Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli is a small town along with the Western Ghats on the banks of the river Kali. Together with its adjoining Anshi National Park, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary of Karnataka covering the area of 835 sq km. It got this status in 1956. The altitude of the forest varies from 100 m to 1000 m. The place contains pristine lush deciduous forests of rare species of trees, plants, and animals. Common trees include Tectona grandis, Adina Cordifoli, Eucalyptus, Bellerica, Grevillea Robusta, Mitragyna Parviflora, Cordia Macleodii, Acacia and Xylia Xylocarpa etc. As per the recent records, the sanctuary has around 40 tigers.

Barking Deer, Sloth Bears, The Indian Pangolin, Black Panther, Elephant are some of the animals cited during the safaris. The trees here are home to some 200 bird varieties like Great Pied Hornbill, Blue-Throated Barbet, Peregrine falcon and the curious-looking Malabar Pied Hornbill etc. Since the river Kali flows in the park, there are options for the tourists to have water rafting and coracle rides. Those are all arranged by the forest department and some of the resorts you stay at. Its richness and diversity offers ample opportunities to nature lovers to spend quality time with nature. Though the park is open throughout the year, the best time to visit will be from October to June. Access is allowed in particular zones in the forest during the months of July, August and September.