to Do in Dandeli is to visit the Syntheri Rocks, a popular tourist attraction which is located in the centre of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. The rock, which has been named after an English lady Ms Cinthera who discovered this place, is an example of a spectacular natural beauty that has been made by nature as a result of an ancient volcano.

With the flowing river Kaneri passing by its side, the view that is offered will surely captivate you as you gaze at it. Spend some time at the idyllic spot located amid nature and capture the enthralling beauty in your cameras. 

Timing: From 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Price: INR 20 per person