Location:
485
km from Bangalore, 125 km from Goa, 75 km from Hubli, 93 kms from
Karwar
Area : 5729.07sq. Kms
Description :
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 o 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 : Sloth Bear, Bush Grail, Deer, Elephant,
Sambar, Tiger, Gaur, Panther and Partridge are some of the many
inhabitants of the sanctuary.
Main Attractions : Crocodiles
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.