Dandeli, Karnataka
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Perched atop the edge of the western ghats, Dandeli is a great getaway into the lap of nature. Blessed with abundant rainfall and plenty of forest cover, there are two national parks (Dandeli and Anashi) close to the city. These reserved forests are home to rich plant and animal life, apart from cave temples and many waterfalls. The River Kali, which is the lifeline of the two national parks, flows past the edge of the city before entering Dandeli National Park. Many sawmill units and timber depots were started during the 1920s to plunder the forest’s wealth. This region is a natural habitat for large animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, and Indian Gaur. The Kali River too is full of aquatic life, with freshwater crocodiles making it their home. The crocodile park set up on the outskirts of the city near the ancient Dandelappa temple is a wonderful place to learn about these early Jurassic Period creatures. The natural rapids in the river path have given a boost to river rafting activities and are a major attraction of the city. Dandeli is in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka and is about 100 kilometres from Karwar, the district headquarters. The nearest rail link, Londa, is about 40 kilometres away, and the nearest airport, Hubballi, is about 70 kilometres away.
Nearby Places to See
Ulavi
It is a religious place situated 45 kilometres away and is famous for the Channabasaveshwara temple, the Shiva temple, and the natural cave formation known as Akala Gavi. The topmost part of the rock that forms the cave is shaped like a cow, hence the name Akala Gavi, wherein Akala stands for cow in Kannada. The cave is about 30 minutes’ walk from Ulavi and is a beautiful natural wonder. There is a three-tiered waterfall inside the forests that can be reached after an hour’s hike.
It is a religious place situated 45 kilometres away and is famous for the Channabasaveshwara temple, the Shiva temple, and the natural cave formation known as Akala Gavi. The topmost part of the rock that forms the cave is shaped like a cow, hence the name Akala Gavi, wherein Akala stands for cow in Kannada. The cave is about 30 minutes’ walk from Ulavi and is a beautiful natural wonder. There is a three-tiered waterfall inside the forests that can be reached after an hour’s hike.
Maulangi
Located about 8 kilometres from the city on the right bank of the River Kali, this place is visited to spend leisurely time with family. The quiet flow of the river offers a soothing view. The presence of Maulangi Eco Park played its part in the time well spent.
Located about 8 kilometres from the city on the right bank of the River Kali, this place is visited to spend leisurely time with family. The quiet flow of the river offers a soothing view. The presence of Maulangi Eco Park played its part in the time well spent.
Cyntheri Rocks
This is the site of attractive natural rock formations in a valley. Kaneri river gushes past the base of this fortress-like rock mountain whose sides stand nearly 100 metres tall. Located about 30 kilometres from Dandeli, these rocks are believed to have been formed by volcanic eruptions. The continuous flow of water along the base of the rock has caused the creation of small caves.
This is the site of attractive natural rock formations in a valley. Kaneri river gushes past the base of this fortress-like rock mountain whose sides stand nearly 100 metres tall. Located about 30 kilometres from Dandeli, these rocks are believed to have been formed by volcanic eruptions. The continuous flow of water along the base of the rock has caused the creation of small caves.
Kulagi/ Kulgi Nature Camp
Managed by the Forest Department, this camp offers lodging and food facilities to visitors. About 8-10 neatly placed tents with good beds and attached toilets make the stay comfortable. Trekking and safari activities inside the Dandeli National Park are arranged from here. Kavala Caves: This cave has attained religious importance because of the presence of a large Shivalinga about 4 feet tall. Located in the middle of a large rock surface, the cave is reached after the ascent of nearly 1000 uneven steps. The path inside the cave is so narrow in a couple of places that visitors must crawl through the passage. To visit this place, prior permission is required from the forest department. On the day of Shivaratri, there is no need to obtain permission.
Managed by the Forest Department, this camp offers lodging and food facilities to visitors. About 8-10 neatly placed tents with good beds and attached toilets make the stay comfortable. Trekking and safari activities inside the Dandeli National Park are arranged from here. Kavala Caves: This cave has attained religious importance because of the presence of a large Shivalinga about 4 feet tall. Located in the middle of a large rock surface, the cave is reached after the ascent of nearly 1000 uneven steps. The path inside the cave is so narrow in a couple of places that visitors must crawl through the passage. To visit this place, prior permission is required from the forest department. On the day of Shivaratri, there is no need to obtain permission.
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