Major Attractions Of Dandeli National Park

Dandeli, a small sleepy town in the western ghats of North-West India in the state of Karnataka is really proud of beholding the magnanimous wild land under the tiger project. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary what the name of the reserve is; actually locating in Uttarkannada district of Karnataka which is abundantly rich in wide varieties of flora and fauna. Being spread over an area of 834.16 sq.km, this reserve is reputed as the largest sanctuary in Karnataka. The sanctuary is also counted amongst the most attractive tourist spots in Karnataka. Numerous tourists from Karnataka and all over the India come and visit the sanctuaries every year to witness the wildlife while having jungle safari, or from a boat. The calm and blissful serenity all across the reserve with a diversified varieties of floras and faunas are the added attraction to the area.

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 syntheri rock make it an awe inspiring experience. The forest in Dandeli is typical moist deciduous and semi evergreen types, with pockets of every green.

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary also has a wide range of avi-faunas like Indian Lorikeet & Malabar Parakeets ; Malabar Pied, Malabar grey and Indian Pied Hornbills ; Hill Myna ; Blue-bearded & Chestnut headed bee-eaters ; Ruby-throated & Yellow-browed Bulbul ; Fairy Blue Bird ; Velvet-fronted & Chestnut-bellied Nuthatches ; Little Spider hunter ; Black-throated and White-backed Munias ; Dark-fronted Babblers ; Heart-spotted , White-bellied and Brown-capped Pigmy woodpeckers ; Malabar Trogon ; Ceylon Frogmouth ; Brown Fish, Mottled wood, Spot-bellied and Brown Wood Owl; Crested Gowshawk ; Speckeld Piculet ; Gold-fronted & Blue-winged Leaf-birds. Its rich bird life makes it one of the popular bird watching spots in India.

Attractions in Dandeli

Kavala Caves, DandeliKavala Caves : The Ancient Kavala caves could be a perfect historical destination for the tourists to visit while planning their trip to Dandeli. This place is located around at a distance of 25 km from Dandeli. Tourists will have to trek some thousands steps through a dense forest to reach the group of caves. These caves are revered as a holy abode of Lord Shiva-the Hindu god of Destruction.

* Kulgi Nature Camp

The Kulgi Nature Camp is positioned at a distance of around 14 km from the Dandeli National Park. This camp is composed of a small museum and a nature interpretation centre and is located on the Ambika Nagar- Yellapur Road. The main highlight of this museum is the stuffed remained of 13-ft king cobra which was caught few years back in this area. Besides, the tourists can have the added fun of the camping attractions.

* Anshi National Park

Quite adjoining from the Dandeli reserve area, the Anshi National park is yet another charming location for the most beneficial wildlife tour. Together with six other protected areas in the states of Goa and Maharashtra, Anshi forms a protected forest area of over 2200 sq kms. The Park is mainly composed of deep valleys, steep hills and rich forests for much pleasurable attentions.

* Syntheri Rock

The Syntheri Rock is a stipulating location for the tourists located deep inside the thick Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and is a 300 ft tall monolithic granite. With the Kaneri River gushing ferociously by its side, the Syntheri Rock brings a spectacular sight for all. The effect of erosion is magnanimous to find in the hollows on this rock. Thousands of pigeons have made this rock their home in the innumerable nooks and crannies, and one can also see the hives of rock bees hanging precariously from the Kali Wilderness Camp. An hour jeep ride followed by a walk through the scenic jungle will take the visitors to this incredibly beautiful sculpture of nature.