Dandeli: Best Places To Visit In The Adventure Capital Of Karnataka!

If anyone wants to go to dissimilar places and experience different once-in-a-lifetime things, such as some nature walks, scenic flora and fauna, cultural bliss, and audacious sports, then the tourist places of Dandeli will be the accurate places. Dandeli, which is located in the northern part of Karnataka, proposes an ideal combination of scenic nature walks, vivacious experiences, stand-out water audacious sports, and mystic fauna and flora, and all of these indeed carry the ultimate peace of mind to anyone.

The best part about this location is that one can get all the experiences cited above in one site, i.e., Dandeli. Dandeli is reckoned among the most visited tourist places in the Indian tourism sector, and it is also an accurate escape for all those who want to run free from ordinary city life for some time. This place is only mere hours away from Goa and easy to reach, and this is one of the causes why tourism is very much prevalent here.

For individuals who live in Southern India, this is an accurate weekend spot where they can come for a picnic, hiking, trekking, water sports, and several other things to relish their weekend with family or friends. This article designates some of the best tourist places of Dandeli in brief and talks about the forte of these places.

Kali River

Kayaking, white water rafting, canoeing, and many more water escapade sports in Dandeli are proposed by the mighty Kali River fascinates a huge number of adventure seekers during the year. Not such a big deal for a humid location, but river rafting never loses its allure. This is why Kali River has become one of the most auspicious Places To Visit In Dandeli. Visit the mighty river on your trip to Dandeli and reinforce your bond with nature.

Sathodi Falls

At a distance of 76 km from Sirsi, 25 km from Yellapur, 75 km from Dandeli, and 113 km from Gokarna, Sathodi Falls is an attractive waterfall located nearby Kallaramarane Ghat in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka and among the must-include places on the Sirsi Tour. Sathodi Falls are formed by different streams and cascade down from a height of 50 feet. It further links the backwaters of the Kodasalli dam constructed over the Kali River. This is prevalently known as the Mini Niagara and is also one of the top places to visit in Dandeli.

This fall forms a part of the Ganeshgudi forest variety. The fall drops into the natural pool that environs the rock and swimming is probable here. It is advisable to avoid this location during peak monsoon season. During the rainy season, it is home to leeches which are very active during this time. Enclosed by the mighty Western Ghats and evergreen forests, the milky white waters of the falls propose a soothing contrast to the emerald natural beauty all across it. There is also a waterfall near sathodi falls named Kumbal Falls.

Kumbaal Falls is not familiar to tourists though it is very close to Sathodi due to the quiet interior forest. This attractive waterfall cascades down from 100 feet height in the bottomless forest of Western Ghats. Make a note that it is quite problematic to reach there by vehicle, better walk a bit! From Yellapur, visitors require to take the highway towards Hubli and then turn left towards Ganeshagudi (proximately after the petrol bunk). The road to Sathodi Falls is in a bad state and gets worse in peak monsoons.

From Ganeshagudi, the falls are around 10 km. Only high-ground clearance vehicles are appropriate to drive on this route. In addition, the last half km from the entry gate has to be walked down. Also, to reach the location one can take a bus up to Baraballi, and from there, it is a long trek of nearly 10 km. 

November to April is the best time to visit the Sathodi waterfall. It is not a great idea to visit the Sathodi Falls throughout the monsoons as it might be tremendously slippery and dangerous.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Glorious enough to provide shelter to an astonishing range of flora and fauna, Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is yet another cannot-skip tourist place in Dandeli. With the opening of different camps and resorts in Dandeli inside the sanctuary, the place has begun attracting a great number of nature lovers and vacationers during the year.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Undulating streams, whispering bamboo, diverse wildlife, and innumerable trekking trails make Dandeli a dream destination one cannot miss. #KarnatakaWorld #Dandeli
PC: gundupruthvi pic.twitter.com/i2IS0tNEgC

— Karnataka Tourism (@KarnatakaWorld) December 14, 2018

A trip to Dandeli is completely incomplete without staying at the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. One can conveniently undertake different exciting activities inside the sanctuary such as trekking, safari tours, coracle boat rides, mountain biking, eco-tourism, and cycling.

