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.
» How
to reach Dandeli
By
Air : The nearest airport is in Dabolim (Goa) at a distance of 145
kms.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is in Londa (25
kms). Other railheads are in Dharwad (57 kms) and Hubli (72 kms).
By Road : The nearest destination by road is Dharwar
(50 kms). The best way to reach Dandeli is to travel from Karwar
which is at a distance of 120 kms.