Dandeli is a town in Uttara Kannada district of Northern Karnataka, India in the Western Ghats, near to Goa. It is best known for its wildlife sanctuary, tourism, industry and as an educational hub.

A significant part of Dandeli's population consists of economic migrants from all over India and from Nepal. Although the official and the predominant language of communication is Kannada, there are significant minorities who speak Hindi, Konkani, Marathi. The diversity of its population is reflected in its culture, and the Dussera, Ramleela, Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali festivals are all celebrated.

Dandeli is the ideal vacation nature lover. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is a heady mix of nature, adventure and wildlife, this city in Uttar Kannada district of South India is growing in stature as the leading tourist destination.

Dandeli offer more than the sundry outings and picnics. The region offers the best of adventure sports, eco-tourism and pilgrimage. Nature lovers come here for unforgettable moments in the midst of nature.

The sanctuary is generally undulating with steep slopes with picturesque deep river valleys and rich hilly forest terrains. The breathtaking valleys, regal looking meandering rivers and the splendid scenic beauty of the syntheri rocks make it an inspiring experience. The forest in Dandeli is a typical moist deciduous and semi evergreen type, with pockets of ever green.

The main wildlife species include elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, flying squirrel, mouse deer, cylinder llores etc., and main bird species include magpie robin, golden backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and a large variety of other birds.

Wildlife sanctuary

Dandeli is a natural habitat for wildlife including tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes, and bears. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka and has recently been designated as a Tiger reserve. The jungle is also home to many kinds of reptiles and around 297 varieties of birds. The rapid expansion of industry has raised fears of ecological damage and local voluntary groups have formed to address the issue.

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 to 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.

Black Panther is one of the rarest animals in the wild, which is the most common form melanistic leopards which are selectively bred for captivity in zoos, due to its selective breeding; the number of black panthers found in the world is limited. Official records say that there are few of them existing in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Sighting the animal is very rare and mostly depends on tourist’s luck but there are people indeed who have actually seen the mysterious black big cat glide through the forest. The dark coloration of the panthers gives them a huge hunting advantage.

Other Attractions

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary offers wide range of activities that tourist can undertake for their entertainment and knowledge during their visit to the sanctuary. The sanctuary offers the chance to enjoy the thrilling experience of white water rafting. The sanctuary provides rafting opportunities at the Virnoli Rapids connected to the Kali River. Tourist can also undertake nature walks, boating, bird watching, crocodile spotting and angling trips offered by the sanctuary.

Tourism

The natural beauty of the area attracts tourists from other parts of India and abroad. It is also an adventure sports destination, and one of the best White-water rafting destination in South India. It is one of the few locations where rafting is possible even in peak summer months of March to June.