Sykes Point

At a distance of 6 km from Ambikanagar and 24 km from Dandeli Bus Stand, Sykes Point is the top vantage point in Dandeli and also one of the popular places for sightseeing in Dandeli. It is a prevalent sightseeing attraction proposing an attractive view of deep valleys and indistinctly forested hills. Sykes Point is titled after a British engineer who exposed it. From this vantage point, one can get a good view of the Nagzari River & River Kali confluence.

The viewpoint also proposes a lovely view of the sunset. Bird watchers regularly visit the site to watch the giant hornbills at this place. The Nagzari Power House of the Kali Project is located at the bottom of the hill. Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL) functions as this power station. The surge tank, a water moving amenities, which feeds the turbines of Nagzari Power House, is situated near Sykes Point. Kavala Caves are located nearer to this point. Approval to visit Sykes Point can be gained from the KPCL security office at Ambikanagar.

Supa Dam

Well-known for its hydroelectricity plant, Supa Dam is constructed on River Kali and is one of the best places to visit in Dandeli. The elevation enables tourists to celebrate the panoramic views of the river as well as the town. The dam is also imperative for the farmers as it delivers enough water to irrigate the crops. The area across the dam is covered with woods and the banks are the accurate spot for a picnic. You can also go boating or just watch the spouting river.

Kavala Caves

At a distance of 24 km from Dandeli, 120 km from Karwar, 93 km from Sirsi, and 139 km from Gokarna, Kavala Caves are the natural caves located at Dandeli. It is one of the prevalent places to visit as part of different Dandeli Tour Packages. Located in the heart of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Kavala Caves are shaped by volcanic activity ages back and are located deep within the forest. It is one of the protuberant tourist places in Dandeli.

It is supposed that these caves have been present since prehistoric times. Also better known as Limestone Caves or Sidda, these caves are very small in measurement and have a lot of stalagmite formations. In some places, the opening gets smaller and visitors want to crawl through. Visitors require to climb down 375 steps to reach the cave arrival. There is a temple at the entry of the cave. One has to crawl down 40 feet through winding, thin tunnels to see the Shivalinga shaped naturally.

The thin passage is dark and visitors may have to carry a torch or utilize the candles sold there. Bulbs are lit only throughout Shivaratri when thousands of supporters visit the caves. The Shivalinga is nearly 4 feet high and has a diameter of nearly 3-4 feet. The consistency of the Linga is in the form of raw nuts (utilized with beetle leaves) known as Kavala in Kannada and therefore the name.

There is an udder-shaped stone shaped over the Linga from which water drops all the time. After witnessing the Shivalinga, enthusiasts have to come out through the other way that goes out from the cave. The trek back from the caves is astounding as one can see the attractive view of River Kali snaking her way through the valley below. 

Anshi National Park

Dandeli is accurately a chest full of treasures. Places to visit in Dandeli involve Anshi National Park which is tremendously rich in flora and fauna. Nature lovers and wildlife snappers find this Dandeli National Park an exhilarating place to fancy their photography obsessives.

While in Dandeli, do take your children for a safari ride in the national park which is a habitat to susceptible species such as Indian Bison and Mouse deer among animals; King cobra, rat snake, and python among reptiles and Malabar hornbills, Yellow-footed pigeons among bird species. This location is also measured to be the only place in Asia where you can observe a black panther in its natural habitat.

Syntheri Rock

Syntheri Rock comes under Dandeli’s prevalent place for adventure lovers. The journey to reach this rock begins with a trek over a rocky surface. At the destination, you see an age-old monument of granite rock standing 300 meters in height, which makes rock ramblers feel the adrenaline rush. The place also fascinates photographers with its scenic waterfall. Visit Syntheri Rock when you are in Dandeli and don’t miss out to take your trekking shoes with you.

