Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is reputed as the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. Nestling some very rare animal and birds is an unspoiled, 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 synthetic rock make it an awe-inspiring experience. The forest in Dandeli is typical moist deciduous and semi evergreen type, 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 colorful 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, awesome monolithic granite structure amidst thick forest, with the perennial river Kaneri flowing by its side. There are innumerable trekking trails and fishing spots at Dandeli.
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
Places Near Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary : Ulavi Temple, Karwar and Kali Wilderness Camp for white water rafting and other adventure activities.