Kulgi Nature Camp

If you are a nature fanatic, you will be enthralled by this camp. It is one of the best places to visit in Dandeli for 2 days approximately. You can relish different watersports here or simply do one of the more well-known activities like rock climbing, jungle trekking, safari, and rafting. The camp is enclosed by unsullied environs and has a lot to propose in terms of accommodation. There are cottages, dormitories, and tents for travelers. It proposes a close-up view of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary as well. Kulgi Nature Camp is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka in March.

Sri Mallikarjuna Temple

Sri Mallikarjuna Temple is supposed to be the oldest temple in the state. In fact, a stone inscription states that it was constructed in 1144 on land bestowed by King Jayakesha. The temple is of enormous religious significance and the marvelous Kadamba-style architecture also fascinates tourists in great numbers.

Shivaji Fort

An impeccable location for heritage lovers and trek enthusiasts, another favorite tourist destination among the best things to do in Dandeli is the significant Shivaji Fort. It is supposed to be once constructed by the Maratha Head, Chhatrapati Shivaji back in his times. The fort conceitedly boasts of the clever warring techniques and strategies accepted by the warriors to win an ongoing war and defend the fort from the enemies.

Mini Tibet

Mini Tibet is also better known as the Doeguling Tibetan Settlement. It is one of the few locations which is often associated with the Mcleodganj Hill Station and is prevalent for the well-preserved vibrant Tibetan Culture. It is the only lure in the city where you can find traditional Tibetan monuments.

Moulangi Eco Park

This is one of the best places in Dandeli throughout the summer. With attractive bamboo trees and plenty of camping spots across the area, Moulangi Eco Park is a must-visit location in Dandeli. You can go trekking in the jungle or go rock mounting if you are ready to take on the steep cliffs, that is.

The place is quite delightful and will give you an accurate opportunity to see nature up close. Visit this place if you want to have a sustaining family getaway. Moulangi Eco Park is one of the best places to visit in Dandeli. 

Best Time To Visit Dandeli

The best time to visit Dandeli is during the winter season, from October to February. The pleasant and windy weather throughout this time enclosed by lush green trees makes it even more pleasant. The water is cooler throughout this time which makes river rafting and several other water sports even more fun.

You can even visit Dandeli in the summer to catch the astonishing sight of migratory birds. Monsoons, on the other hand, are the least worthwhile time to make a trip to Dandeli. Be careful as the water level rises to make it unsafe to visit the place, the roads are muddy and inaccessible at convincing points.

How To Reach Dandeli? 

Dandeli is situated in the state of Karnataka and is available by road from cities such as Bengaluru, Goa, Belgaum, and Dharwad. It does not have an airport or a railway route but is linked to Belgaum Airport and Alnavar railway station by road. Here is how to reach Dandeli:

BY AIR: The closest airport to Dandeli is Belgaum, which is nearly 90 km away. Belgaum is linked to Mumbai and Bengaluru by domestic flights. There are taxis and buses accessible from the airport. Dabolim Airport across Goa is the closest and most beautiful airport. Bengaluru is also a great option.

BY TRAIN: The closest railhead is Alnavar, which is 35 km away from Dandeli. Alnavar is linked to Belgaum (Rani Chennamma), Bengaluru (Chalukya Express), and Hubli (Haripriya Exp). Taxis and buses are accessible from the station to reach Dandeli.

BY ROAD: Dandeli is well linked to Bengaluru, Goa, Mumbai, Belgaum, Karwar, Dharwad, and Hubli by road. State-owned bus services link Dandeli with Alnavar (35 km), Hubli (72 km), Dharwad (55 km), and Belgaum (90 km).

Conclusion 

Dabeli is home to different beautiful surprises that entices nature lovers from around the country. It also serves as an accurate weekend getaway destination for individuals staying in nearby cities. From water sports to wildlife and from temple tours to picturesque nature tourism, Dandeli has everything for each age kind. 

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